Epson L565 Stuck in Recovery Mode With "Program Update" and "Set Jig" Error: What It Means and How It's Fixed

Question:

I have an Epson L565 and it's showing something like Recovery Mode and Program Update. It won't start normally. How can I solve this? I also saw your video comment section mention a "Set Jig" message-what does that mean?

Answer

What this problem usually is: "Set Jig" showing up due to firmware corruption

Based on what you described (Recovery Mode + Program Update prompts) and the reference to the "Set Jig" message, this points strongly to firmware corruption-specifically the printer exposing a factory-only test state.

On many Epson models, "Set Jig" is not a normal consumer error. It's a factory service/testing flag. In manufacturing, Epson workers use a jig (a test fixture) to run diagnostics and validate the printer before full assembly or final QA steps. Once the tests are complete, that jig/test mode is turned off or the unit is finalized with proper firmware/state settings.

When the firmware becomes corrupted, the printer can accidentally "reveal" or revert to that factory test condition, causing symptoms like:

• Booting into Recovery Mode

• Asking for a Program Update

• Showing "Set Jig" (or behaving like it's in a factory/service state)

• Refusing to initialize normally (no ready screen, no normal operation)

Error code / message to note: If your screen literally shows "Set Jig", that is the key message. If it only shows Recovery Mode / Program Update, it can still be the same root cause, but "Set Jig" is the strongest clue.

Why "just updating the firmware" often doesn't work

People naturally try to fix this by downloading Epson software and forcing an update, but there's a catch:

• If the corruption is in a section the updater can't overwrite (or a protected boot/region),

• or if the problem is tied to data stored in EEPROM/NVRAM that the updater doesn't reset,

• the printer can remain stuck in recovery/service behavior even after attempted updates.

In other words, this isn't always a normal "needs an update" situation-often it's the firmware/state itself that is damaged.

What causes firmware corruption in the first place

Common triggers we see in the real world include:

• Power loss during an update (or unplugging the printer mid-process)

• Electrical instability (surges, brownouts, unstable power supplies)

• Incorrect firmware package (wrong region/model variant)

• Board-level communication faults (less common, but possible)

Any of these can leave the printer in a boot condition where it can't start normally.

How this is fixed (by severity)

1) Mild case: recovery reflash (model-dependent)

Some models can be restored by a proper recovery firmware reflash-but it must be the correct file for the exact model/variant and done in the correct procedure. Even then, it's not guaranteed, because not all corrupted states are repairable by software alone.

2) Moderate case: EEPROM reset/reprogram (special tools, model-specific)

Many Epson printers store configuration/state information in EEPROM. If that data is corrupted (or the factory flag becomes exposed), a technician may need to:

• access service-level software/tools (varies by model),

• reinitialize certain regions,

• and restore proper values.

This is highly model-specific, and the L565 isn't always friendly to generic "reset tools" you find online.

3) Worst case (as you noted): EEPROM replacement or reprogramming at the board level

In the worst scenario, the firmware/state data is damaged in a way that cannot be reliably rewritten through normal means. Then the fix can become hardware-level:

• Physically soldering to replace or program an EEPROM chip

• Installing a known-good EEPROM image/firmware onto the board

This is exactly what you described: soldering a new EEPROM with valid firmware/state onto the mainboard. It's delicate work-wrong chip orientation, wrong image, or heat damage can permanently brick the board.

What you can do right now (safe, non-destructive steps)

Because procedures vary by model, here are the safest practical steps you can take without risking further damage:

1. Stop repeated update attempts if the printer keeps failing the same way. Repeating the wrong update process can sometimes worsen corruption.

2. Use stable power (avoid power strips with loose connections; use a reliable outlet/UPS if available).

3. Document exactly what the screen says, including whether you see the phrase "Set Jig", and whether it shows Recovery Mode and Program Update together.

4. If you're trying official recovery steps, ensure you are using the correct L565 firmware for your region/model variant-wrong firmware can lock the unit deeper into recovery.

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, step-by-step repair instructions, or hands-on support for printer repairs. We do offer an in-person evaluation and repair service via 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 might take a few weeks before we can get your printer in when you drop it off. Our services are structured to repair either a whole printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on how to proceed. However, we acknowledge that our rates aren't the most economical. Thus, we highly recommend that you resort to self-help via online research. You can start by checking out YouTube or visiting our YouTube channel's 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. Having created videos over the past nine years, it's challenging to remember every single one. Therefore, using YouTube's search function would be most efficient. Plus, YouTube might suggest relevant videos from other channels that could assist you.

Thanks again for reaching out and for supporting BCH Technologies. I really appreciate your engagement, and I hope this clarifies what Recovery Mode / Program Update with the "Set Jig" message usually means and why the fix can range from firmware recovery all the way to EEPROM-level repair.