Epson ET-2720 Ink Pad Needs Service Message: Which Mainboard Chip Stores the Waste Ink Counter?

Question

I watched your video about repairing an Epson ET-2720 printer mainboard/formatter board for a no-power issue involving transistors and MOSFETs. If the motherboard has already been removed, which chip would need to be replaced or worked with when the printer displays an "Ink Pad Needs Service" message? I assume that the status or counter information is stored somewhere on one of the motherboard chips.

Answer

For an Epson ET-2720 showing an "Ink Pad Needs Service" or similar waste ink pad service message, the information is generally stored in the printer's EEPROM chip on the mainboard.

The EEPROM is a small memory chip that stores non-volatile printer data. "Non-volatile" means the information remains saved even when the printer is unplugged. This is different from temporary memory, which clears when power is removed. Epson printers use stored service data to track things such as printer configuration, usage values, internal counters, and other service-related information. One of those stored values is the waste ink counter, which is what eventually triggers the ink pad service warning.

When the printer performs cleaning cycles, ink charging, priming, nozzle cleaning, or other maintenance routines, some ink is sent into the waste ink pad or maintenance area. The printer does not physically measure how full the pad is. Instead, it estimates waste ink accumulation by counting maintenance activity. Once that counter reaches a programmed limit, the printer displays a message such as "Ink Pad Needs Service," "A printer's ink pad is at the end of its service life," or a similar maintenance warning.

So, yes, your assumption is correct: the status is stored electronically on the motherboard, and the chip involved is the EEPROM.

However, replacing the EEPROM chip is usually not the first or best repair path for this type of message. In most cases, the waste ink counter is reset using a service utility or reset tool, rather than physically replacing the chip. A chip replacement is much more advanced because the EEPROM may contain model-specific and printer-specific information. If you remove it and install a blank chip, incorrect chip, or a chip from another printer, the machine may not initialize properly. It may create new errors, fail to recognize its configuration, or behave unpredictably.

If someone is working at the board level, the EEPROM chip would typically be an 8-pin memory IC located on the formatter/mainboard. It may be marked with numbers that vary by board revision and manufacturer. Because Epson may use different board layouts or chip markings across production runs, the exact location should be confirmed visually from the specific ET-2720 board. A microscope or magnifier is often needed, because the chip markings can be small, faint, or partially abbreviated.

The important distinction is this: for a no-power repair, components such as MOSFETs, transistors, regulators, fuses, and power-related ICs may be the focus. For an "Ink Pad Needs Service" warning, the power circuit is usually not the cause. The printer is powering on and reporting a stored maintenance condition. That points to stored service data, which is why the EEPROM becomes relevant.

That said, the waste ink message should not be treated only as a counter problem. The counter is what locks the printer, but the physical waste ink pad or waste ink system also needs attention. If the counter is reset without replacing, cleaning, or redirecting the waste ink system, the printer may continue dumping ink into an already saturated pad. This can eventually cause ink leakage inside the printer, damage to the desk or floor, contamination of the paper path, or corrosion on nearby parts.

A proper repair usually involves two sides: the electronic reset and the physical waste ink handling. The electronic side clears or resets the waste ink counter stored in memory. The physical side involves replacing the waste ink pad, cleaning the waste ink area, or installing an external waste ink tank if the model and setup allow it. For an EcoTank model like the ET-2720, this is especially important because repeated cleanings or ink charging cycles can generate a surprising amount of waste ink.

If you are thinking about replacing the EEPROM chip specifically, I would be cautious. You would need to identify the correct chip, preserve the original data if possible, and use proper hot-air or fine soldering equipment. In many cases, the chip would need to be read, copied, edited, or programmed rather than simply replaced. Without the correct data, the printer may lose calibration or model-specific settings. For that reason, EEPROM replacement is usually considered a board-level data repair, not a normal waste ink pad service procedure.

In short, the chip associated with the "Ink Pad Needs Service" message is the EEPROM chip, because that is where the relevant service counter data is stored. However, the more practical fix is usually to reset the waste ink counter with the correct reset method and also address the physical waste ink pad or waste ink tank condition. Replacing the EEPROM should only be considered if you are doing advanced board-level repair and understand how to preserve or program the printer's stored data.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair because many repairs require hands-on inspection, especially when the problem involves a mainboard, EEPROM chip, or internal waste ink system. Because of this, we are not able to provide remote troubleshooting, repair suggestions, or step-by-step support for individual printer repairs. We offer in-person evaluation and repair through our local diagnostic facility, BCH Technologies Printer Repair Service [https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service]. Due to high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so it may take a few weeks before we are able to receive your printer for drop-off. Our services are structured to repair either the whole printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on how to proceed. However, we understand that our rates may not be the most economical option for every situation. For that reason, we strongly recommend using self-help resources and online research when possible. You can begin by checking YouTube or visiting our YouTube channel homepage, BCH Technologies on YouTube [https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies]. Use the search icon next to the "About" tab on the right-hand side of the channel menu to search for specific videos related to your printer model, mainboard repair, waste ink pad reset, EEPROM, or Epson EcoTank service issues. I receive many questions every day asking about videos for specific topics, and after creating videos for many years, it is difficult to remember every single one. YouTube's search function is usually the most efficient way to find the right video, and it may also suggest helpful videos from other creators.

Thank you again for watching, for your kind words, and for supporting our work. I appreciate your interest in learning motherboard-level repair, and I hope this helps clarify why the EEPROM chip is involved in the Epson ET-2720 ink pad service message.