Epson ET-8550 Error Code 000023 After Replacing Printhead Cable: Loose Spring, CR Encoder Issues, and Carriage Motor Checks

Question: I watched your Epson ET-8550 YouTube video and really enjoyed it. I'm having a problem now-after I replaced a damaged printhead cable and put everything back together, the printer shows error code 000023. I also noticed a spring came out (see attached photo). What does this mean and what should I check?

Answer: 

Based on your description-error code 000023 immediately after reinstalling the printhead cable, plus a loose spring-this strongly points to a carriage (CR) system problem, not necessarily the printhead itself. And yes: without seeing the printer in person, the spring you found looks very consistent with the type of spring used around the CR encoder/CR timing belt area (often called the clear belt area). That matches the nature of error 000023.

What Error Code 000023 Means on the Epson ET-8550

Error code 000023 is commonly associated with a carriage (CR) movement failure, especially when the printer detects that the carriage can't move correctly or can't confirm its position. It can show up when the carriage motor is obstructed, when the belt/encoder system is not reading properly, or when something is interfering after a repair.

The 000023 error commonly relates to issues like:

• Operation failure of the CR (Carriage) Motor, stopped by obstacles

• CR stopped by:

  • Obstacles such as jammed paper or foreign objects

  • Interference with the ink system or tubing

  • Disengaging or breakage of gears

• Failed to read the CR Encoder

• Jumping of the CR Timing Belt

• Contamination of the CR Scale (encoder strip/scale)

• Damage or skew of the CR Encoder FFC (flat flex cable)

• Failure of the CR Encoder sensor

• Failure of the Main Board

Because you were working on the printer head cable (and likely had the carriage area opened up), any of the above can be triggered by something as small as a cable slightly out of place, a belt not seated right, or an encoder strip being touched/shifted.

Why a Loose Spring Matters (And Why It Fits This Error)

A "mystery spring" appearing after reassembly is a huge clue. Springs in this area typically serve one of two jobs:

1. Maintaining tension or pressure on a sensor or guide (so the encoder reading stays consistent), or

2. Holding a component in a default position so it doesn't drift into the carriage path.

If that spring belongs near the CR encoder system, timing belt path, or a carriage guide, then losing it can cause:

• The carriage to bind (mechanical resistance),

• The belt to ride incorrectly or jump,

• The encoder scale to read inconsistently,

• Or a sensor flag/lever to sit in the wrong position.

Any of those can trigger 000023 because the printer sees abnormal movement or can't verify carriage position.

Step-by-Step Checks That Typically Resolve Error 000023 After a Repair

1) Check for obstacles in the CR motion range

Error 000023 can be as simple as the carriage hitting something.

• Power off and unplug.

• Move the carriage gently by hand (if your model allows free movement when off).

• Look for:

  • Small pieces of plastic, screws, tools, or paper bits

  • A cable looped into the carriage path

  • Tubes (DTF/CISS mod) snagging or pulling tight

  • Anything rubbing the belt or carriage rail

What you're trying to confirm: the carriage can travel smoothly from one side to the other without catching.

2) Check the CR lock and ink system for abnormality

On some Epson designs, if the carriage lock mechanism or ink bay components aren't seated correctly, they can create drag or a partial obstruction.

• Ensure the carriage isn't "half-locked" or misaligned.

• If your printer has an ink system modification, check for:

  • Lines pulling the carriage backward

  • Dampers or tubing pushing into the carriage movement zone

3) Inspect the CR timing belt for fraying, looseness, or jumping

The carriage belt must ride straight and remain properly tensioned.

Look for:

• Frayed belt edges

• Belt teeth damage

• Belt not centered on pulleys

• Belt slack (too loose can cause skipping)

• Signs the belt "walked" off track

A belt that has jumped even slightly can cause the printer to lose position and throw 000023.

4) Check and clean the CR scale (encoder strip) if contaminated

Many people call it the "clear belt," but on many printers the actual encoder scale/strip is a thin, transparent strip with fine markings. If it gets smudged, inked, or scratched, the sensor can't read movement correctly.

• If you see smears, ink mist, fingerprints, or residue:

  • Clean gently with a lint-free wipe and appropriate cleaner (light touch, no scraping).

• Make sure the strip is:

  • Properly seated

  • Not skewed

  • Not popped out of its guides

5) Check the CR encoder FFC and connector seating

Because your issue began right after you replaced a cable, this step is especially important.

• Confirm the CR encoder FFC (flat flex cable) is:

  • Fully inserted

  • Straight (not angled)

  • Not creased or cracked

  • Locked into the connector properly (if it uses a latch)

• Make sure the FFC is routed correctly and not being pinched by covers.

A slightly mis-seated FFC can cause intermittent encoder reads, which often appears as a carriage/motor fault.

6) Verify gears are engaged and not broken

If a gear disengaged while reassembling (or a spring that supports a gear/lever came loose), the carriage may stall.

• Listen/feel for grinding or "hard stops" when carriage attempts to move.

• Look for any gear that sits unevenly or wobbles.

7) If needed: Replace the CR encoder or the main board (last-resort possibilities)

If you've confirmed:

• no obstacles,

• belt is correct,

• encoder strip is clean and aligned,

• FFC and connectors are correct,

• and the carriage still errors,

then the remaining possibilities include:

• CR encoder failure

• Main board failure

These are typically "after everything else is verified" steps, because they're more expensive and less commonly the root cause right after a cable replacement.

Why This Happened Right After a Printhead Cable Swap

This timing is not unusual. When servicing the head cable, you often:

• move the carriage around,

• remove covers,

• disturb cable routing,

• touch or bump the encoder strip,

• loosen a guide or spring,

• or accidentally route something into the carriage path.

So even if the printhead cable repair was successful, a secondary issue in the CR system can trigger 000023 immediately on power-up.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. 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, so it may take a few weeks before we can get your printer scheduled for drop-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 first. You can start by checking out YouTube or visiting our YouTube channel 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, and after creating videos over the past nine years, it's challenging to remember every single one-so using YouTube's search function is usually the fastest approach. Plus, YouTube may suggest relevant videos from other channels that could help with your exact situation.

Thank you again for reaching out and for supporting BCH Technologies and our YouTube channel. We truly appreciate it, and I hope this helps you narrow down what triggered error code 000023 after reassembly.