Epson ET-2750 Error 031006 After Replacing Printhead and FFC Cable: What It Means and What to Check Next

Question

I purchased a replacement part from you and installed it in my Epson ET-2750 (an FFC cable). I also replaced the printhead. Before, I was getting error 031006. I replaced the fuse and checked the transistors with a multimeter, but I'm still having trouble. What should I check next, and what does error 031006 usually indicate?

Answer

Now, regarding the Epson ET-2750 error 031006-especially in a situation where you've replaced an FFC cable and also replaced the printhead-this error commonly points to a problem in the printhead drive circuit or printhead signal path. In practice, that typically narrows down to one of these categories:

1. FFC cable issue (orientation, seating, damage, wrong pitch, torn trace)

2. Printhead connection/compatibility issue (wrong head version, bent pins, contamination, misalignment)

3. Mainboard head driver circuit fault (fuse blew for a reason; transistor/driver IC failure; short on the head power rail)

4. Residual short condition (the reason the fuse blew is still present)

Even if a fuse has been replaced, the printer may keep throwing 031006 if the underlying short or signal failure wasn't resolved.

What Error 031006 Usually Indicates (In Plain Terms)

On Epson EcoTank models like the ET-2750, errors in this format often occur when the printer detects that the printhead circuit is not behaving normally-such as:

• abnormal current draw (short/overcurrent),

• the head driver cannot initialize correctly,

• communication between mainboard and head is interrupted,

• or the printer detects a problem when attempting to energize the head.

That's why this error often appears alongside repairs involving:

• printhead replacement,

• head-related fuses,

• FFC cables,

• or board-level work around the head driver section.

Most Common Causes After Replacing an FFC Cable

Because you replaced an FFC cable, here are the most frequent real-world mistakes that can keep 031006 alive even after parts replacement:

1) FFC cable installed backwards or not fully seated

FFC cables often look symmetrical, but the conductive traces are only on one side (or are intended to face a specific direction). If the cable is reversed, it can cause:

• no signal continuity,

• shorting,

• or incorrect pin-to-pin mapping at the connector.

What to watch for:

• The stiffener side and trace side must match the connector type (top-contact vs bottom-contact).

• The locking tabs (ZIF latch) must be fully closed and the cable must be inserted straight and evenly.

2) Cable damage that's hard to see

FFC cables can fail from:

• a tiny crease,

• a partial tear at the edge,

• or a burn mark near the connector.

Even a single broken trace can trigger a head/circuit error.

3) Wrong cable type or pitch

Two cables may look identical but have different:

• pitch (spacing),

• number of pins,

• or reinforcement thickness.

A mismatch can create intermittent contact or misalignment, leading to head-related errors.

4) Contamination in the connector

Ink mist, cleaning fluid residue, or oxidation inside the ZIF connector can cause unstable contact. This is especially common after a printer has had prior ink leaks or heavy maintenance.

Why Replacing the Fuse Doesn't Always Fix Error 031006

It's very important to understand what a fuse is doing in this circuit:

• The fuse typically protects the mainboard/head power rail.

• If it blew, it often means there was a short or overcurrent event.

• Replacing the fuse restores power flow, but if the short is still present-then the printer will continue to fail (and may blow the fuse again).

So if you replaced the fuse and checked transistors, but 031006 remains, that generally suggests one of these:

• the head itself is shorted or incompatible,

• the cable/connector path is still incorrect,

• or another component in the head drive path is damaged (sometimes not a simple transistor).

Common "Next Checks" That Make Sense With This Symptom Set

Since you mentioned you already checked transistors with a multimeter, the next logical checks (conceptually) are:

A) Confirm the printhead is the correct match for the ET-2750

Even within similar-looking Epson heads, slight differences can matter. A head that physically fits but is electrically different can cause immediate errors.

B) Confirm continuity through the FFC cable and proper connector engagement

A continuity test across the cable can reveal broken traces-but it also depends on knowing which pin should map to which pad. Even without that mapping, you can often detect:

• dead/open traces,

• or adjacent traces shorted together.

C) Check for a short on the head power rail

If the fuse was blown previously, one diagnostic concept is verifying whether the head power line is still shorted to ground. If it is, replacing parts blindly becomes risky because it can repeatedly damage components.

D) Inspect for bent pins / misaligned seating at the head connector

A slightly mis-seated head or pin issue can create partial contact that triggers errors the moment the machine tries to initialize the head.

Practical Reality: Board-Level Diagnosis Has Many Paths

Because 031006 can be caused by multiple failure points-FFC path, printhead, connector, or the board's head driver circuitry-there isn't a single universal "one-part fix." In many cases, the ET-2750 mainboard has additional driver components that can be damaged during the same event that blew the fuse, and those components may not be obvious from a quick transistor check.

That's also why the printer can continue to show the same error even after a new cable, new printhead, and a new fuse-because the root cause might still be present (or the board may have suffered secondary damage).

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 do offer an in-person evaluation and repair service via our local diagnostic facility: BCH Technologies Printer Repair Service (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 in once you're ready 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: BCH Technologies on YouTube (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.

Thank you again for reaching out and for supporting BCH Technologies. I appreciate your patience, and I hope you're able to get your ET-2750 back up and running soon.