Fixing the Epson ET-8550 Transportation Lock Error: Causes and Solutions
- By Kevin Day
- On Nov 04, 2024
- Comment 0
Question:
Our Epson ET-8550 printer, used in our small boutique printing company in Mongolia, shows a persistent "transportation lock" error. Although the lock is not physically engaged, the error has appeared several times before but is usually resolved after a night’s rest. This time, the error didn’t clear up. I have watched several videos, including Kevin’s, and tried various troubleshooting steps. After removing all the covers, I noticed a tiny broken piece under the ink collecting area (image attached). Is this part replaceable, and can I order it from you?Answer:
Thank you for reaching out to us regarding your Epson ET-8550 issue. We apologize for not being able to respond sooner. We understand how urgent printer issues can be, especially in a printing business where equipment downtime can impact productivity. We’re grateful for your engagement and support at BCH Technologies, particularly with our YouTube channel. Your feedback is invaluable as it helps us further refine our technical guidance.Regarding the "transportation lock" error, let's discuss the possible causes and solutions in detail. Generally, this error occurs when the printhead carriage cannot move past the lock region. The lock region is positioned on the left side of the printer, and the printer relies on the CR (Carriage Return) encoder sensor rather than a dedicated sensor for the lock. The printer assumes the transportation lock is still engaged if the carriage cannot pass through this area smoothly. This error usually occurs when the ink tube becomes dislodged and obstructs the carriage’s movement. I have a video demonstrating how to install a drag chain to prevent the tube from slipping under the carriage, which can be helpful for future prevention.
In your situation, a small component of the capping station appears broken. The capping station covers the printhead when not in use and also secures the carriage in place. When a part of the capping station is damaged, it can jam the mechanism, blocking the printhead carriage from moving freely. This malfunction prevents the capping station from lowering, effectively locking the printhead carriage and triggering the transportation lock error.
We offer the entire capping station assembly on our website, which would replace the broken part and restore your printer’s functionality. You can find and order the replacement capping station assembly on our website to ensure compatibility with your ET-8550.
Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. So, we cannot provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We offer an in-person evaluation and repair service via our local diagnostic facility. Given the high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so it might take a few weeks to get to your printer. Our services are structured to repair the whole printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on proceeding if you opt for mail-in or local drop-off services. However, we acknowledge that our rates aren't the most economical. Therefore, we highly recommend that you resort to self-help via online research. You can start by checking out YouTube or visiting our YouTube channel's homepage. Look for specific videos using the search icon next to "About" on the right-hand side of the menu bar. I receive dozens of queries every day asking about videos for specific topics. Having created videos over the past nine years, it's challenging to remember every single one. Therefore, using YouTube's search function would be most efficient. Plus, YouTube might suggest relevant videos from other channels that could assist you.
Thank you again for contacting us, and we’re here to support you every step of the way!