Epson 1430 Flashing Paper and Ink Lights: Troubleshooting and Repair

Question:
I’m working on reviving an Epson 1430 printer. Initially, it wasn’t recognizing cartridges, so I replaced the CSIC board without success. I then installed a new Printhead FFC Bundle Combo, but now when I power it on, both the paper and ink lights on the right flash together. I’ve double-checked the connections, but still can’t figure it out. What should I check before giving up on this printer?

Answer:

Understanding the Flashing Paper and Ink Lights

When both the paper and ink lights flash together, the printer is alerting you to a hardware-level problem. Unfortunately, this indicator alone isn’t specific—it could mean anything from a sensor fault to a board-level issue. That’s why, after installing parts like the CSIC board or FFC bundle, it’s essential to run a diagnostic to confirm the underlying problem.

Using the Epson Adjustment Program

The best way to identify the exact cause is by using Epson’s Adjustment Program—a utility designed for technicians but sometimes available online through DTF printer sellers or repair communities. Here’s how you can use it:

1. Open the Adjustment Program and select your printer’s USB port from the dropdown menu.

2. Click on Particular Adjustment Mode, then scroll down and choose Printer Information Check.

3. Select Check. The program will return a list of the most recent error codes, with the latest shown as error number one.

4. Once you have the error code, you can interpret it by searching “BCH Epson Error” on Google. That will lead you to our reference page explaining Epson’s Triple Secret Error Codes, which detail what each code means.

For example, you might see an error linked to the APG sensor (Auto Paper Gap sensor), which detects media thickness and alignment. Alternatively, the flashing lights could be signaling a mainboard communication failure, especially after replacing FFC cables if the connections aren’t seated properly or if a short has occurred.

Next Steps After Diagnostics

• Check cable seating: Even if you’ve already inspected the connections, reseat the FFC cables carefully, making sure they’re fully inserted and oriented correctly. Misalignment is a common cause of these flashing errors.

• Inspect for damage: Look for any visible burn marks, bends, or cracks in the FFC bundle or connectors. A damaged cable can prevent signal flow and trigger hardware errors.

• Run the Adjustment Program results: The error code will help narrow the fault—whether it’s a sensor, mainboard, or cartridge interface issue.

For a quick step-by-step walkthrough, you can also watch our short video guide here: Epson Error Code Walkthrough (https://youtube.com/shorts/FPZzpyYuZLE).

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair because of the hands-on nature of the work. For that reason, we can’t provide remote repairs or one-on-one troubleshooting. However, BCH Technologies does offer in-person evaluations through our printer repair service center (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Repairs are handled on a first-come, first-served basis, and it may take a few weeks before we can process your printer. We handle both complete printer repairs and part-specific work, with clear guidance on how to proceed. That said, we understand our rates aren’t always the most budget-friendly, so we strongly encourage self-help methods using online resources. A great place to start is our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search function on the channel’s homepage (next to “About”) to quickly locate specific videos. With nine years of published tutorials, this method is the most efficient way to find the right resource—and YouTube may also suggest additional helpful content from other creators.

Thank you again for reaching out with your question and for your continued support of BCH Technologies. We appreciate your trust and look forward to providing resources that help the printing community succeed.