How to Address Ink Out Errors in Epson ACHI L1800 Printers

Question:

I have the chance to get an inexpensive used Epson ACHI L1800 printer, but it shows an "Ink Out Error" and has the ink lamp on. Should I buy this printer or avoid it? Also, where on the board can I find the reset button? I believe it’s a 1390 model. I got the PDF "1083-Epson L1800 1390 1430 Mainboard CB53 Main and Main-B Wire connection.pdf" from BCH Technologies. Can you help me find the reset button on the board?

Answer:

To address your question, it seems like your Epson 1390 printer may indeed be using the C655 mainboard rather than the CB53, as Epson has been known to mix up these mainboard models across its printer lines. The key to identifying your specific board is the behavior you're describing—an "Ink Out Error" alongside an ink lamp indicator, which is consistent with a C655 mainboard.

Here’s how you can resolve this issue:

1. Verify the Mainboard Model

Given that your printer asks for ink, this strongly indicates a C655 mainboard. Double-check this by referencing the PDF you obtained from us—"1083-Epson L1800 1390 1430 Mainboard CB53 Main and Main-B Wire connection." This document may have led to confusion, as many Epson printers use similar wiring schemes but have different board configurations. I suspect your printer is a C655 model, which should use this file for C655 mainboard, instead.

2. Locate the Reset Button

The C655 mainboard has a CSIC overwrite board that controls ink level detection. If your printer shows an "Ink Out Error," it's likely due to a malfunction or missing connection on this board. Follow these steps:

Please be sure to look for the 13-pin cable that connects to the CN15 port on the mainboard.

This cable runs to the CSIC overwrite board. If this board is missing or malfunctioning, the printer will display an ink-out error.

If the board is present, resetting the ink levels can be as simple as pushing the reset button located on the CSIC overwrite board. This button will reset the ink levels and should clear the error. If the board is damaged or missing, you can find a replacement on sites like AliExpress by searching for "CSIC overwrite board for C655 mainboard."

3. Should You Buy the Printer?

Purchasing a used printer like the ACHI L1800 can be a great deal, especially if you're willing to do some troubleshooting and repairs. However, consider the following:

Condition of the printer: Verify if any other issues are present besides the ink error. Additional problems like clogged nozzles or hardware failure could make the repair costlier than anticipated.

Availability of Parts: As mentioned, if the CSIC overwrite board or other components need replacing, parts are generally available online, but it’s crucial to factor in the time and cost of these repairs.

Technical Ability: This could be a worthwhile project if you're comfortable working with the printer's internals and have a basic understanding of electronics.

Ultimately, whether to buy the printer depends on your confidence in repairing it and the potential cost of replacing faulty parts.

A Note on Printer Repairs:

Dealing with printer issues, especially hardware malfunctions like mainboard problems can be complex and requires hands-on troubleshooting. Unfortunately, we’re unable to provide remote support for in-depth repairs. However, we do offer in-person diagnostic and repair services at our facility. You can either drop off your printer or mail it to us for evaluation. Please note that due to high demand, the repair process can take a few weeks.

You can find more details on how to proceed with in-person repairs on our service page: Printer Repair Service [https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service]. Our services include both full printer repairs and specific part replacements, with clear instructions for mailing in your printer.

If you'd prefer to troubleshoot the issue, we encourage you to explore our YouTube channel. Simply use the search function on our channel page to find videos related to your specific printer model and error. We’ve been making videos for nearly a decade, so chances are high that you’ll find a tutorial that addresses your issue. For additional help, you can also search YouTube for related content from other creators.

Thanks again for contacting BCH Technologies. We hope this information helps you troubleshoot the "Ink Out Error" on your Epson ACHI L1800 or 1390 printer. Let us know if you have any more questions, and feel free to check out our YouTube channel for further guidance!