Troubleshooting Epson L1800: Why Your Printer Powers On but Won’t Print
- By Kevin Day
- On Dec 10, 2024
- Comment 0
Question:
I have an Epson L1800 printer that runs cleaning cycles fine, but the printhead doesn’t print.Recently, there was a paper jam and a popping noise from the back of the printer. After that, the printer wouldn’t power on. I replaced the transistors, and now it powers on without issues. However, while the cleaning cycle works and ink pumps to the waste tank, the printhead doesn’t print, even though it goes through the correct motions.
I’ve tested the F1 fuse, which seems fine, but after watching one of your YouTube videos, I’m getting inconsistent transistor impedance readings. Could this be a board issue? I’m based in the UK but open to sending the board for repair if needed.
Answer:
Thank you for contacting us and providing a detailed description of your printer’s issue! I apologize for the delay in responding. I understand printer issues can feel urgent. At BCH Technologies, we are committed to providing thoughtful and thorough answers to help troubleshoot your problem. We also sincerely appreciate your engagement with our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies)—your feedback is invaluable in refining our technical expertise.Let’s look at your Epson L1800 issue and outline the steps to resolve it.
1. Initial Checks
From your description, you’ve already done an excellent job troubleshooting. Here’s what to verify first:- Printhead Functionality: A common issue when a printer powers up but doesn’t print is a faulty printhead. If you have an old but functional printhead, consider using it as a reference to rule out printhead failure.
- Capping Station: Check if ink flows through the capping station during cleaning cycles. If the ink is visible, the system delivers it but does not transfer it to the paper, often pointing to a printhead or electronic issue.
- F1 Fuse: You’ve confirmed that the F1 fuse is intact, which rules out a common cause of power-related printing failures.
2. Mainboard Components to Inspect
Since the issue likely involves the printer’s mainboard, here are two critical components to test:QF601 Transistor
This transistor converts low voltage into the full 42V power needed for printing. If the QF601 transistor malfunctions, the printhead may not receive enough energy to eject ink.- To replace or test this component, you can find more details here: QF601 Transistor for Epson Mainboards (https://bchtechnologies.com/products/transistor-qf601-for-mainboard-cb53-main-l1800-1390-1430-epson-printers-fix-no-power).
Driver Chip (SOP28 E09A7218A)
The SOP28 driver chip regulates the voltage from the CPU to the circuits within the printhead. If this chip fails, the high voltage necessary for the printhead’s operation won’t be sent. Testing or replacing this chip is essential to ensure proper functionality.- For more information, refer to SOP28 Driver Chip for Epson Printers (https://bchtechnologies.com/products/sop28-e09a7218a-218a-printer-driver-chip-for-epson-integrated-circuit-ic-l1800-artisan-1430-1390).
3. Board Testing and Repair
Given your thorough troubleshooting, the next step may involve testing or repairing the printer’s mainboard. While we are based in the U.S., we provide reliable repair services in the UK that specialize in Epson boards. If you send your board for testing, ensure the service provider has experience with your printer model and the components mentioned above.Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. While we cannot provide remote troubleshooting or support, we offer in-person evaluation and repair services at our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Services operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and it may take a few weeks before we can take your printer.
Our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies) is an excellent resource for those pursuing self-help. You can use the search function to locate specific videos that may address your issue.
Thank you again for your question and for supporting BCH Technologies. We’re here to help with all your printer repair needs!