Troubleshooting Epson XP-15000 Error Code 031006: Printhead and Fuse Issues

Question:
I bought parts for my Epson XP-15000 from you, including an F1 fuse, FFC cable for the printhead, and more for DTF printing. I encountered a broken FFC cable, which I fixed following your video. I found that the yellow color doesn't print well, so I cleaned it, but I got error code 031006 after installing a used printhead. I replaced the F1 fuse as per your video, but then F2 blew. Could my printhead be bad, or is something else causing the issue?
Answer:
Thank you for contacting us. We at BCH Technologies truly appreciate your engagement with our support materials and YouTube channel, which you can find here [https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies]. Your feedback helps us grow our technical knowledge and provide better assistance.
Now, regarding the issue with your Epson XP-15000 and error code 031006:
This error is standard for the XP-15000 model and typically signals a significant communication problem between the printhead and the mainboard. This issue usually revolves around the printhead itself or its Flexible Flat Cable (FFC). The FFC cable acts as the communication bridge, connecting the printhead to the printer’s mainboard, and it is vulnerable to damage, especially from ink seepage. When ink penetrates this cable, it can cause shorts that potentially damage the printhead and even burn out the mainboard’s fuses.
In your case, you followed our video tutorial and successfully waterproofed the FFC cable, which is great because it helps prevent ink from seeping in through that particular route. However, ink can also enter through the printhead itself, especially after repeated or aggressive cleaning cycles. When using power cleaning or attempting multiple head cleanings quickly, Epson has warned users that it can cause significant damage to the printhead. The moisture buildup from excessive cleaning can short the printhead, leading to the error 031006. This error often means that communication between the printhead and mainboard is completely broken, possibly due to a blown fuse or a damaged capacitor in the printhead itself.
In your situation, after installing the new printhead, it printed fine initially. However, when you tried to print again, the red and yellow colors disappeared, and subsequent cleaning didn’t resolve the issue. When you encountered error 031006, it was likely due to electronic failure in the printhead rather than a clogging issue. The fuse F1 blowing and later F2 also points to the mainboard's fuses burning out, likely due to the printhead malfunctioning and causing a short circuit.
It’s also important to note that when you performed the manual checks with the adapter and syringe, the channels seemed clear because this was not a clog issue—it was an electronic failure within the printhead. Unfortunately, once you reinserted the printhead into the printer, the existing issue likely caused further damage, blowing the second fuse (F2) on the mainboard.
Based on the symptoms, it seems likely that the printhead has been damaged beyond repair, and continued attempts to use it may cause further damage to the printer's mainboard. We recommend replacing the printhead with a new one, and you should also carefully look over the mainboard to make sure no additional components have been compromised.
General Advice:
Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. So, we're unable to provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We offer an in-person evaluation and repair service via our local diagnostic facility [https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service]. Given the high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so it might take a few weeks to get your printer to drop it off or mail it to us. Our services are structured to repair either a whole printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on how to proceed if you opt for mail-in or local drop-off services. However, we acknowledge that our rates could be more economical. Thus, we highly recommend that you resort to self-help via online research. You can start by checking out YouTube or visiting our YouTube channel [https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies]. Look for specific videos using the search icon next to "About" on the right-hand side of the menu bar. YouTube might also suggest any videos from other channels that could help you.
Thank you again for reaching out to us, and we appreciate your continued support of BCH Technologies.