Epson ET-15000 Error 031006 After Cleaning – Causes and Fixes

Question:
My Epson ET-15000 was not printing anything at all, so I tried several printhead cleanings and even flushed it with cleaning solution. Now I am getting error code 031006. What should I do next?

Answer:

Understanding Error Code 031006

Error 031006 on Epson printers such as the ET-15000 is one of the most serious faults. It usually indicates a fatal hardware error, most commonly related to the printhead and the mainboard. The code typically appears when:

• The printhead has failed electrically due to a short circuit or overuse.

• The FFC cable (flat flexible cable) connecting the head to the board is often damaged, typically due to ink contamination or improper reseating.

• The mainboard itself has failed, either due to electrical overload or attempting to operate with a compromised printhead.

Why Cleaning May Have Led to This Error

When a cleaning solution is used inside the printhead, there is always a risk that some liquid migrates into the electrical contacts. If even a trace of solution bridges the pins or damages the internal micro-heaters, the printhead may short. Once this happens, the short travels to the FFC and then the mainboard, permanently damaging both.

This is why the error appeared after your cleaning attempts—what started as a clogged printhead became an electronic failure.

What to Do Next

• Printhead Replacement – In most cases, error 031006 indicates that the printhead is permanently defective. Unfortunately, it cannot usually be recovered once this error occurs.

• Check the FFC Cable – Inspect for burn marks, bent pins, or ink residue. If damaged, it must be replaced before attempting any repair.

• Mainboard Repair or Replacement – Even if you replace the printhead, a compromised board may prevent the printer from starting correctly. At BCH Technologies, we do repair mainboards and can evaluate whether yours can be salvaged.

Practical Recommendation

Realistically, if both the printhead and mainboard are gone, repair costs can approach or exceed the price of a replacement printer. If your ET-15000 is under warranty, that is the best course of action to pursue. If not, you’ll need to decide whether repairing the mainboard and sourcing a new printhead makes sense for your workflow and budget.

Fixing printers at this level can be complicated because it requires hands-on diagnostics and board-level testing. We are unable to provide remote troubleshooting or repair support; however, we offer an in-person evaluation and repair service through our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Since we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, it may take a few weeks for us to check your printer. Our services cover entire printers or individual parts, and we provide clear instructions on how to proceed. That said, we acknowledge that our rates may not be the most competitive. For those who prefer self-help, we recommend searching our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon next to “About” to quickly find videos specific to your issue—this is much faster than asking us to recall videos from memory, as we’ve uploaded hundreds over the past nine years.

Thank you again for your question and for following our videos. We appreciate your support and wish you the best in restoring or replacing your ET-15000.