Epson Error 031006 and Blank Screen: What's Really Going On With Your Printer?

Question

I watched your video "Don't Throw Away Your Epson Yet (Error 031006)" and I'm wondering about a related issue. What could cause an Epson printer's display screen to go completely blank? For example, if I'm seeing or previously saw Error 031006, and then the printer's screen no longer shows anything, what are the most likely causes?

Answer

Let's walk through what a blank screen can mean on an Epson printer, and how that ties into Error 031006, plus what you can check step by step.

1. What Error 031006 Usually Means

Epson's Error 031006 is a "fatal error" class code on many models. It generally indicates that the printer detected a serious internal problem that's more than just a simple paper jam or low ink. Common triggers for 031006 include:

• A hardware fault on the mainboard (motherboard).

• A critical issue with the printhead drive circuit or related sensors.

• A short circuit or overload somewhere in the system (often after a leak, spill, or cable damage).

• In some cases, a firmware-level fault after the hardware reports something the printer can't safely recover from.

Often, the printer will initially show Error 031006 on the screen. If the underlying problem worsens, or if the panel cable or mainboard becomes more damaged, the printer may later start powering on with a blank display instead of showing the error message.

So, when you see both the error code and a blank screen at different times, it's usually pointing toward an underlying electronics problem rather than something like a simple sensor or ink issue.

2. Case A - Printer Powers On, But Screen Is Blank

First, consider this scenario:

• The printer still turns on (you hear fans, motors, or see some panel backlight),

• But the LCD stays blank-no menu, no error code, just a dark or very dim screen.

In that case, one of the most common causes is a problem with the FFC (flat flexible cable) for the control panel / LCD.

Why the FFC cable matters

The control panel (buttons + LCD) usually connects to the mainboard with a flat ribbon cable (FFC). If this cable:

• Is partially pulled out,

• Is installed backwards,

• Has a cracked trace,

• Or is damaged/burned by a short,

then the mainboard may still be working, but the screen won't receive data or power correctly. The result is a printer that appears to start up but shows no display.

What to check

1. Unplug the printer
   Always disconnect power before opening anything.

2. Access the control panel area
   Remove the top cover or the panel cover (this varies by model) so you can see where the panel cable plugs in.

3. Inspect the FFC (LCD/control panel cable)

   • Make sure the cable is fully seated into both the panel connector and the mainboard connector.

   • Check that the locking tabs on the connectors are in the "locked" position.

   • Look along the cable for:

     • Sharp bends or kinks,

     • Dark/burned spots,

     • Exposed copper,

     • Cracks or breaks in the traces.

4. Confirm orientation
   FFC cables are directional-one side has exposed contacts. If the cable is inserted flipped around in a non-keyed connector, the panel may not receive the right signals or power.

5. Replace the cable if it's suspect
   If there's any doubt about damage, it's safer to replace the cable. For example, on the EcoTank ET-8550 and similar models, we carry the control panel FFC cable as a separate part, such as the one in this listing:
   FFC Cable for Epson EcoTank ET-8550 Control Panel (https://bchtechnologies.com/products/ffc-cable-for-epson-ecotank-et-8550-control-panel-cable-et8550?_pos=1&_sid=a625078d5&_ss=r).

Even if your exact model is different, the principle is the same: when the printer powers up but the panel is blank, the control-panel FFC is one of the first things to inspect or swap.

If replacing or reseating the FFC cable restores the display, then the blank screen was caused by panel communication/power loss, and the earlier Error 031006 may have been a separate or earlier symptom. If 031006 reappears on the now-functioning screen, you can then continue diagnosis with proper visibility.

3. Case B - Printer Does Not Start at All (Dead + Blank Screen)

If your situation is:

• The printer does not power on,

• No panel lights, no backlight, no motor movement, no nothing,

• The screen is blank simply because the machine never wakes up,

then the issue is usually deeper in the power or mainboard path, not just the LCD cable.

Likely causes in this scenario

1. Power supply failure

   • The external power adapter (if your model uses one) or the internal power board can fail.

   • If the power board is dead or undervolting, the mainboard never boots, and the panel remains off.

2. Mainboard failure

   • A short, a blown component, liquid damage, or a surge can take out the mainboard.

   • In many cases, Error 031006 might have shown up earlier as the printer's last attempt to report a critical hardware error, and later it progresses to complete "no power" behavior.

3. Shorted accessory or cable

   • A shorted printhead, scanner unit, or panel cable can sometimes drag the voltage rails down enough that the printer appears dead.

   • Disconnecting certain components one by one (advanced troubleshooting) can help isolate the fault.

What you can do at home (basic checks)

1. Try a different outlet / power strip
   Just to rule out the easy stuff.

2. Check the external power brick (if present)

   • If you have a multimeter and know how to use it safely, you can measure the output voltage and compare it to the label specs.

   • If the voltage is missing or far off, replacing the power brick may restore life to the printer.

3. Look and smell for damage (with the printer unplugged)

   • Carefully open the rear or side cover where the boards are.

   • Look for burn marks, cracked components, or any area that smells burnt.

   • If you see clear evidence of a "blown" area on the mainboard, that strongly supports the idea that the board is the problem.

In this "dead and blank" scenario, if the power brick and fuse are fine but there are no signs of life at all, then as a general rule:

If the printer doesn't start, you're most likely dealing with a mainboard or power board failure, not just a bad LCD panel.

That's exactly why I usually say: if the printer starts but the screen is blank, focus on the FFC cable for the LCD; if it doesn't start at all, then you likely have a mainboard-level problem.

4. How Error 031006 Fits Into All of This

Sometimes the sequence goes like this:

1. Printer powers on and shows Error 031006 (fatal hardware error).

2. Underlying damage (for example, a short on the board, a failing chip, or repeated power cycling) worsens.

3. Eventually, the control panel or mainboard can no longer initialize properly.

4. Result: the printer powers on with a blank screen, or won't power on at all.

So Error 031006 can be viewed as the printer's "warning shot" that something important is failing. If that failure continues, the next stage can be a completely blank or unresponsive screen, matching what you're seeing now.

5. When It's Worth Repairing vs. Replacing

If:

• The printer still has power,

• The blank screen is traced to an FFC cable or panel issue,
  then a cable or panel swap is usually worth trying, especially if the rest of the machine is in good condition.

If:

• The printer is completely dead, or

• You see clear physical damage on the mainboard, and

• You continue to get 031006 (when it does show something),

then you're likely in mainboard-repair or replacement territory. At that point, you'd compare:

• The cost and availability of a replacement mainboard or professional board repair,

• Versus the cost of putting that money toward a newer printer.

A Note About Our Support and Repair Options

Printer issues like this are often very hands-on and can depend on details that are hard to see remotely-exact cable damage, board burns, tiny cracks, and so on. Because of that, we're not able to offer individualized remote troubleshooting or live repair support for each printer case.

What we can offer is an in-person diagnostic and repair service at our local facility, described on our printer repair service page (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Due to high demand, we work strictly on a first-come, first-served basis, so there can be a waiting period of a few weeks before your printer reaches the bench after drop-off. We can handle full-printer repairs or focus on specific assemblies (like the mainboard), and we'll give you clear instructions on how to proceed. That said, we know our service isn't always the budget option.

For many users, the most practical path is self-help through online research and videos. A great starting point is the homepage of our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon next to the "About" tab and type in terms like "031006," "Epson blank screen," or your exact printer model. I get dozens of questions daily about whether I've made a video for a specific issue, and after nine years of posting, it's impossible to remember every single one. The built-in YouTube search will usually find relevant videos faster, and it may also suggest helpful content from other channels.

Thank you again for your question, your patience, and your support of the channel. I hope this explanation helps you narrow down whether your blank screen is a simple cable issue or something deeper on the mainboard, and gives you a clear idea of what to check next.