Epson EcoTank ET-8550 Touchscreen Not Responding? Here's How to Fix It

Question: Why is the control panel on my Epson ET-8550 printer working only sometimes? Sometimes the touchscreen responds, and sometimes it doesn’t do anything. What could be causing this?

Possible Causes and Fixes for an Unresponsive ET-8550 Control Panel

When the touchscreen or control panel of the Epson ET-8550 works intermittently, the most common underlying issue is a faulty or partially disconnected ribbon cable connecting the control panel (LCD and touch interface) to the printer's mainboard.

Here are a few detailed causes and how to address them:

1. Loose Ribbon Cable Connection

Over time, especially after physical movement or minor impacts, the ribbon cable connecting the control panel can loosen slightly. This may result in:

• The screen not responding to touch inputs.

• The screen appearing normal but failing to process commands.

Fix:
Power down and unplug the printer. Open the top cover and gently access the cable that runs from the control panel into the printer’s body. Carefully disconnect and reseat the ribbon cable. Ensure it’s properly aligned and fully inserted before reassembling.

2. Oxidation or Microscopic Damage

In some cases, even when the ribbon cable looks secure, oxidation on the connector pads or microscopic cracks in the cable can result in intermittent signal failure.

Fix:

• Clean the ribbon cable’s contacts carefully with a cotton swab dipped in 90% or higher isopropyl alcohol.

• Let it dry completely before reinserting.

• If the problem persists, consider replacing the cable with an OEM or high-quality third-party equivalent.

3. Damaged Touchscreen Digitizer

The digitizer (the touch-sensitive layer over the screen) could be failing. If it only responds occasionally, the issue might be hardware-related rather than just a connection problem.

Fix:
Unfortunately, this would require replacing the control panel assembly, which includes the digitizer. This process involves ordering compatible parts and may require professional installation if you're not familiar with printer disassembly.

4. Firmware Glitches

Rarely, a firmware issue could cause the panel to freeze or become unresponsive.

Fix:
Try powering off the printer completely and unplugging it for at least 5 minutes. This forces a soft reset. If Epson offers a firmware update for your model, install it through Epson Software Updater. However, do not update the firmware if you've converted the printer for DTF or other modified use.

Additional Note:

This kind of issue is common in printers that have undergone conversion or have been in environments with temperature fluctuations or humidity, which can accelerate cable deterioration or oxidize connectors.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. So, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We offer an in-person evaluation and repair service via our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Given the high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis. So, it might take a few weeks before we can get your printer to drop it off. Our services are structured to repair either a whole printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on how to proceed. However, we acknowledge that our rates aren't the most economical. Thus, we highly recommend that you resort to self-help via online research. You can start by checking out YouTube or visiting our YouTube channel's homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Look for specific videos using the search icon next to "About" on the right-hand side of the menu bar. I receive dozens of queries every day asking about videos for specific topics. Having created videos over the past nine years, it's challenging to remember every single one. Therefore, using YouTube's search function would be most efficient. Plus, YouTube might suggest relevant videos from other channels that could assist you.

Thanks again for your question and for being a part of our community. We appreciate your support and are always here to share what we can to help your printing projects succeed.