How to Troubleshoot and Fix Epson ET-8550 Maintenance Box Not Recognized Issues

Question:
Epson ET-8550 is Not Detecting the Maintenance Box. I Tried Various Maintenance Boxes, but I Got a Message That the Maintenance Box was not Installed. Do you know how I can fix this?
 
Answer:
Thanks for contacting us! I'm sorry for not getting back to you sooner. We realize printer issues are urgent, and we are doing our best to help carefully so that we can provide the most effective solutions. At BCH Technologies, we value every bit of it and want to thank you again, especially on our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies)! Your input helps keep our technical know-how at its best.
 
Suppose your Epson ET-8550 does not load the maintenance box, even after trying different maintenance boxes. In that case, it is possible that the printing implement always has the same problem, and it is not the maintenance or other printing implement but rather the chip detection system. Here are some potential reasons and what to do about them:
 
FFC Cable to the Chip Detector
A flexible flat cable (FFC) connects the maintenance box chip reader to the printer’s mainboard. The printer may not detect the maintenance box if this cable is loose, damaged, or not properly seated.

• Look for visible signs on the FFC cable that it may be damaged, like breaks or kinks.
• Try reseating the cable (unplugging and plugging it back in) to guarantee it is seated properly.

 
Check the Chip Detector Itself
Could you read the smart chip on the maintenance box and query the chip detector? If it is unclean or broken, it will not be able to find the maintenance box.

• Wipe the detector with a soft, lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol.
• If cleaning does not work, the chip detector may need replacement.

 
Inspect the Chip Sector for Bent Pins
One of the most common things is that the metal contact pins in the chip sector become bent or misaligned, making it impossible to connect to the maintenance box chip properly.

• Could you check the contact pins with a flashlight?
• If they seem bent, gently straighten them with a precision tool such as tweezers.

Firmware Reset / Chip Reset
Sometimes, new firmware degrades the compatibility of third-party maintenance boxes. If you have an error even with a new OEM maintenance box, a chip reset could fix it.

• Optionally, reset the maintenance box chip with an Epson chip resetter.
• If that doesn’t work, you may need to downgrade or reset the printer firmware (which can sometimes restore compatibility to non-OEM components).

Check for Firmware Updates
Epson often releases firmware updates to enhance performance; however, specific updates may include code to limit third-party maintenance boxes.

• To check your printer’s firmware version, go to Settings > Firmware Update.
• If a new update is available, could you update it and recheck the maintenance box?

Try an OEM Maintenance Box
If you're using third-party maintenance boxes, you can test the printer with an original Epson maintenance box to ensure the issue lies with the chip having issues.
 
Final Thoughts
Fixing printer problems can be a headache because it's often a hands-on challenge. We are sorry that remote troubleshooting for printer repairs is not available. We provide an in-person evaluation and repair service at our local diagnostic center (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service), although service is limited and done on a first-come, first-served basis. It is usually a few weeks' wait.
If you need help, feel free to book us a support session through https://bchtechnologies.com/book-sessions/ or check out our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies) and use the engine to find out the corresponding tutorial.
Thanks again for contacting us and for your support. We hope to serve you for all of your printer needs!