Epson L1800 DTG Printer - Flickering Red Lights and Capping Station Issues

Question:
I have an Epson L1800 DTG printer that was gifted to me, but both of the red lights are flickering. I already followed your YouTube tutorials, including unclogging the capping station, but I'm still seeing the same problem. Do you have any advice? Also, can I purchase a replacement capping station from you? I recorded videos of the screeching sound here: Video 1 (https://youtu.be/MjArYM-QnfU) and Video 2 (https://youtu.be/TNOG_1TtN6g).

Answer:

1. Understanding the Flickering Red Lights

On Epson printers like the L1800, two flashing red lights usually point to one of the following:

• Ink Pad Error (Service Required / Waste Ink Pad Full): The printer's internal waste ink counter may have reached its limit. This doesn't necessarily mean the pad is physically full, but Epson's firmware blocks usage once the counter reaches a set value.

• Paper Jam or Mechanical Obstruction: The printer may detect something interfering with carriage movement.

• Carriage or Capping Station Misalignment: If the capping station doesn't seal properly, the carriage can't park correctly, triggering error lights.

Sometimes these errors also come with an audible grinding or screeching noise, which matches what you've shown in your videos. This noise often comes from the carriage hitting resistance due to a dirty or jammed capping station, or worn gears in the pump assembly.

2. Steps You've Already Taken

You've unclogged the capping station, which is an excellent first step. However, unclogging alone may not resolve mechanical alignment or electrical connection issues with the capping assembly.

3. Additional Troubleshooting Options

Here are some resources and possible fixes:

• Removing and Installing the Capping Station: Watch Removing and Installing the Capping Station (https://youtu.be/_cZEkmgIZYc). This covers safe removal and reinstalling of the unit.

• Unclogging the Capping Station: Check Unclogging the Capping Station (https://youtu.be/WbY_6O1-w2c) for a deeper cleaning walkthrough.

• Routine Maintenance: See Capping Station Maintenance (https://youtu.be/5yjq3ZN0qv8) to prevent clogs and poor seals.

• Capping Station Repairs: Try Repairing the Capping Station (https://youtu.be/5UC2IMu9V90) for fixes when cleaning alone doesn't help.

• Rewiring Tubes: If tubes are blocked or detached, Rewiring Capping Station Tubes (https://youtu.be/J9im3s8UJfo) explains how to address it.

For a complete teardown and rebuild, we also offer an exclusive in-depth guide: Video Capping Station Assemble/Disassemble Guide (https://bchtechnologies.com/products/video-capping-station-assemble-disassemble-guide-for-l1800-1390-artisan-1430-and-1400).

And if replacement is necessary, we do carry tested units: Used Capping Station for L1800/1390/1400 DTF Printers (https://bchtechnologies.com/products/used-capping-station-for-l1800-1390-1400-dtf-printers-tested-and-reliable?_pos=3&_sid=54a44f969&_ss=r).

4. Resetting Error Codes

If your error is related to the Service Required (waste ink pad full), you may also need to reset the ink pad counter using a reset utility. Just be cautious: resetting without replacing or redirecting waste ink can cause overflow and messy leaks.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. We aren't able to provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We do, however, offer an in-person evaluation and repair service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service) at our diagnostic facility. Due to high demand, this service works on a first-come, first-served basis, and wait times can extend a few weeks. Our shop can handle either complete printer repairs or targeted part replacements. While our rates may not be the lowest, we encourage you to explore self-help resources as well-especially on YouTube. You can search our YouTube channel homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies) for the exact video you need. With nearly a decade of videos, it's tough to recall each one on demand, but the search icon next to "About" in the menu bar is the quickest way to find relevant tutorials.

Thank you again for your patience and for reaching out. Your continued support helps us expand the resources we create for the printing community.