How to Diagnose and Fix Epson DTF Pro Model J 1390 Print Carriage Slamming Issues

Question:
I watched your video How to Fix an Epson Printer's CR Sensor Cable (https://youtu.be/7JovBDaamtU) and replaced the CR sensor cable on my Epson 1390 printer. However, the print carriage is still slamming into the side. I double-checked all the connections, and everything seems to be correctly connected. What could be the problem?
 
Answer:
Thank you for contacting us, and we appreciate your patience in waiting for a detailed response. We understand that printer issues can be urgent and frustrating, and we always aim to provide thoughtful, specific answers. At BCH Technologies, we deeply value your support and engagement with our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Your questions and feedback drive us to refine our expertise and create content that helps our community.
Now, let’s address your issue. Based on your symptoms, the print carriage slamming into the side after replacing the CR sensor cable suggests that the problem may not solely lie in the cable. Here’s a detailed breakdown of potential causes and fixes:
  1. Check the Sensor Board:
    The CR (carriage return) sensor board reads signals from the encoder strip, allowing the printer to position the carriage accurately. If the sensor board is faulty, it may not correctly interpret the data, leading to erratic carriage movement. To diagnose the board, you’ll need specialized diagnostic tools like an analyzer to ensure that signals from the CR encoder strip are being processed correctly. Replacing or repairing the sensor board might resolve the issue if the signals are not being transmitted or interpreted accurately.
  2. Inspect the Mainboard:
    The mainboard processes the data received from the sensor board and controls the movement of the print carriage. If the mainboard is damaged, it might misinterpret or fail to process the sensor data, causing the carriage to slam. Testing the mainboard requires advanced tools to verify signal transmission and reception. If the mainboard is identified as an issue, repair or replacement will be necessary.
Given the technical expertise and tools needed to perform these diagnostics, we recommend you seek professional repair services. This ensures that your printer receives a thorough evaluation without risking further damage.
Additional Recommendations:
Before proceeding with professional repairs, double-check the following:
  • Ensure the encoder strip is clean and properly aligned. Dirt or misalignment can prevent the sensor from reading it accurately.
  • Could you verify that no loose connections exist on the sensor board or mainboard? Even a slight misalignment in connectors can lead to problems.
Professional Support:
Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. While we cannot troubleshoot remotely, we offer in-person evaluation and repair services (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Just so you know, our services are provided on a first-come, first-served basis, and high demand may result in wait times of several weeks. We can repair the entire printer or specific components, providing clear instructions.
However, we understand that professional repairs can be costly. We highly recommend conducting further research online for those who prefer a DIY approach. You can start with our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon next to the “About” tab on the channel menu bar to find specific videos. With over nine years of content, searching for related topics will help you quickly locate the proper guidance.
Thank you again for reaching out and your continued support of BCH Technologies. We hope this information helps you move closer to fixing your Epson 1390 printer. If you have further questions, don’t hesitate to contact us or explore our YouTube channel for additional troubleshooting tips.