Epson Error 031006 After Installing a Replacement Printhead - Causes and Fixes

Question:
I recently installed a used printhead from eBay because the reviews on Amazon printheads were poor. I followed your YouTube video for the installation. After putting it in, I now get the 031006 error. I tried following your instructions for uncasing the printer, but I can't get the case to release from both of the top front corners. I was considering sending in the motherboard, but I'm stuck. Now I'm wondering-by the time I fix the motherboard and also have to find another working printhead, is this repair even worth it? I also realized I plugged the printer back in without unplugging it first before changing the printhead. The printer was off, but could that have blown the fuse, or was it the printhead?

Answer:

1. Understanding Error 031006

   • The 031006 error on Epson printers is a printhead communication or connection error. It usually occurs when the printhead is electrically damaged, not making proper contact, or when the mainboard cannot detect it correctly.

   • This error can be triggered by:

     • A defective or incompatible replacement printhead.

     • Blown fuses or transistors on the mainboard (common when a faulty head is installed).

     • Incorrect seating of the printhead cables (FCC cables) or damaged cable pins.

2. The eBay Printhead Issue

   • Used printheads from third-party sellers often come with hidden problems. Even if they look intact, they may have clogged nozzles, burned circuits, or internal shorts. This is why they frequently trigger 031006 upon installation.

   • A 5-8 ohm reading across certain pins (if tested) indicates shorting, which stresses the board and may blow protective fuses.

3. The Fuse Concern

   • You mentioned plugging the printer in while the printhead was seated, even though the printer was "off." Unfortunately, even when off, residual voltage remains in the capacitors, and swapping parts can create a short.

   • It's possible this caused the head driver fuse (F1) on the motherboard to blow. However, in many cases, it's the faulty head itself that causes the fuse or MOSFETs to fail.

   • If the fuse is gone, the motherboard will need repair before any new head can function.

4. Case Disassembly Problem

   • Epson machines can be tricky to uncase. The top front corners are held by internal plastic tabs that need to be carefully pushed inward while lifting the top shell. Using a thin pry tool or spudger helps, but forcing it risks snapping the clips.

   • If you're stuck, it may be safer to pause and decide whether investing further time is worth it.

5. Is It Worth Repairing?

   • If the motherboard fuse is blown and you still need to source a reliable printhead, the cost and effort can outweigh the value of the printer. Genuine Epson heads are expensive, and the risk of getting another defective used head is high.

   • If you want to proceed, the safest route is:

     1. Test and repair the motherboard (fuse/transistors).

     2. Install a verified good printhead (not untested eBay parts).

   • But if both parts need replacement, you're right to weigh whether buying a different printer might be more cost-effective.

Addressing printer problems can be complex since they often require physical inspection and board-level repairs. Because of this, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting or direct repair support. However, we do offer an in-person diagnostic and repair service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Our process is first-come, first-served, and due to high demand, it may take a few weeks before we can get to your printer. We handle full printer repairs or part-specific work with clear instructions. That said, our services are not always the most economical, so many users choose to do self-repair with the help of online resources. A great place to start is our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon next to the "About" tab to find videos specific to your issue, or explore related content suggested by YouTube from other repair channels.

Thank you again for sharing your situation with us. Your feedback and support are invaluable, and we appreciate the opportunity to help guide you through these difficult repair decisions.