Epson Printer DTF Conversion Showing Error 031004 - Causes and Fixes

Question:
I converted my printer into a DTF printer following your instructional videos. It worked fine for the first six prints, but after leaving the printer idle for about an hour, it displayed error code 031004, and now the error will not go away.

Answer:

Regarding error 031004, this is categorized by Epson as a fatal error. Unlike some soft errors that can be cleared by restarting or running a maintenance cycle, a fatal error typically means the printer has detected a serious problem with one of its critical systems. Since this appeared after a DTF conversion, here are the most common causes and considerations:

1. Printhead Overheating or Protection Triggered

   • DTF ink has a different viscosity and flow pattern than standard Epson ink. If the printhead wasn't moving ink as expected, sensors may detect overheating or abnormal current draw, leading to error 031004. This often happens after the printer has been idle for a while because ink may settle or thicken in the dampers.

2. Carriage Movement or Encoder Issues

   • If the carriage encounters resistance or if the encoder strip is dirty, out of alignment, or has been touched during conversion, the printer may halt with error 031004. Even a small smudge on the strip can cause misreads that result in fatal errors.

3. Cable or Connection Problems

   • During conversion, flat ribbon cables (FFC cables) may have been slightly stressed or bent. If they loosen during printing or while the printer sits idle, the system may fail its self-check on startup. This can explain why it worked for six prints but then failed after being left alone.

4. Motherboard or Sub-Board Fault

   • With DTF conversions, moisture, static discharge, or conductive dust from the powder coating process can sometimes impact sensitive circuits on the mainboard or sub-board. Once damaged, the printer may consistently show error 031004.

Possible Steps Before Service:

• Power off the printer fully, unplug it, and recheck all ribbon cables leading to the printhead and motherboard. Make sure they are straight, firmly seated, and free of ink residue.

• Clean the encoder strip carefully with a lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol-avoid scratching it.

• Try purging air bubbles from the dampers and make sure the ink is flowing smoothly.

• Check for any signs of damage on the mainboard, such as burn marks or corrosion.

If none of these steps clear the issue, then unfortunately, error 031004 most often points to a hardware-level failure, typically requiring professional repair or replacement of the mainboard or carriage system.

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). Because of high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and it may take a few weeks before we can receive your printer for drop-off. Our services cover whole-printer repairs or specific component-level fixes, and we provide clear instructions for the process. That said, our rates aren't the most economical, so we strongly encourage self-help research as well. A great place to start is our YouTube channel homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon next to "About" to locate specific videos, since I've created hundreds over the past nine years and cannot always recall each one directly. Plus, YouTube's recommendations may lead you to helpful videos from other channels.

Thank you again for your patience and for reaching out. We truly appreciate your support, and we hope this guidance helps you move forward in resolving your error 031004 issue.