Epson L1800 (Procolored F13) Won't Power On - Causes and Fixes for the Clicking Sound Issue

Question:
I have a Procolored F13 (Epson L1800) printer that suddenly stopped running a head cleaning cycle and won't power up. The power button on the back still lights up, but none of the front panel lights turn on. After power cycling it a few times, I can hear a faint clicking sound from inside the printer. It's no longer under warranty, so what could be the problem and how can I fix it?

Answer:

1. Power Button Lit but No Front Lights - Power Supply Issue

When the back power switch lights up but the printer's front control panel remains dark, it usually means that the mainboard isn't receiving full voltage. The rear light simply indicates that power is reaching the supply input, not that it's correctly distributed internally.

Start by checking the power supply board:

• Disconnect the printer from power and remove the back cover.

• Inspect the power board for burnt spots, bulged capacitors, or corrosion.

• Using a multimeter, measure the DC output voltage from the power supply. It should typically output around 42V DC (sometimes labeled 24V and 5V lines depending on board revision).
  If the output is missing or unstable, the power supply board (PSB) has likely failed and needs replacement.

2. Clicking Sound - Relay or Short Circuit Symptom

That faint clicking sound you hear when trying to power up could indicate:

• A protection relay repeatedly tripping due to an internal short circuit.

• A failing voltage regulator or capacitor on the power board cycling on and off.
  In some cases, the clicking continues even after disconnecting all printer cables except the power input-confirming that the fault lies within the power board itself.

If the clicking stops when the mainboard (logic board) is unplugged from the power board, the short may be on the mainboard, often caused by:

• A shorted driver IC.

• A failed printhead power transistor.
  These components can fail suddenly during a head cleaning cycle because of the sustained high voltage draw required to fire the nozzles.

3. Disconnect & Isolate the Source of the Fault

Here's a practical way to test which board is faulty:

1. Unplug the printer and remove the bottom cover.

2. Disconnect the mainboard connector from the power supply.

3. Reconnect power and see if the clicking persists.

   • If it does: Replace the power supply board.

   • If it stops: The mainboard or printhead is shorted.

4. If the mainboard is the cause, you'll need to inspect the F1 fuse and surrounding driver ICs for shorts using a multimeter in diode mode.

4. Consider Printhead and Cable Conditions

In rare cases, a shorted printhead or damaged FFC cable can overload the driver circuit and prevent the printer from initializing. If the printer powered off abruptly during cleaning, this is possible.

• Inspect the printhead cable for burn marks or carbon buildup.

• If you suspect the printhead, disconnect it temporarily and see if the printer powers up normally without it.

5. Replacement Parts and Repair Notes

If you find the power board defective, replacement boards are available for the Epson L1800 and Procolored F13 models online. Ensure you match the voltage and pin layout. For mainboard failures, repair is more complex and might require board-level soldering.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. So, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We offer an in-person evaluation and repair service via our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Given the high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and it might take a few weeks before we can get your printer dropped off. Our services are structured to repair either the entire printer or specific parts, with clear guidance on how to proceed. However, we acknowledge that our rates aren't the lowest, so we highly recommend that you begin with self-help options. You can start by searching for related repair videos on our YouTube channel's homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon next to "About" on the top menu bar to look for tutorials on the Epson L1800 power or mainboard.

Thank you again for contacting BCH Technologies and for your patience. We truly value your trust and engagement, and we hope this explanation helps guide your next steps in getting your printer powered back up.