Epson ET-8500 / ET-8550 Error 31006: Printhead Failure, Fuse Questions, and Repair Options Explained

Question

I've learned a lot from your YouTube repair videos-they've been incredibly helpful in diagnosing issues with my printers. Two of my machines appear to have blown fuses, and your motherboard-removal tutorial made things much easier to understand.

On my ET-8500, I originally received error 31006, and when I moved that printhead into an ET-8550 that only needed a printhead, that second machine then showed the same 31006 error. This makes me think the printhead is the source of the problem.

I have a few questions:

1. Fuse Purchase: Do you sell the F1 and F2 fuses individually? I only need one, but I can only find the paired F1/F2 kit on your site. If they're available individually, can you provide a link?

2. Printhead Repair: Since the same printhead triggered the same error on two machines, could a deep cleaning fix it, or would it need professional repair? What is the usual turnaround time for printhead repair services?

3. Cost-Effectiveness: Is it more economical to send the printheads in for repair, or should I buy a replacement online (around $175)?

4. Shipping Details: Are there specific requirements when mailing printheads to you? What carrier do you use for return shipping, and approximately what would the cost be to ship two printheads back to Fairfield, CA 94533?

Answer

Fuse Availability (F1 / F2)

At this time, we do not sell the F1 or F2 fuses individually. They are only available as a set. The smallest option we offer is:

• F1 + F2 fuse pair

• Or, as an alternative, a kit that includes F1, F2, and B12

Many customers prefer the multi-fuse kits because once a fuse blows, there's a high likelihood that another may follow if the underlying issue isn't fully resolved. But individual F1-only or F2-only listings are not available.

Printhead Condition and Repair Feasibility (Error 31006)

Because error 31006 followed the printhead from your ET-8500 to the ET-8550, this is a strong indicator that the printhead has an internal electronic failure, not a clog-related or ink-flow problem.

Error 31006 is almost always tied to:

• A printhead sensor failure,

• An internal short, or

• A burned trace or transistor inside the printhead's micro-circuitry.

These are not issues that a deep cleaning can fix. Cleaning is effective for clogs, banding, limited-nozzle output, or cross-mixing issues-but not for electronic failures.

In cases like yours:

• The head will not pass the electronic resistance/continuity tests.

• It will not respond to the motherboard regardless of which printer it's installed in.

• Deep cleaning not only won't solve the problem-it risks pushing fluid into an already-failed microchip area.

So in this scenario:
The printhead is electronically dead, and repair is not recommended.

We do offer multi-stage printhead repair services, but for this specific failure type, heads almost never qualify for recovery.

Cost-Effectiveness: Repair vs. Buying a Replacement

Given what you've described-and the behavior across two different printers-the best option is not to send the printhead in for repair. Repair attempts on heads with electronic failure are rarely successful and would be an unnecessary expense for you.

In your situation:

• Buying a replacement printhead (such as the ones you've seen for around $175) is the more economical and practical option.

• You avoid paying shipping both ways, evaluation time, and potential repair fees for a head that likely cannot be revived.

It's entirely your choice, but based on experience with error 31006, a new printhead is the most reasonable route.

Shipping Requirements for Printheads

If you choose to ship anything to us in the future (for printers, boards, or other parts), here's how we handle shipping:

• Customers are responsible for both inbound and outbound shipping.

• We do not dictate a specific shipping carrier for inbound shipments; you may use USPS, UPS, or FedEx according to your preference.

• For the return trip, we typically ask customers which service they prefer. We can provide a quote from USPS or UPS based on your address.

• We do not estimate shipping speed because carriers manage their own delivery performance. Customers can contact USPS or UPS directly for transit-time information.

For your address in Fairfield, CA 94533, the cost will depend on:

• Carrier selection (USPS vs UPS)

• Declared value/insurance

• Packaging weight and dimensions

• Speed (Ground vs Priority)

Since we bill actual carrier rates, the best way to get an accurate expectation is simply to choose the carrier you prefer and check their rate calculator using your ZIP code.

Additional Note About Printhead Testing

If you ever have another printhead you're unsure about, we can perform an electronic evaluation. However, in your specific case-with error 31006 following the printhead across two machines-this is one of the clearest signs of an unrecoverable head.

A Quick Reminder About Repair Support

Printer hardware issues-especially those involving printheads, fuses, power components, or electronics-require hands-on inspection and testing. Because of the complexity involved, we're not able to offer remote troubleshooting or step-by-step repair guidance. We do offer in-person diagnostics through our local facility, which you can learn about on our printer repair service page (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Due to high demand, service is first-come, first-served, and it may take a few weeks after drop-off before your printer reaches the repair bench.

We always encourage owners to explore self-help where possible. A great resource is our BCH Technologies YouTube homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Using the search icon near the "About" tab lets you look up topics instantly-extremely helpful since we've produced many videos over the last nine years. YouTube may also recommend related videos from other creators that could assist you.

Thank you again for your thoughtful questions and for following our repair videos so closely. We truly appreciate your dedication to learning and your ongoing support of our content. If you decide to move forward with a replacement printhead or need guidance on compatible parts, feel free to reach out anytime.