Epson 1390 Error Code 61H "PW Sensor": What It Means and How to Fix It (DTF vs. Stock Printer)

Question: I recently ran into error code 61H: PW Sensor. I've done some research and watched some of your videos-do you know the solution to this error message?

Answer: 

What Error Code 61H: PW Sensor Usually Means

On the Epson 1390, 61H: PW Sensor generally points to a problem with the Page Width (PW) detection system-in other words, the printer isn't getting a valid signal that confirms the paper's presence/width, or the signal is out of expected range.

This can happen for a few common reasons:

• The printer is trying to auto-detect page width, but the sensor signal isn't reading correctly

• A bad/loose cable connection between the PW sensor and the main board (often the CRPW cable)

• The PW sensor itself is dirty, misaligned, damaged, or failing

• A DTF conversion configuration isn't handling PW sensing the way the printer expects (depending on the setup)

Because you mentioned the Epson 1390, the best fix depends heavily on whether your unit is used as a DTF machine or as a stock/original printer.

If Your Epson 1390 Is Used as a DTF Printer

If you're using the 1390 as a DTF machine, an overwrite/override board (sometimes called an "overwrite board" in DTF circles) typically bypasses or manages PW sensor behavior so the printer won't stop due to paper-width sensing logic.

What to check (DTF setup)

1. Confirm the overwrite board is installed and functioning

   • If the board is loose, partially connected, or failing, the printer can still throw 61H.

   • Reseat connectors carefully (power off/unplug first).

2. Inspect and reseat the CRPW connections

   • Even with an overwrite board, a bad connection can cause weird sensor-related errors.

3. Look for pinched or stressed flex cables

   • In DTF conversions, cable routing sometimes gets tight. A slightly torn trace or stressed bend can lead to intermittent sensor errors.

If the overwrite board is properly installed and the error persists, treat it like a stock-printer sensor fault (cable + sensor inspection), because something in the signal path may still be breaking down.

If Your Epson 1390 Is Used as a Normal (Original) Printer

If you're using your 1390 in its original printing configuration, one of the fastest fixes is to stop the printer driver from trying to measure page width automatically.

Step 1: Disable "Detect Page Width" (if available)

In many Epson drivers there's a setting in Printing Preferences that may be called something like:

• Detect Paper Width

• Detect Page Width

• Paper Size Check

• Paper Width Detection

If you find that option, uncheck/disable it, apply changes, and power-cycle the printer.
This doesn't repair a faulty sensor, but it can sometimes prevent the printer from halting when detection is flaky-especially if the printer is otherwise feeding paper normally.

(Note: The exact wording and where it appears depends on driver version and OS, but it's commonly within printer preferences / maintenance / advanced settings.)

Hardware Fixes for Error 61H: PW Sensor (Most Common Real Cause)

If driver settings don't help (or if you're running DTF and still getting 61H), the issue is usually hardware: CRPW cable and/or the PW sensor.

Step 2: Check the CRPW cable (very common)

This error is frequently caused by a damaged or poorly seated cable.

• Power off and unplug the printer.

• Remove covers as needed to access the carriage connections and board-side connections.

• Reseat the cable ends carefully.

• Inspect for:

  • Creases, tears, or worn spots

  • Corrosion on contacts

  • Loose locking tabs on connectors

  • Any section that rubs during carriage movement

If the cable looks questionable, replace it first-cables fail far more often than people expect, especially after long use or repeated carriage movement.

Step 3: Inspect the PW sensor under the carriage

On the Epson 1390, the PW sensor is commonly located on the bottom of the printhead carriage area (near where the printer "checks" paper width/presence).

What to do:

• Carefully remove the sensor (if accessible) and inspect it.

• Clean gently:

  • Use compressed air first

  • If needed, use a small amount of isopropyl alcohol (high percentage) on a lint-free swab-avoid soaking anything

• Check alignment and mounting:

  • If it's shifted or not seated flat, it may read incorrectly.

• Look for ink mist or dust buildup:

  • DTF environments especially can produce fine debris/overspray that coats sensors over time.

Step 4: Consider sensor failure (replacement)

If the cable is good and the sensor is clean/aligned but 61H: PW Sensor continues, the PW sensor itself may be failing electrically. At that point, replacement is often the practical route.

A few "real-world" triggers that cause 61H to show up suddenly

• A recent jam or rough paper pull that stressed the sensor/cable

• A carriage snag that tugged a flex cable

• Dust/DTF powder/ink mist buildup over time

• A connector that slowly loosened from vibration/heat cycles

Addressing printer issues can be tricky because these problems are hands-on by nature. So, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We do offer an in-person evaluation and repair service through our local diagnostic facility, Printer Repair Service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Due to high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and it may take a few weeks before we're able to schedule your drop-off. Our services are set up to repair either an entire printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on how to proceed. That said, we understand our rates aren't the cheapest option, so we strongly recommend self-help through online research first. A great place to start is YouTube-especially our channel homepage at BCH Technologies on YouTube (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). To find the most relevant videos fast, use the search icon near the "About" section on the right side of the menu bar. I get dozens of messages every day asking which video covers a specific topic, and after creating videos for the past nine years, it's hard to remember every single one-so YouTube search is the quickest method. You may also get helpful suggested videos from other channels that cover the same issue.

Thanks again for contacting us-and thank you for supporting BCH Technologies. If you run into anything else, feel free to reach out again.