Detailed Troubleshooting Tips for Fixing Epson ET-8550 Errors After a Conversion to DTF

Question:
I’m a big fan of your work! I’m now on my third Epson ET-8550 printer, which I have converted to DTF. Unfortunately, a communication mishap resulted in the print skipping and shaking for two days, leading to an entire week without print action. I’ve tried printhead cleaning, power cleaning, manual cleaning, and declogging, and now I’m facing the 031006 error that won’t go away. Sourcing a new motherboard was also tried, but nothing. I noticed you are selling a fuse that seems to fix this problem, but I can’t find anyone locally who can repair it. I reside in New Bern and would love to be able to save this printer. Do you have any suggestions?
 
Answer:
Thank you for contacting us and for your compliments on our work! I'm sorry for not being able to address your question until now. I appreciate that printer questions can be critical and maddening, and I would like to provide a better-analyzed response than you may find here. At BCH Technologies, we appreciate your following or downvoting our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). They help us continually sharpen our technical skills and what we write about.
 
What Does Error 031006 Mean on an Epson ET-8550
A hardware failure usually causes the Epson printer 031006 error; this may relate to the mainboard or the printhead. Based on your circumstance—a case of missed shaking routines and an extended print delay—it’s expected that ink has brushed clean in essential zones, which caused equipment and electrical issues.
 
Steps to Address the Problem
Determine Damage to Mainboard and Printhead:

• Mainboard: An electrical failure, especially in the fuses or circuits of the mainboard, may occur due to the long period of inactivity and skipped maintenance cycle. This is a common repair for that issue, the fuse you mentioned, so that could be what is preventing it from functioning normally.
• Printhead: Long-term inactivity of DTF-converted printers can lead to clogged or damaged printheads. If the proposed cleaning methods don't work, replacement parts may be required.

Repair Options:

• Mainboard Flat-Rate Repair:

We can repair the mainboard for a flat $75, replace any blown fuse, or, if the problem has progressed, inspect for damaged components to get the system working. For more information, check our service page here (https://bchtechnologies.com/collections/printer-repair-service/products/dtf-dtg-ecosolvent-whole-printer-diagnostic-fee-repair-labor-deposit-limited-opening).

• Re outlet Printhead Replacement:

If you know how to handle the Flexible Flat Cable (FFC), we recommend buying a genuine brand-new printhead for about $140. This is a common practice for printers that experience major clogs or when the ink has completely dried and stuck to the rollers.
Combination Repairs:

• We can discuss a tailored repair rate for those who want the mainboard and printhead repaired as soon as possible. I’ll also check with Abby, who oversees the repair side of our business, to see if we can build a packaged deal for these services.

In-House Repair:
We usually do not take in mail-ins, but the ET-8550 is reasonably light and may qualify. Please call us directly to ask about the availability of this service.
 
Additional Considerations
You have no choice but to confront the problems yourself since they are physical, which makes addressing printer issues a complicated affair. So, we cannot provide remote troubleshooting, recommendations, or printer repair assistance. However, you offer an in-house assessment and service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service) of all the local equipment at your diagnostic facility. Due to high demand, repairs are performed on a first-come, first-served basis and may take a few weeks before we can take care of your printer.
 
We offer services that target complete printer systems or different components, and we explain how to proceed. We know our rates are not the cheapest, so please strongly consider self-help through the internet. You can visit our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies) below, use the search icon on the YouTube page, and search for potential troubleshooting videos. YouTube may also suggest helpful films from other creators.
Thanks again for writing to us and being such an active friend of BCH Technologies. We trust this extensive answer clarifies their options to address the problem with your Epson ET-8550. If you have any more questions, please feel free to reach out.