Epson ET-8550 Power Issues After Printhead Cleaning and Fuse Replacement
- By Kevin Day
- On Jan 02, 2025
- Comment 0
Question:
I have an Epson ET-8550 and have been dealing with banding in the black. After trying multiple head cleanings and power cleanings, I could not fix the problem. So, I removed the printhead and cleaned it, finding it clogged with sludge. I also drained the tank and flushed the main holding tank and lines. However, the printer won't turn on after putting everything back together. I checked the F1 fuse, which was terrible, so I ordered a new one. Will replacing the fuse fix the power issue, or is there something else going on? And, if the printer still doesn't power on after replacing the fuse, what is the average cost for you to check and repair the printer?
Answer:
Thank you for contacting BCH Technologies and for your patience while we resolved your issue! We understand how annoying printer issues can be, especially regarding complicated parts like the printhead. My apologies, too, for not getting to your question sooner. Thank you for the support, though, even though we are still so small compared to our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies), which is also constantly growing, and more printer repair content is on the way!
In your case, replacing the F1 fuse is a good first step since a blown fuse can indeed stop the printer from powering on. Pro Tip: After replacing the fuse, please ensure the power supply and all connected links to the mainboard are intact. But wait, there is more to verify if everything is working. As you said, you cleaned the printhead - please check the printhead and the Flexible Flat Cable (FFC) as well. The damaged FFC cable would not let you communicate with the printhead and would not work. What to do before putting the printer back together.
Also, since your printhead has already burned the mainboard, it could be better not to reuse it. Using a new or repaired mainboard is actually very bad because it will lead to recurring problems, so you would better change the printhead to a new one. If uncertain, just make sure to consult with our repair department.
Whereas we have a standard rate for diagnostic check and repair labor on your Epson ET-8550, you can find it here: https://bchtechnologies.com/collections/printer-repair-service/products/dtf-dtg-ecosolvent-whole-printer-diagnostic-fee-repair-labor-deposit-limited-opening. But it is just an estimate based on the most common failures and does not include the estimate of the spare parts needed if the repair was necessary. We would gladly assist with your vehicle repairs and occasionally offer promotional rates that may lower the repair cost.
Dealing with printer issues can be a headache as the problems are physical. Unfortunately, we are not able to offer remote triage or repairs. In case you're seeking in-person service, we also provide an evaluation and repair service at our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service), which, due to volume, can be several weeks before your unit is evaluated as service is on a first-come, first serve basis. So, while we are not the cheapest, we are one of the most competitive types of resources, and if you can find what you are looking for at www.bchtechnologies.com or our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies), we ask that you do self help. Over the years, we’ve produced many videos on printer troubleshooting, and YouTube’s search function should help you find the most relevant ones. We’re grateful for your question, and we hope this information helps as you work on your repair!
I have an Epson ET-8550 and have been dealing with banding in the black. After trying multiple head cleanings and power cleanings, I could not fix the problem. So, I removed the printhead and cleaned it, finding it clogged with sludge. I also drained the tank and flushed the main holding tank and lines. However, the printer won't turn on after putting everything back together. I checked the F1 fuse, which was terrible, so I ordered a new one. Will replacing the fuse fix the power issue, or is there something else going on? And, if the printer still doesn't power on after replacing the fuse, what is the average cost for you to check and repair the printer?
Answer:
Thank you for contacting BCH Technologies and for your patience while we resolved your issue! We understand how annoying printer issues can be, especially regarding complicated parts like the printhead. My apologies, too, for not getting to your question sooner. Thank you for the support, though, even though we are still so small compared to our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies), which is also constantly growing, and more printer repair content is on the way!
In your case, replacing the F1 fuse is a good first step since a blown fuse can indeed stop the printer from powering on. Pro Tip: After replacing the fuse, please ensure the power supply and all connected links to the mainboard are intact. But wait, there is more to verify if everything is working. As you said, you cleaned the printhead - please check the printhead and the Flexible Flat Cable (FFC) as well. The damaged FFC cable would not let you communicate with the printhead and would not work. What to do before putting the printer back together.
Also, since your printhead has already burned the mainboard, it could be better not to reuse it. Using a new or repaired mainboard is actually very bad because it will lead to recurring problems, so you would better change the printhead to a new one. If uncertain, just make sure to consult with our repair department.
Whereas we have a standard rate for diagnostic check and repair labor on your Epson ET-8550, you can find it here: https://bchtechnologies.com/collections/printer-repair-service/products/dtf-dtg-ecosolvent-whole-printer-diagnostic-fee-repair-labor-deposit-limited-opening. But it is just an estimate based on the most common failures and does not include the estimate of the spare parts needed if the repair was necessary. We would gladly assist with your vehicle repairs and occasionally offer promotional rates that may lower the repair cost.
Dealing with printer issues can be a headache as the problems are physical. Unfortunately, we are not able to offer remote triage or repairs. In case you're seeking in-person service, we also provide an evaluation and repair service at our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service), which, due to volume, can be several weeks before your unit is evaluated as service is on a first-come, first serve basis. So, while we are not the cheapest, we are one of the most competitive types of resources, and if you can find what you are looking for at www.bchtechnologies.com or our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies), we ask that you do self help. Over the years, we’ve produced many videos on printer troubleshooting, and YouTube’s search function should help you find the most relevant ones. We’re grateful for your question, and we hope this information helps as you work on your repair!