Guide to Repair Grinding Noise and Motherboard of Epson Printers
- By Kevin Day
- On Dec 30, 2024
- Comment 0
Question:
Thank you for repairing my two printer motherboards. However, I’m experiencing some issues:
Answer:
Thanks for writing and for including so many details of the problems you’re having. I apologize for the delay in responding to your concerns. I understand how critical printer issues can be, and I want to take the necessary time to provide thorough answers to your questions. Your visits and support, especially to our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies), are much appreciated here at BCH Technologies! This can upskill us and provide you with more suitable solutions.
Here are my takeaways and recommendations for you:
For Printer 1 (Grinding Gears)
Determine the Source of the Grinding Noise
Check the Printhead and FFC Cables
Forward-Looking Recommendations
Both printers should first follow these steps before replacing or repairing any motherboards:
Service the Capping Station
If you like to do it yourself, the details are on our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). The search icon on the channel’s homepage can lead you to videos on pertinent topics, or you can browse YouTube’s algorithmic suggestions for related content by other creators.
Thank you again for writing in with your question. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need any more help. Thank you for your engagement and trust. We are always glad to assist!
Thank you for repairing my two printer motherboards. However, I’m experiencing some issues:
- Motherboard 1 went into Printer 1, but halfway through startup, the gears stopped, which is a new issue for this printer.
- Motherboard 2 went into Printer 2 and worked fine for a few prints, but it died. The power button on the front is unresponsive, and the machine keeps making a chirping sound. I tried switching the motherboards and checked the fuses for continuity:
- Motherboard 1 in Printer 2 starts up but shows a "USB not recognized" error on the computer. After turning it off and back on, the power button on the front no longer works.
- Motherboard 2 in Printer 1 doesn’t power on and continues chirping.
Answer:
Thanks for writing and for including so many details of the problems you’re having. I apologize for the delay in responding to your concerns. I understand how critical printer issues can be, and I want to take the necessary time to provide thorough answers to your questions. Your visits and support, especially to our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies), are much appreciated here at BCH Technologies! This can upskill us and provide you with more suitable solutions.
Here are my takeaways and recommendations for you:
For Printer 1 (Grinding Gears)
Determine the Source of the Grinding Noise
- So, the grinding means a mechanical problem is likely in gear or drive systems. Carefully inspect:
- Verify the paper feed mechanism for foreign objects or worn gears.
- The carriage assembly for alignment issues or blockages.
- Check the encoder strip or disk for dirt or damage – these keep the movements nice and clean.
- Run the Epson Adjustment Program to read any error code. This will help identify whether the issue is mechanical or firmware-related.
Check the Printhead and FFC Cables
- Printhead or Flat Flexible Cables (FFC) damage or wrong installation may have shorted the motherboard.
- Detach the printhead and check for torn, bent, or broken FFC cables. If necessary, replace them.
- From what you describe, it sounds like Printer 2's motherboard might have been burnt. This can happen due to:
- The printhead was faulty and drawing too much current.
- These are damaged FFC cables and a short circuit.
- If you only switch out the motherboard and put another motherboard into Printer 2 without fixing any of the underlying problems, Printer 2 will likely also burn out.
Forward-Looking Recommendations
Both printers should first follow these steps before replacing or repairing any motherboards:
Service the Capping Station
- Test the capping station. It is important for the printhead that the capping station is clean and functioning properly.
- A bad printhead can cause significant damage and possibly burn the motherboard. If you need it, test or replace it.
- One common reason for electrical failures is damaged cables. If you see any wear or damage, they should be replaced.
- Printer 1: Use the Adjustment Program to obtain the error code, then check the mechanical parts.
- For Printer 2: Remove the printhead and inspect all FFC cables. Please ensure these aspects work correctly before moving on with other fixes or replacements.
If you like to do it yourself, the details are on our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). The search icon on the channel’s homepage can lead you to videos on pertinent topics, or you can browse YouTube’s algorithmic suggestions for related content by other creators.
Thank you again for writing in with your question. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need any more help. Thank you for your engagement and trust. We are always glad to assist!