Epson ET-8550 Maintenance Box Not Recognized - Causes and Fixes

Question:
I have an Epson ET-8550 printer and tried resetting the maintenance box with a reset chip, but it didn't work. I then bought a new replacement maintenance box, but the printer still isn't detecting it. I've tried everything-what could be the problem?

Answer:

If your printer is not recognizing either a reset maintenance box or even a brand-new replacement, the problem is most likely not with the boxes themselves but with the chip reading system inside the printer. This system consists of a chip reader assembly connected via an FFC (flat flexible) cable to the printer's mainboard. If either the reader or the cable is damaged, the printer cannot correctly detect the maintenance box.

Here are the key areas to check:

1. FFC Cable Connection

   • The FFC cable connects the maintenance box chip reader to the printer's logic board. If the cable is loose, damaged, or misaligned, the printer won't be able to read the chip on any maintenance box. Inspect the cable carefully for tears, bends, or burns. Reseating the cable (removing and reinserting it securely) sometimes resolves detection issues.

2. Chip Reader Pins

   • The chip reader has small metal pins that physically touch the chip on the maintenance box. If any of these pins are bent, broken, or corroded, the reader won't make proper contact. This is a common failure point, especially if boxes have been inserted and removed frequently.

   • If you discover a damaged pin, the entire chip reader assembly should be replaced. BCH offers a compatible replacement part: Epson ET-8550 Waste Tank Maintenance Box Chip Reader CSIC Assembly (https://bchtechnologies.com/products/epson-et-8550-waste-tank-maintenance-box-chip-reader-csic-assembly?_pos=1&_sid=62604c9ec&_ss=r).

3. Firmware or Software Blocks

   • In some cases, firmware updates can interfere with third-party reset chips. Since you've tried a brand-new Epson box and it still isn't working, this is less likely, but it's something to keep in mind if the issue persists after hardware checks.

4. Mainboard Issue

   • If both the cable and the chip reader check out but the problem continues, the logic board itself may be failing to register the signal. This is less common but does happen, especially on heavily used printers.

Addressing printer issues is inherently hands-on and can be complex, so we're unable to provide remote troubleshooting or step-by-step repair support. However, we do offer an in-person evaluation and repair service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service) at our local diagnostic facility. Repairs are processed on a first-come, first-served basis and may take several weeks. We can service either the entire printer or specific parts, depending on your needs. Please note, however, that our rates may not be the most economical. For this reason, we recommend exploring self-help resources first, such as searching our BCH Technologies YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies) for guides, or even using YouTube's search function to locate additional tutorials from other creators.

Thank you again for your question and continued support. Your input helps us keep producing detailed answers and resources for printer owners worldwide.