DSV DTF Printer Two Flashing Lights: How to Find the Epson Error Code and Diagnose a Stalled Carriage

Question

I have a DSV DTF printer. Thank you for the detailed response earlier. I was able to get everything set up and remove the clogs. However, I may have done something wrong because now two lights are flashing: the printer light and the ink light. The carriage also stops when I try to print.

Do you have any suggestions or videos I can watch? I have signed up as a YouTube member and can view the videos.

Answer

The first thing I would do is find the printer's actual internal error code. The flashing lights are only the printer's general warning signal. They tell us something is wrong, but they do not tell us exactly what failed. On many Epson-based DTF printers, two flashing lights can be caused by paper-feed problems, carriage movement problems, APG sensor issues, encoder problems, pump/capping station problems, carriage lock problems, or a motor-load condition. Because many different failures can produce a similar light pattern, we need the detailed Epson error code.

To check what is wrong with the printer, you can use a specialized utility often called the Epson Adjustment Program. This software is normally used by Epson technicians and is sometimes provided by DTF printer sellers because many DTF printers are built from Epson printer engines. If your DTF printer seller supplied service software, check whether they included an Adjustment Program for your exact printer base model.

Once you have the correct Adjustment Program, connect the printer by USB. Open the program and select the USB port that shows your printer's name from the dropdown menu. Then choose "Particular Adjustment." After that, scroll down and select "Printer Information Check." Click "Check," and the program should show the printer's recent error history. The newest error is usually listed at the top as error number one.

That newest error code is the most important piece of information. The flashing lights tell us the printer is unhappy, but the error history tells us what area the printer detected. For example, if the error relates to the APG sensor, carriage lock, paper feed, CR motor, PF motor, encoder, or another sensor, the repair direction will be completely different. Without that code, it is easy to waste time checking the wrong part.

After you get the code, search Google for "BCH Epson Error." That should lead you to our page explaining Epson's hidden or "triple secret" error codes. These Epson internal codes are often more useful than the message shown on the printer screen or the flashing-light pattern. For example, an APG-related error may not simply mean the APG sensor is bad. It may mean the APG mechanism did not reach the expected position, the sensor did not detect movement, the carriage could not move freely, or something is blocking the mechanism.

You can also watch our short video walkthrough here: Epson Adjustment Program Error Code Check Video [https://youtube.com/shorts/FPZzpyYuZLE]. That video shows the basic process of using the Adjustment Program to check the printer information and find the most recent error code.

Since your printer was recently clogged and then cleared, there are a few likely areas to inspect while you are looking for the error code. First, check whether the carriage can move freely when the printer is off and unplugged. Do not force it if it is locked, but if it is released, gently move it by hand and feel for resistance. If the carriage hits something, drags, or stops in the same spot, there may be an obstruction, a cable issue, an ink tube issue, or a problem with the carriage path.

Second, check the capping station area. After a clog repair, ink, cleaning fluid, paper towel fibers, or debris can sometimes interfere with the cap, wiper, pump, or carriage parking area. If the printhead cannot park correctly or if the cap is raised too high, the carriage may stop or the printer may detect an abnormal load. Also check that the wiper blade is not stuck upward and that the capping station is not jammed.

Third, inspect the encoder strip. This is the clear plastic strip that runs behind the carriage. If it gets dirty with DTF ink, cleaning solution, grease, fingerprints, or overspray, the printer may lose track of carriage position. That can cause the carriage to stop, move incorrectly, or trigger an error. Clean it only very gently with a lint-free cloth and suitable cleaner. Avoid scratching it, pulling it out of position, or wiping too aggressively.

Fourth, check the ink tubes and dampers. On a DTF-converted printer, the ink lines can sometimes catch, tug, or drag against the carriage when printing. If the tubes are too tight, routed incorrectly, or pulling the carriage backward, the printer may stop during movement. This is especially common after maintenance, priming, or unclogging because the ink lines may have been moved. Make sure the tubing has enough slack for the full carriage path but is not so loose that it catches on the printer frame.

Fifth, check the printhead cables if you recently worked near the printhead. A loose or crooked FFC cable can cause communication problems, firing issues, or carriage errors. Make sure the cables are fully seated and not wet with ink or cleaning solution. If liquid reaches the printhead cable or mainboard connector, it can cause more serious electrical problems, so the printer should not be powered on until everything is dry and inspected.

Sixth, consider whether the printer might be detecting a cartridge, chip, or ink system issue. Since you mentioned the ink light is flashing along with the printer light, the printer may also be unhappy with a cartridge chip, maintenance chip, CSIC reader, cartridge contact, or ink-level signal. On DTF conversions, chip boards and cartridge contacts can sometimes be bumped during maintenance. Make sure all cartridges, chips, or refillable cartridge boards are seated correctly.

However, even with these possible causes, I would still start with the Adjustment Program error history. The error code will tell you whether the printer is complaining about a mechanical position problem, a paper-feed issue, an APG issue, a carriage motor issue, a sensor issue, or something related to ink/cartridge recognition. Once you have the code, the troubleshooting becomes much more focused.

If the newest error code points to the APG area, inspect the APG mechanism and sensor. The APG system adjusts the printhead gap or paper thickness position. If the APG mechanism is stuck, misaligned, or not detected by the sensor, the printer may stop the carriage and flash lights. This can happen after a jam, after moving parts by hand, or after ink/cleaning fluid gets into the mechanism.

If the code points to a carriage or CR movement error, inspect the carriage rail, encoder strip, carriage belt, motor area, and anything that could physically block movement. DTF ink buildup can create drag. Ink tubes can tug. A cable can catch. The carriage lock or capping station can fail to release fully. Any of these can cause the carriage to stop when you try to print.

If the code points to a paper-feed or PF error, inspect the paper path, rollers, paper sensor area, and any DTF film or paper scraps. Sometimes a printer reports a paper-related issue even when the real cause is a sensor flag being stuck or dirty. DTF powder, ink residue, or small pieces of media can interfere with sensors.

If the code points to an ink or cartridge recognition issue, reseat the cartridges or cartridge chip board. Clean the chip contacts gently if needed. Also check whether the maintenance chip or waste ink counter is involved. Some Epson-based DTF printers will stop printing if the waste ink system or chip status is not accepted.

Because you are a YouTube member, you can also search our channel directly for topics like "Epson error code," "DTF printer carriage stop," "APG sensor," "Epson Adjustment Program," "capping station," and "encoder strip." The fastest method is to go to our BCH Technologies YouTube channel [https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies], then use the search icon next to "About" on the channel menu bar. That will search only our channel's videos and make it easier to find member or repair-related content.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair because many of these problems require hands-on inspection and testing. For that reason, we are not able to provide remote troubleshooting, detailed repair suggestions, or ongoing support for printer repairs. We do offer an in-person evaluation and repair service through our local diagnostic facility: BCH Technologies Printer Repair Service [https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service]. Because demand is high, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so it may take a few weeks before your printer can be dropped off or evaluated. Our services are structured to repair either a complete printer or specific printer parts, with clear instructions on how to proceed. However, we understand that our rates may not be the most economical option for every situation. For that reason, we strongly recommend self-help through online research whenever possible. A good starting point is YouTube, including our BCH Technologies YouTube homepage [https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies]. Once you are on the channel page, use the search icon next to "About" on the right-hand side of the menu bar to look for specific topics. I receive many requests every day asking which video covers a specific repair, and after creating videos for more than nine years, it is difficult to remember every single one. YouTube's search function is usually the fastest way to find a relevant video, and it may also suggest helpful videos from other creators.

Thank you again for your support and for becoming a YouTube member. I am glad you were able to get the clogs cleared. The next best step is to read the newest internal Epson error code with the Adjustment Program, because that code will point you toward the correct repair path instead of guessing from the flashing lights alone.