Epson 1390 Shows "Out of Ink" After Refill and Won't Boot - How to Diagnose Chip, Board, and Error Codes

Question

I'm using an Epson 1390 that won't get past the ink recognition stage. The printer keeps saying it's out of ink, even though I've just refilled the tanks. I've already done a manual cleaning of the printhead and ink tubing. I'm not sure if this is a waste ink pad issue, because when it does power on, it never even gets as far as a cleaning or waste ink cycle. How can I figure out what's actually wrong and what should I check next?

Answer

1. "Out of Ink" After Refill - What's Really Going On?

On the Epson 1390, the on-screen ink status is controlled by the cartridge chips, not by the physical liquid level inside your tanks or lines. When you say you "just refilled the tanks," that usually means:

• You have either a CISS (Continuous Ink Supply System) or DTF/DTG conversion, and

• You refilled the bottles/tanks, but the printer is still reading the chip memory, not the liquid level.

So, if the printer says it's out of ink or refuses to pass the ink recognition phase, it's typically because:

1. The printer cannot read one or more cartridge chips, or

2. The chip reset / overwrite system (like a CSIC overwrite board) isn't communicating correctly, or

3. There's a more general electronics error that's stopping the printer before it ever gets to a head clean or waste pad cycle.

That's why just refilling the ink doesn't change what the printer thinks-it only sees what the chips report.

2. Use the Epson Adjustment Program to See the Actual Error Code

The first step I recommend is to use the Epson Adjustment Program (sometimes called the Service Program). This is the tool Epson technicians use to read the printer's internal error codes.

Step-by-step: Printer Information Check

1. Open the Epson Adjustment Program

   • Make sure you have the version meant for the Epson 1390 (or your specific 1390-based model).

2. Select the correct port

   • On the main screen, choose the USB port that shows your printer's name in the dropdown list.

3. Click "Particular Adjustment Mode"

   • This opens a list of specific utilities and diagnostic tools for the printer.

4. Scroll down and select "Printer Information Check."

5. Click "Check."

   • The program will query the printer and show a list of internal error codes.

   • The most recent and most important one usually appears as Error No. 1 at the top.

These internal codes are much more specific than the generic front-panel messages. They can point to issues such as:

• Cartridge / CSIC (chip) communication problems

• APG sensor errors (Auto Paper Gap sensor)

• PF (Paper Feed) or CR (Carriage) errors

• Waste ink (ink pad) counter reached end of life

• Other internal hardware faults

For interpretation, you can search "BCH Epson Error" in Google. That should lead you to our page explaining Epson's "Triple Secret Error Codes" and how to translate them into actual hardware issues. This software is normally given to Epson technicians but is often distributed by DTF printer vendors as well. If you don't already have it, you may need to search online to locate a copy.

For a quick visual walkthrough of how to run Printer Information Check, you can watch our short guide here:
Adjustment Program Error Code Video (https://youtube.com/shorts/FPZzpyYuZLE).

Once you know the real internal error code, you'll know if the 1390 is only complaining about ink recognition or if there's a secondary hardware problem blocking startup.

3. If the Printer Won't Recognize Ink: Check Your Cartridge Overwrite (CSIC) Board

If the internal error codes confirm that the printer is stuck on cartridge recognition / out-of-ink type errors, and especially if your 1390 has been converted to DTF / UV / DTG, the next thing to check is your cartridge overwrite board (also called a CSIC overwrite board).

For Epson 1390 conversions, that board typically looks like this:
Epson R1390 Cartridge Chip CSIC Overwrite Board for DTF/UV/DTG (https://bchtechnologies.com/products/epson-r1390-cartridge-chip-csic-overwrite-board-for-dtf-uv-and-dtg-printers-auto-reset-ink-level?_pos=3&_sid=501c8548b&_ss=r).

This board's job is to:

• Override the original cartridge chips,

• Present the printer with a "full" or auto-resetting ink level, and

• Allow CISS/DTF systems to run without you constantly changing physical cartridges.

Connection point: CN15 on the mainboard

On many R1390 mainboards, the overwrite board connects to the printer's logic board at a connector labeled CN15. If that connection is poor or incorrect, the printer will:

• Fail to read the synthetic chip signal, and

• Stay stuck at "out of ink" or "cannot recognize cartridge" during boot.

Things to check on the overwrite board and connection

1. Physical seating

   • Make sure the CSIC overwrite board is firmly plugged into CN15.

   • Ensure it is not crooked, partially inserted, or wobbling.

2. Cable orientation (if there's a ribbon cable instead of a direct plug)

   • Double-check that any ribbon or flat cable is connected with the contacts facing the correct side of the connector.

   • Verify that the locking tab on the connector is fully closed.

3. Damage or burns

   • Look for any burn marks, cracked components, or obvious physical damage on the overwrite board.

   • Inspect the CN15 connector on the mainboard for bent pins or lifted pads.

4. Cartridge/CSIC consistency

   • Ensure that the cartridges (or dummy cartridges) plugged into the 1390's ink bay match the overwrite board design.

   • Some systems require a specific pattern of chips or dummy shells to communicate properly.

If the overwrite board is not properly connected or is damaged, the printer will never get past the ink recognition phase, no matter how full your tanks are or how clean the printhead and tubes are.

4. Is This a Waste Ink Pad Issue?

You mentioned you're not sure if it's a waste pad matter because the printer never starts a cleaning process when it boots. That's a good observation.

On the 1390, a waste ink pad full condition is usually represented by:

• Blinking or solid lights and a status monitor message indicating "Service required" or "Parts inside your printer are at the end of their service life", and

• Internal error codes related to the waste ink counter.

However, if:

• The printer doesn't even get far enough to attempt a cleaning or priming cycle, and

• All of the user-visible behavior is focused on ink not recognized / out-of-ink at startup,

then the waste ink pad is probably not your primary blocking issue yet. The printer wants to resolve the cartridge/CSIC communication before it worries about maintenance cycles.

That's why, in your situation, I'd prioritize:

1. Reading the exact internal error code via the Adjustment Program, and

2. Verifying the overwrite board (CSIC) and CN15 connection,
   before assuming it's a waste ink pad or pad counter problem.

5. Putting It All Together - Suggested Order of Operations

Here's a practical path forward:

1. Run Printer Information Check in the Epson Adjustment Program to get the exact internal error code (Error No. 1).

2. Use that code to determine whether the printer is primarily complaining about:

   • Ink recognition / CSIC,

   • Sensors / motors, or

   • Waste ink / service life.

3. If it points to ink recognition, closely inspect:

   • Your cartridge overwrite board,

   • Its connection at CN15, and

   • Any related cables or dummy cartridges.

4. Reseat or replace components as needed, then re-check the printer's behavior.

5. If new symptoms or additional error codes appear, note them carefully-they can indicate other underlying issues (for example, APG or PF errors that only become visible once the ink problem is cleared).

If, after these steps, the printer still will not move past ink recognition even with known-good hardware and connections, you may be dealing with a damaged mainboard or deeper electronic fault, which usually requires professional diagnostic work.

Our General Policy on Hands-On Printer Repairs

Addressing printer issues like this is often complicated because so much depends on the physical condition of boards, cables, and mechanical parts. Due to the hands-on nature of these problems, we're not able to offer individualized remote troubleshooting, step-by-step suggestions, or one-on-one support for specific printer repairs. Instead, we provide in-person evaluation and repair through our local diagnostic facility, which you can read about on our printer repair service page (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Because of high demand, work is scheduled strictly on a first-come, first-served basis, so it may be a few weeks from the time you drop off your printer until it reaches the bench. We can work on complete printers or individual components, with clear instructions on how to proceed. We also want to be transparent that our rates are not always the most economical option available.

For many users, a more practical approach is self-help via online research. A great place to start is the homepage of our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon next to "About" on the right-hand side of the menu bar and type in keywords like "1390 ink not recognized," "Epson CSIC board," or "DTF 1390 error." I receive dozens of questions every day asking if I've made a video for a specific issue, and after nine years of creating content, I can't always remember every single one by title. YouTube's built-in search is usually the most efficient way to find what you need, and it may also recommend useful videos from other channels that can help.

Thank you again for reaching out, for your patience, and for your support of BCH Technologies. I hope this gives you a clearer path to diagnosing your Epson 1390, from reading the true internal error code to verifying your cartridge overwrite board and connections so you can get past the ink recognition stage.