How to Troubleshoot an Epson ET-8550 That Won’t Power On After Installing a CISS

Question:

I have an Epson ET-8550, and I was installing a continuous ink supply system (CISS). After getting everything ready, the printer turned off and now won’t turn back on. I was told it could be a fuse on the motherboard. What’s your opinion, and can you fix it?

Answer:

Thank you for reaching out to us! We at BCH Technologies truly appreciate your support, particularly on our YouTube channel [https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies]. Your feedback helps us continually improve our services and technical expertise. Let’s dive into the issue you are experiencing with your Epson ET-8550 printer.

Installing a Continuous Ink Supply System (CISS) can be tricky, especially when it involves the printer's power system. In your case, since the printer won’t turn back on, the issue could indeed be related to more than just a blown fuse on the motherboard. While a fuse issue is a possibility, it's important to note that:

1. Fuse for Printhead vs. Entire Printer: If the fuse related to the printhead had blown, your printer might still turn on, but it would likely show an error message regarding the printhead malfunction. The fact that your Epson ET-8550 won’t power on at all suggests that the problem may extend beyond the fuse responsible for the printhead.

2. Blown Capacitor or Transistor: Another common cause of this type of issue is a blown capacitor or transistor on the printer’s power board. These components manage power distribution to various parts of the printer, and if one is damaged, it could prevent the printer from turning on entirely. This can occur when the printer experiences a power surge or an electrical fault during the installation of components like a CISS.

3. Other Potential Issues: While it’s less likely, other elements such as a damaged power supply or short-circuiting within the motherboard could also cause the printer to fail to power on. These issues would require a detailed hands-on diagnostic to confirm.

In terms of repair, we can certainly attempt to revive your printer. Our team has successfully brought printers back to life by addressing power issues like the one you’re experiencing, but it’s important to note that these repairs are not always successful. The extent of damage can vary, and in some cases, the printer may be beyond repair.

Addressing printer problems, especially those related to power issues, is a complex and often hands-on task. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer detailed remote troubleshooting for hardware-related problems. However, we do provide in-person diagnostic and repair services at our local facility [https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service]. Please note that due to high demand, our service operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and there may be a wait time of a few weeks before we can assess your printer.

If you prefer to explore self-help solutions, we encourage you to check out our YouTube channel [https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies], where we offer videos covering a wide range of printer repair topics. To quickly find relevant content, use the search bar on the right-hand side of the channel’s homepage, located next to the "About" tab. We have created hundreds of videos over the years, so the search function will help you locate the specific guides you need.

We hope these insights help you troubleshoot your Epson ET-8550. If you need further assistance or decide to seek professional repair, feel free to reach out to us or visit our repair facility. Thank you again for choosing BCH Technologies!