Epson WF-3540 Error Codes 0x9D and 0x9A: How to Resolve Printhead and FFC Cable Problems.

Question: 
I find your videos helpful, so I thought I’d ask a question.
I just purchased a used Workforce WF-3540, and when I print in black and white or color, I get blank horizontal lines every 3cm. In addition, I observed red and blue bands on color prints, with some strips printed horizontally in the correct color.
When built-in cleaning failed, I removed and cleaned the printhead. But when I reinstalled it, I got the error code 0x9D. Two days later, the printer now displays the error code 0x9A.
I think I might have damaged the FFC cable connected to the right side of the printhead because there is now a dent/bend visible on the top of the ribbon. I have checked your BCH website but do not see any WF-3540 FFC cables listed, and maybe replacing them would help.
I’d welcome any suggestions. I know this is an older printer, but I hate to throw away potentially repairable electronics. Do you have any thoughts?
 
Answer: Thank you for your inquiry! I'm so sorry for the late reply. I know printer issues are frustrating, and I thank you for your patience. Hey, BCH Technologies (https://bchtechnologies.com). Thank you for your continued support and engagement with us, especially on YouTube (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). We greatly value your feedback on helping us advance our technical skills.
Now, how to solve error codes 0x9D & 0x9A for your Epson WF-3540 printer?
 
Reading Error Codes 0x9D and 0x9A on the WF-3540
The error codes indicate critical errors likely caused by a defective printhead and FFC cable.

Error Code 0x9D: Printhead Overheating (Short Circuit)

What it means:

• Usually, this is caused by an internal short circuit that makes the printhead too hot.
• Overheating a printhead can damage internals, and that won’t be repairable.

What causes it?

• Unsophisticated attempts to clean printheads resulted in moisture ingress into electrical junctions.
• Printhead parts that are damaged or not working.
• A shorted FFC cable produced an electrical surge.

Solution:
Sadly, a short-circuited printhead cannot be repaired. You usually need to replace it.
Error 0x9A: Broken Fuse or Damage to the Mainboard
What it means:

• Tripped the fuse on the printer's mainboard, maybe because of the burnt FFC cable or the damaged printhead.
• Now, the printhead and possibly the motherboard are faulty.

What causes it?

• Printing after error 0x9D without fixing the short circuit.
• FFC cable fault creating voltage problem.
• It could be a burnt transistor or a fuse on the motherboard because of a printhead failure.

Solution:

• If the FFC cable is damaged and can be seen through, replacing it may help, but the printhead and motherboard are likely both damaged, which has a very high chance of failure.
• If blown, the motherboard fuses can be tested and replaced, but this requires board-level soldering skills.
• At this stage, getting a new one may be cheaper than repairing it.

Can the Printer Be Saved?
Your printer is experiencing several critical failures:

• Defective printhead (confirmed with error 0x9D).
• A burnt FFC cable (signs of damage point to electrical failure).
• A blown fuse or damaged motherboard (the error 0x9A indicates this).

Replacing the FFC cable is a good first step, but the damage will likely be significant. If the new cable does not resolve the issue, then the printhead and solvent motherboard will also need to be replaced, therefore the cost of repair would exceed that of a working second-hand model.
 
Is It Time for a New Printer?
Sadly, at this point, your WF-3540 is about as useful as a doorstop or paperweight. Replacing it would involve getting a new printhead, an FFC cable, and working on the motherboard, which is not the most economical option.
If you need a replacement FFC cable, we suggest looking at eBay or other printer parts suppliers since we do not currently stock this item.
 
When to get professional help
Problems with printers are notoriously hands-on and, therefore, can be painful to troubleshoot. So, we cannot offer remote troubleshooting, advice, or assistance with repairing the printer. We have a local diagnostic center that can evaluate and repair the printers (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service); however, with the high volume, this is a first-come, first-serve scenario, so it may take us several weeks before we can evaluate a printer in our facility.
We provide full printer repairs or specific part replacements, then explain what to do next. But our rates are not always the cheapest choice. This means we strongly advise finding a fix online. You could go to YouTube or our own YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies)
The best way to search for specific videos on our channel is to click the search icon next to "About" on the right-hand side. Many of you ask us about videos on particular topics, and because we’ve made hundreds of them over the past nine years, using YouTube’s search function is the fastest way to find what you’re looking for. Also, YouTube could recommend people other channels related to videos to help you. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any additional questions. We are always there to help, and your feedback helps us improve.