Epson ET-8550 DTF Conversion Error 031002: What "X-Hot Detect Error (After Flushing)" Means and How to Fix It

Question: My Epson ET-8550 DTF conversion keeps showing error 031002 even though there's no paper jam. I added a DTF CISS system and now I'm stuck. What does 031002 mean, and can I bring it in for repair?

I'm converting my Epson ET-8550 to DTF and I installed a DTF CISS system. Ever since, I keep getting error message 031002 constantly. There are no paper jams, but I'm extremely frustrated and can't get the printer working. Is it repairable, and can I schedule an appointment to bring it in?

Answer: 

What error code 031002 means (and why it happens during DTF work)

You provided the key code: 031002.

• 031002 Meaning: "X-Hot detect error (after flushing)"

• Common Causes Listed by Epson-style diagnostics:

  • Printhead failure

  • Main board failure

In plain language: the printer believes the printhead is overheating after a flush/cleaning routine, or more precisely, it detects an abnormal electrical condition during or after that operation. This detection is not just "temperature" in the everyday sense-it's often based on voltage/current feedback that the printer expects to see while driving the head.

Related code you may also see

• 031001: "X-Hot detect error (before flushing)"
  If the printer detects the abnormal condition before the flush/printing routine, it often presents as 031001.

• In your case, because it shows after the flush routine, you're getting 031002.

The most common real-world scenario: ink/moisture contamination at the head connector

One of the most common triggers during DTF conversions is ink, cleaning fluid, or moisture getting into:

• the printhead connector area, or

• the FFC (flat flexible cable) ends, or

• the mainboard-side connector,

...which disrupts the signal and voltage readings.

DTF conversions raise this risk because they often involve:

• more handling around the carriage,

• tubing/CISS routing changes,

• priming/cleaning cycles,

• occasional drips during damper/CISS installation,

• and thicker ink that can creep and dry in places standard ink normally wouldn't.

Key point: If the issue is contamination, the printhead may not be "dead." Once the contamination is removed and everything fully dries, the electrical readings can return to normal.

What to do first (safe steps that often resolve 031002)

1) Power down correctly and stop repeated flush/clean cycles

If you keep attempting flushes while the printer is detecting an abnormal drive condition, you can make things worse. Repeated cycles can:

• heat-stress components,

• worsen shorting if fluid is present,

• and accelerate failure if a MOSFET/driver is already weakened.

2) Remove and inspect the FFC cables (flat ribbon cables) and connectors

This is the "high-yield" step because it addresses the most common cause.

What you're looking for:

• Ink residue

• Moisture

• Oxidation or discoloration

• Smearing or film on the cable contacts

• Any signs the cable was not seated perfectly straight

What to do:

• Carefully remove the FFC cables.

• Clean the cable contact ends and the connector area gently.

• Re-seat the cables firmly and evenly.

This is also why you may see some YouTubers claim they fixed this type of error by "replacing the FFC cables." In reality, sometimes the fix is not the cable itself-it's that removing/replacing forces a proper cleaning and reseat.

3) Allow drying time if any moisture/ink was present

If ink or cleaning solution got into the connector area, drying can matter as much as cleaning. Dried ink is not "good," but wet contamination is often worse because it can cause unstable readings and partial shorts.

If cleaning/reseating doesn't work: the likely failure ladder

If the above steps don't stop 031002, then we move down the diagnostic ladder:

A) Printhead is malfunctioning (true head failure)

If the printhead's internal electronics are failing, the printer may correctly detect abnormal drive conditions and throw 031002 consistently. This can happen from:

• electrical over-stress,

• fluid intrusion inside the head area,

• overheating due to insufficient ink flow (DTF ink is thick; starvation can occur),

• or a manufacturing defect in a replacement/used head.

B) Mainboard drive circuit problem (COM port / MOSFET / driver stage)

If you replace the printhead and still get 031002, the printer's logic often points toward the mainboard-specifically the head drive circuitry. On many Epson boards, the head is driven by power components (often MOSFETs/driver circuits). If one of these components is damaged, the printer can't produce the correct electrical output and will flag the same hot/drive-detect error.

This is why your note about COM port or MOSFET problems on the mainboard is important-those failures can mimic printhead failure almost perfectly from the printer's perspective.

DTF-specific things that can contribute (worth checking conceptually)

Even though the error is electrical, DTF workflows can create the conditions that trigger it:

• Ink starvation / poor priming: If dampers/CISS aren't feeding properly, the head can run "dry," which increases heat stress during firing and cleaning.

• Over-aggressive cleaning cycles: Back-to-back cleanings can overheat and overcurrent the system.

• CISS tension / cable strain: If tubing pulls on the carriage area, it can slightly shift cable seating over time.

Can you bring it in, and is it repairable?

Yes-this is the kind of issue that can be repairable, but whether it's economical depends on what failed:

• If it's contamination and connector cleanup → often repairable and relatively straightforward.

• If it's a printhead failure → repairable but can be expensive due to head cost.

• If it's a mainboard drive failure (MOSFET/driver stage) → repairable, but cost and parts availability vary.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems, especially with DTF conversions where ink flow, moisture, cabling, and electronics all interact. Because of that, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We do offer an in-person evaluation and repair service through our local diagnostic facility: Printer Repair Service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Given the high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and it may take a few weeks before you're able to drop the printer off. Our services are structured to repair either a whole printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on how to proceed. However, we understand our rates aren't the most economical-so we strongly recommend self-help through online research. You can start by checking YouTube or visiting our channel homepage at 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 questions every day asking about videos for specific topics, and after nine years of making videos, it's difficult to remember every single one-using YouTube's search function is the fastest approach. Plus, YouTube may suggest relevant videos from other channels that could also help.

Thank you again for reaching out and for your support of BCH Technologies. I know it's frustrating to see 031002 repeatedly, but in many cases it traces back to a correctable connection/contamination issue-so I hope the explanation above helps you pinpoint the most likely cause and next step.