Epson 8550 Printer Error 000021: Common Causes And Solution To The Weird Sound While Printing

Question: 
My Epson 8550 printer makes a strange sound while printing, and I’m getting error code 000021. What could be causing this issue, and how can I fix it?

 
Answer:
Thanks for contacting us, and sorry for the late reply. I get it, and this printer problem is urgent. I want to give a comprehensive, thoughtful response to help you get your printer up and running as soon as possible. A huge thank you from everyone here at BCH Technologies, especially for your continued support of our YouTube channel—https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies. Your interaction with us motivates us to improve our skills and offers you and other users practical advice.
 
As for the error you are having with your Epson 8550 printer making a weird sound and the error code 000021, this error usually happens when the CR (carriage) motor doesn't work while it is doing something. The error code 000021 fundamentally means that the printhead carriage, which moves across the rail when printing, has experientially some block or fault in a way that blocks the movement of an engine ( motor ) and thus its performance. There could be multiple reasons for this problem:
 
Causes of the Error 000021 on the Epson 8550 and Solutions
CR Motion Ranges: Is there any jammed paper in the path if CR is stuck? You will have to see whether jammed paper or debris could obstruct the CR’s movement. For this, carefully slide the printhead carriage from left to right on the rail and make sure it moves smoothly. Any much-anticipated momentum or more relaxed state shows you something is blocking your way. If so, clean the area and lubricate the rail if needed. That lubricates the carriage, so it should slide freely and reduce friction, which may also help with the weird noise you hear.
CR Mechanism Overload — If the CR Mechanism gets overloaded, it does not work. Manually move the carriage and check for too much resistance. In that case, it is worth checking if the ACT stress on CR is excessive and correcting it;
Ink System: Check that the ink system is not interfering with carriage movement. (This might help you spot any misalignments or issues causing friction or blockage in the ink system when printing.) It might also be a case of a misaligned ink line.
Cracking or Loosening of the CR Timing Belt: The CR timing belt is a critical component that drives the carriage throughout the process. Inspect for fraying, loosening, or wear on the belt. A broken or loose belt that moves the printhead can prevent proper movement of the printhead, causing the non-printing steps and error code you are facing.
Pollution of the CR Scale: The CR scale, which tracks the carriage's position, is subject to pollution and will become "dirty" over time. If there’s dirt or ink residue on the scale, the position readings will be inaccurate, showing the error you see. Cleaning the CR scale carefully is essential to ensure the scale works appropriately. Use a microfiber cloth and mild cleaner if needed.
Defection of the CR motor: The CR motor can also be responsible. If the motor is good but not working at 100%, it may not allow the carriage to move correctly, which can cause error 000021. Once you eliminate the other causes, you should test out the CR motor. If sounding, you may have to get a new one.
Mainboard failure: The mainboard controls the printhead carriage and supplies power to other printer components. If the motor and the different elements are fine, but the printer is still not working, the next step is replacing the mainboard. That's typically the last option after all other possibilities have been ruled out.
Capping Station Issues: The capping station seals the printhead when not used. If this component is faulty or the wiper obstructs the printhead’s movement, it could cause odd noise and error. Ensure that the capping station works appropriately and is not blocked when printing.
CIS Tubing drag: You mentioned that the CIS tubing may slide on the printer, resulting in mechanical jamming. Too long or tubing in the way can drag the carriage down and cause trouble. This is partially caused when tubes get easily pulled, and one solution is installing a drag chain or securing the tubing properly to reduce unnecessary stress on the printer.
 
More Ways to Troubleshoot:
Check Lubrication and CR Drive Mechanism: Inspect the mechanism that moves the carriage. Make sure it’s well lubricated and parts aren’t unduly worn.
Test the Printer’s Movement: Move the printhead by hand across its rail and identify any odd resistance, binding, or sound. If there’s anything amiss, it is probably an indication that something is blocking the carriage’s path.
If you have the equipment to test the various components and they all come back okay, the next step would be to replace the CR motor, timing belt, or mainboard as needed where the fault lies.
 
Mechanical printer problems like this can typically be complicated to troubleshoot, even with full access, because they tend to be hands-on problems. Sorry, but we cannot offer remote troubleshooting or repair suggestions. However, we also provide in-house evaluations and repairs in our local service department. You can see more about the printer repair services we offer at https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service. Please remember that we often run a waiting list to get the printer in for service on a first-come, first-service basis.
Even though our repair services prices are not low, we invite you to complete some self-help research using Google, YouTube, or any of our ultimate guide videos [https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies]. You can also find some specific video tutorials on how to fix the printer problem. With over nine years of content production experience, I have written about many common issues, but you can always use the search function on YouTube to find the solution you need. Still, other channels may offer valuable insights.
I sincerely appreciate your question and hope this in-depth guide helps you overcome the trouble with your Epson 8550 printer!