How to Fix Error Code 000031 and Grinding Sound on Epson ET-8550
- By Kevin Day
- On Nov 27, 2024
- Comment 0
Question:
I have an Epson ET-8550 printer, and it recently started making a loud grinding noise after performing several “shoe-shine” motions. The problem began last night after I filled the ink reservoirs on 11/22. I’ve been having trouble with the dampers and fittings, and now we’ve discovered another issue: the drag chain is broken. My husband noticed that the carriage tilts slightly upward when it moves to the far left.
Additionally, the printer's display shows Error Code 000031. We’ve never disassembled the printer before, so we’re unsure where to start or how to fix it. Could you explain what’s causing these problems and provide specific steps we can follow to address them? Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated, as we feel overwhelmed and confused.
Answer:
Thanks for writing in and giving me an opportunity troubleshooting for your printer. Sorry for the late reply; I know these issues are very frustrating and urgent. Rest assured, at BCH Technologies, every inquiry is treated with the utmost respect, and your cooperation while we consider the best approach for your case is appreciated.
We would also like to thank you for your interaction with our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). We're so grateful for your support, which allows us to perfect our craft and give stronger service to the community.
Now, let’s talk about your Epson ET-8550 questions:
Fix an Error Code 000031 and a Grinding Noise.
The grinding noise, carriage tilt and Error Code 000031 are probably all related. Here are complete steps to troubleshoot and fix these issues:
Examine the Spring and Lever Mechanism
The grinding sound could be due to a misaligned spring or lever, often created with repeated “shoe-shine” movements.
There is a spring and lever mechanism located near the carriage. Then, ensure that they are not blocked or misaligned. Pressing down on the lever while the carriage is in motion and other actions may pop any stuck components back into place.
Manual Carriage Adjustment
When the printer begins its startup sequence, gently push the carriage toward the left at the point where it typically stops.
This action can help the lever reset and allow the printer to proceed without triggering the error code.
Temporary Tape Fix for the APG Lever
One ingenious workaround is to tape up the APG lever (where you set the media thickness) before starting the printer.
Could you wait for the printer to finish booting before removing the tape?
(Disclaimer: This can be considered a short-term solution and may hinder automatic media thickness adjustments until the lever mechanism is wholly restored).
Examine the Drag Chain
A broken drag chain can obstruct fluent carriage displacement and might account for that tilt you saw.
Check the entire chain to see if there are any broken or loose links. If this is the case, repair or replace the chain to bring it back into alignment.
Check the FFC Cables
Sometimes, Error Code 000031 may be attributed to malfunctioning or loose Flat Flexible Cables (FFC). Check these cables to see if they are all connected securely and not damaged.
Watch for Other Symptoms
If a grinding noise continues, listen for squeaking sounds or whether the top component “jumps” during start-up.
These signs may represent a spring or lever problem that should be fine-tuned.
Additional Support Options
Fixing printer issues could be complicated since the process is very hands-on. We don’t offer remote diagnosis or troubleshooting like this, but BCH Technologies does offer physical assessments and repairs (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service).
We process repairs on a first-come, first-served basis, which can take a few weeks. We can fix up the whole printer or component by component; detailed mail-in and local drop-off instructions are available.
Self-Help Resources: Those interested in using self-help resources can visit our official YouTube Channel, https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies, and utilize the search feature to find videos on their issue. YouTube may also recommend useful content from other creators as needed.
Thank you for choosing BCH Technologies for your printer repair needs. We hope these steps are going well for you. Please feel free to contact us if you need help. We’re here to support you!
I have an Epson ET-8550 printer, and it recently started making a loud grinding noise after performing several “shoe-shine” motions. The problem began last night after I filled the ink reservoirs on 11/22. I’ve been having trouble with the dampers and fittings, and now we’ve discovered another issue: the drag chain is broken. My husband noticed that the carriage tilts slightly upward when it moves to the far left.
Additionally, the printer's display shows Error Code 000031. We’ve never disassembled the printer before, so we’re unsure where to start or how to fix it. Could you explain what’s causing these problems and provide specific steps we can follow to address them? Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated, as we feel overwhelmed and confused.
Answer:
Thanks for writing in and giving me an opportunity troubleshooting for your printer. Sorry for the late reply; I know these issues are very frustrating and urgent. Rest assured, at BCH Technologies, every inquiry is treated with the utmost respect, and your cooperation while we consider the best approach for your case is appreciated.
We would also like to thank you for your interaction with our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). We're so grateful for your support, which allows us to perfect our craft and give stronger service to the community.
Now, let’s talk about your Epson ET-8550 questions:
Fix an Error Code 000031 and a Grinding Noise.
The grinding noise, carriage tilt and Error Code 000031 are probably all related. Here are complete steps to troubleshoot and fix these issues:
Examine the Spring and Lever Mechanism
The grinding sound could be due to a misaligned spring or lever, often created with repeated “shoe-shine” movements.
There is a spring and lever mechanism located near the carriage. Then, ensure that they are not blocked or misaligned. Pressing down on the lever while the carriage is in motion and other actions may pop any stuck components back into place.
Manual Carriage Adjustment
When the printer begins its startup sequence, gently push the carriage toward the left at the point where it typically stops.
This action can help the lever reset and allow the printer to proceed without triggering the error code.
Temporary Tape Fix for the APG Lever
One ingenious workaround is to tape up the APG lever (where you set the media thickness) before starting the printer.
Could you wait for the printer to finish booting before removing the tape?
(Disclaimer: This can be considered a short-term solution and may hinder automatic media thickness adjustments until the lever mechanism is wholly restored).
Examine the Drag Chain
A broken drag chain can obstruct fluent carriage displacement and might account for that tilt you saw.
Check the entire chain to see if there are any broken or loose links. If this is the case, repair or replace the chain to bring it back into alignment.
Check the FFC Cables
Sometimes, Error Code 000031 may be attributed to malfunctioning or loose Flat Flexible Cables (FFC). Check these cables to see if they are all connected securely and not damaged.
Watch for Other Symptoms
If a grinding noise continues, listen for squeaking sounds or whether the top component “jumps” during start-up.
These signs may represent a spring or lever problem that should be fine-tuned.
Additional Support Options
Fixing printer issues could be complicated since the process is very hands-on. We don’t offer remote diagnosis or troubleshooting like this, but BCH Technologies does offer physical assessments and repairs (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service).
We process repairs on a first-come, first-served basis, which can take a few weeks. We can fix up the whole printer or component by component; detailed mail-in and local drop-off instructions are available.
Self-Help Resources: Those interested in using self-help resources can visit our official YouTube Channel, https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies, and utilize the search feature to find videos on their issue. YouTube may also recommend useful content from other creators as needed.
Thank you for choosing BCH Technologies for your printer repair needs. We hope these steps are going well for you. Please feel free to contact us if you need help. We’re here to support you!