Epson ET-8550 Showing Error Code 031006 and Black Screen - What You Can Do

Question:
I recently purchased an Epson ET-8550 about three months ago and converted it for DTF printing. Everything had been working fine until suddenly I ran into an issue. The display screen went dark, and the power button just flashes with beeps when I try to turn it on. I tried troubleshooting-resetting, different outlets, and cables-but the same problem persists. When I plugged it in while holding the power button, the light stayed on but the screen remained black, and the printer didn't start up.

With help from your videos, we took the printer apart and checked the fuses. F1 had continuity, but F2 did not. We also discovered a loose spring near F2 and wondered if that might have caused damage. There's no ink spillage, and everything else looks good. My questions are: could that spring have blown the fuse, should I try replacing only the fuse first, or do I also need to replace the printhead? And could something else be behind error code 031006 and the black display?

Answer:

Understanding Error Code 031006

Error 031006 usually points to a power-up or motherboard initialization failure. In plain terms, your printer is trying to start but detects something wrong in its power delivery or circuitry, preventing it from completing the startup sequence. Common triggers include:

• Blown fuses (F1 or F2) on the mainboard.

• A short circuit from debris, a stray spring, or other metal parts making contact with sensitive areas.

• Failed MOSFETs, capacitors, or voltage regulators on the board.

• Display communication failure, which leaves the screen black because no startup signal is sent.

The Role of F1 and F2 Fuses

Epson includes multiple fuses to protect the printer's power system. From your test, F1 passed (beeped), but F2 is open, which means it has blown. This matches your symptom: partial power-up (flashing and beeping) without full initialization.

Yes, the loose spring you found could absolutely have shorted across the F2 fuse or nearby traces. These fuses are designed as a safety measure-they will fail first to protect more critical and expensive components.

Should You Replace Only the Fuse?

The most logical next step is to replace just the F2 fuse:

• Fuses are inexpensive and relatively easy to replace with soldering tools.

• Many times, the fuse is the only component damaged in this type of failure.

• If the printer works after replacing the fuse, you've solved the problem.

• If the fuse blows again immediately, that means there's still an active short on the board. In that case, the problem is deeper and requires additional diagnosis.

Do You Need to Replace the Printhead?

A failed printhead usually leads to clogs, nozzle errors, or communication faults, not a dead display or 031006 error. Unless you see clear physical or electrical damage to the printhead (which is rare), it's not necessary to replace it at this stage. Focus on the board and fuse first.

Other Possible Causes

If replacing the fuse doesn't resolve the problem, the issue could be:

• Damaged voltage regulators or power circuits that don't supply stable voltage.

• A display driver failure, which would leave the screen dark even if the board partially powers.

• Firmware corruption, though this is rare, and usually some screen activity would still appear.

At that point, a board-level repair is needed. We do have videos explaining how to remove the ET-8550 mainboard, and our facility also provides board repair services.

Addressing printer problems like this can be complex because of their hands-on nature. For that reason, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, step-by-step repair guidance, or direct technical support. However, we do offer in-person evaluations and repairs through our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Because of high demand, this service is first-come, first-served, and wait times can stretch a few weeks. We repair either whole printers or specific parts with clear instructions, but we also acknowledge that our service rates may not be the most affordable option. That's why we encourage self-help through research, including searching our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). With nine years of videos, the best way to find the right tutorial is to use the YouTube search bar on our channel page.

Thank you again for reaching out and sharing the details of your troubleshooting process. We truly appreciate your support, and we hope this information helps guide you toward a solution for your Epson ET-8550.