Epson 1390 DTF Printer Ink Light Stays On: What to Check Before Replacing More Boards

Question:

I watched your video, "1390 DTF Printer Printing Blanks or Burning Boards? Here's Why!" I already have a replacement board, but my printer still has the ink light on. Besides the board discussed in the video, what else needs to be changed or checked to get it working again?

Answer:

The ink light alone does not identify which part needs replacement. Since you already have a replacement board, the next step is to determine whether the printer is reporting an ink-recognition problem, a startup mechanical error, or an electrical fault. Also, "replacement board" could mean the mainboard or the smaller cartridge-chip override board discussed in the video; those are different components.

1. Identify the light pattern and the current ink message

First, note whether the ink light stays solid or flashes, and whether the paper and power lights are also flashing. Open Epson Status Monitor on your computer and record the exact message.

Epson's original 1390 documentation distinguishes ink-low warnings, ink-expended or incorrectly installed cartridge errors, waste-ink service warnings, and carriage errors. These conditions require different repairs. On a DTF conversion, the cartridge-chip or override arrangement can also affect ink recognition. support2.epson.net

For example:

• "Ink cartridge not recognized" or "cartridge not installed": Inspect the cartridge-chip recognition system, its connections, and any override board used by the conversion.
• "Ink expended" or "Ink Out": Check the cartridge or override system's reported status. Having ink in the external tanks does not necessarily mean the printer electronically recognizes usable cartridges.
• Multiple flashing lights or a startup failure: Read the internal error information before assuming the problem is only ink recognition.

2. Read the error history using the Adjustment Program

A useful diagnostic tool is the Epson Adjustment Program that matches your printer model. If the printer communicates over USB, follow this sequence:

1. Open the program and select the USB port showing your printer's name.
2. Choose Particular Adjustment.
3. Select Printer Information Check.
4. Click Check.
5. Record the displayed error history. In the version demonstrated, the most recent recorded error is generally listed as Error #1 at the top. BCH Technologies

Error #1 is the position in the history list, not the actual fault code. Copy the code beside it exactly, including any letters or a prefix such as "0x." A stored error may relate to an earlier failure, so compare it with the current Status Monitor message and startup behavior.

For a quick demonstration, watch our Adjustment Program diagnostic walkthrough [https://youtube.com/shorts/FPZzpyYuZLE].

This is service software rather than a standard consumer utility. Ask your DTF printer seller or an authorized service provider for a legitimate, model-compatible copy. For this check, use the information-reading function; avoid changing EEPROM settings, initializing the printer, or resetting counters simply to clear a warning.

You can search Google for "BCH Epson Error" or consult our Epson's Triple Secret Error Codes reference [https://bchtechnologies.com/blogs/blog/epsons-triple-secret-error-codes]. Match the explanation to the 1390, because codes and meanings can differ between Epson models.

An APG-related error, for instance, would direct attention toward the automatic platen-gap mechanism, its sensor, wiring, or movement. It would not automatically mean the sensor needs replacement. No specific internal fault code was included in your question, so we cannot assign one to your printer.

3. Inspect the smaller board and cable discussed in the video

The video concerns the CSIC cartridge-chip recognition/override board connected through CN15. BCH's documentation describes faults in this assembly that can cause persistent ink warnings and, in some cases, recurring mainboard damage. Consequently, replacing the mainboard alone may leave the original problem in place. BCH Technologies

Turn the printer off and unplug it before inspecting internal boards or cables. Check for:

• Burn marks, discolored components, or damaged connector housings.
• Ink or cleaning-fluid contamination.
• Torn, creased, or burned flat flexible cables.
• Cables inserted crookedly, incompletely, or with the contact side facing the wrong direction.
• A replacement override board that does not match the printer's conversion arrangement.

If the override board is confirmed faulty, it needs repair or replacement. If its cable is damaged, that cable also needs replacement. An intact cable does not automatically need changing.

Do not repeatedly power the printer with visibly burned components. Likewise, a continuity-meter beep by itself does not prove that an unfamiliar board is defective; measurements require the correct pin identification and an understanding of that circuit.

4. Check for additional damage only when the evidence supports it

If the mainboard actually burned, rather than simply showing an ink warning, a technician should also inspect the connected circuits, including the printhead cables and mainboard protection components, before powering a replacement.

The ink light does not establish that the printhead must be replaced. Once ink recognition is restored and the printer reaches a ready state, a nozzle check can help determine whether a separate blank-printing problem remains. That problem may require checking ink delivery, the capping and pumping system, or the printhead's electrical drive.

The most useful next step is to obtain the exact Status Monitor message and internal error code, then use those findings to identify the faulty part instead of replacing additional boards by guesswork.

Printer repair can be complicated because many faults require hands-on inspection and testing. We cannot provide individualized remote troubleshooting, repair suggestions, or ongoing repair support. We do offer in-person evaluation and repair through our local printer diagnostic facility [https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service]. Because demand is high, we work on a first-come, first-served basis, and availability for a printer drop-off may be several weeks away. Please follow the applicable service instructions before bringing or sending equipment. Our services cover whole printers and selected individual components, with instructions provided for each option.

We recognize that our rates may not be the most economical choice, so we encourage self-help through online research when appropriate. Start with YouTube or our BCH Technologies channel homepage [https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies], and use the channel's search icon to find videos about your model and symptom. Its location can vary with YouTube's layout. After creating videos for more than nine years and receiving dozens of topic requests each day, I cannot remember every video individually. Searching the channel is usually the most efficient approach, and YouTube may also suggest useful videos from other creators.

Thank you again for your patience and for supporting BCH Technologies. We appreciate the opportunity to make these repair topics clearer and more useful for the printer community.