How to Fix Cyan Not Printing on Epson SureColor P600

Question:
I’m having an issue with my Epson SureColor P600. The cyan colour does not print, even though the cartridge is full. Based on the nozzle check, all other colours print correctly.
I’ve tried cleaning the printhead with a Windex/Alcohol solution overnight, but it hasn’t worked. I’m prepared to disassemble the unit to flush or suction out the obstruction from the cyan nozzle. What products do you recommend for cleaning the printhead, and do you have any additional advice?
 
Answer:
Thank you for contacting us with your question about the Epson SureColor P600. We are sorry for not addressing your concern sooner, as we understand how urgent and frustrating printer issues can be. At BCH Technologies, we strive to provide careful and detailed responses to ensure you have the most effective solution. Your engagement and support, especially with our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies), are greatly appreciated and help us improve our expertise.

Diagnosing the Problem

Before attempting any disassembly, it’s essential to confirm the root cause of the issue. If your other colours are printing correctly, the problem may not necessarily be a clog. Instead, it could be related to ink pressure, a failing cyan cartridge, or an air bubble in the ink line leading to the cyan nozzle.

Recommended Solutions

  1. Avoid Windex/Alcohol Cleaning:
    While some users report success with Windex or alcohol-based solutions, these substances can damage the delicate components of Epson printheads. We recommend avoiding these harsh chemicals.
  2. Use Distilled Water or a Specialized Cleaning Solution:
    Distilled water is often sufficient to clean the printhead if you print regularly and suspect minor clogs. A dedicated printhead cleaning solution like the one BCH Technologies offers is ideal for more stubborn clogs. Select a cleaning solution based on your printer’s history:
    • For dried ink clogs, Use a cleaning fluid designed for pigment ink.
    • For suspected residue buildup, Opt for a solution that dissolves ink residues.
  3. Accessing the Printhead:
    If you are confident about disassembling the unit, ensure you have the right tools:
    • A syringe with a matching tube that fits snugly over the printhead nozzles. BCH Technologies offers a cleaning kit designed for Epson printheads, including tools and solutions.
    • Could you gently flush the cyan nozzle with cleaning fluid? Avoid applying excessive pressure, which could damage the printhead or create leaks.
  4. Check for Ink Pressure Issues:
    Not all nozzle problems are caused by clogs. Ink pressure inconsistencies can prevent the cyan ink from reaching the nozzles. To address this:
    • Could you verify that the cyan cartridge is functioning correctly and securely seated?
    • Could you check for any air bubbles or dampers in the ink line?
    • You can run a priming cycle (if supported by your printer) to restore proper ink flow.

Additional Advice

If cleaning and pressure adjustments don’t resolve the issue, you may need to replace the cyan cartridge or the entire printhead assembly. These repairs can be costly, so weigh the repair cost against your printer's value before proceeding.
 
Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. So, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. However, we offer an in-person evaluation and repair service via our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service).
Given the high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so scheduling your printer drop-off or mail-in service might take a few weeks. Our services are structured to repair either an entire printer or specific components. We provide clear instructions on how to proceed if you choose mail-in or local drop-off options.
We acknowledge that our rates may be less economical, so we highly recommend self-help resources. Start with our extensive YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search bar to locate videos related to your issue or explore suggested content from other creators. With nine years of content, you’ll likely find a helpful resource tailored to your needs.
Thank you again for contacting us. We hope these suggestions help you resolve the issue and restore your printer to working condition.