Solving the Epson 8550 036001 Error: Mainboard Fuse, Printhead, and High Pitch Noise Troubleshooting

Question:

Purchased 8550 nipple conversion kit and a new printhead to get rid of the Epson 8550 printer error (036001) The error still exists even after changing the printhead. The same day I unboxed it, but initially put UV ink in the reservoirs and then filled with DTF ink without a flush cleaning. My guess is that the UV ink dried inside the printhead. The Printhead and carriage look clean, no visible leaks or damages. I listen and then I hear a high-pitch whine, originating at mainboard rather than the printhead. A blown fuse, or something else. And do you offer printer schematics to facilitate repairing them as a Do-It-Yourself exercise?

Answer:

Big thanks for getting in touch with us. We want to thank you, especially those who have been following & supporting us on our YouTube channel ( https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies ). Your responses will help us broaden our tech knowledge and create worthwhile media for the DIY printer repair world.

 Let's discuss your issue with your Epson 8550 and the 036001 error. Unfortunately, you are right to zero in on the mainboard fuses…again. I cannot rule out all other linked elements, such as the FFC cable and the printhead, but you've changed the printhead. I think you should be able to see the damage on the FFC if it has any.

 Mainboard Fuses (F1 and F2):

Error 036001 frequently implies that the F1 and F2 fuses on the mainboard of your ET-8550 have blown. The two fuses protect the printheads. While you say you had trouble accessing the fuses, this can be done with a multimeter attachment like this: https://amzn.to/4d8A3qo.

 High-Pitched Whine:

That whiny noise you hear is probably a few things: coil whine, that high-pitched sound — often emitted by inductors on the mainboard or capacitors. Electrical components that vibrate due to incompatible power draw or over loading are termed coil whine. This noise might also suggest going bad capacitors, particularly if it is paired with them being puffed up, leaking, or otherwise harmed.

Capacitor or Resistor Damage:

When going through the fuses, carefully check all capacitors and resistors on the mainboard for swelling or burn marks. If you find fault in any parts, consider replacing them, and all noise-related issues will be resolved.

 Another thing is that when the printer starts, it sends a signal to the printhead. First, it sends a low-voltage signal to see if the printhead is connected. Then, it sends a high-power pitch to measure the thermal and see if the printhead can fire up without problem. It could be that your two fuses are bad, so they created coil whine. 

 Since the printer is turning on fine and the main board is working well (minus the wine), that means it's going to be in a lower-voltage circuit. If this does not resolve the problem, move on to caps and coils, etc., in the circuit.

We received a question about the schematics, and I have to tell you that we do not provide printer schematics on our website since we do not have them either.