Epson SureColor F2000 Error 1A39 - Causes, Diagnostics, and Repair Guidance

Question

A user working on an Epson SureColor F2000 encounters Error 39 after seeing discussion suggesting that a controller board may fail because of clogged tubes or a clogged printhead. They are wondering whether they should replace the controller board-and whether clogged ink lines could be the cause of the failure.

Answer

Regarding your issue: Error 1A39 on the Epson SureColor F2000 is a printhead communication error. This code appears when the printer performs multiple electrical and sensor checks on the printhead-but receives no response at all. Understanding what this means helps clarify why the error appears and what steps to take.

What Error 1A39 Indicates

The F2000 uses a series of printhead verification tests during startup. It expects electrical feedback from the printhead circuits. When nothing comes back, it triggers 1A39, which represents:

• Printhead failing to respond completely

• Printhead not being detected electrically

• Printhead disconnected

• Printhead FFC cables damaged, shorted, or unplugged

For reference, here are related error codes that help explain what 1A39 really means:

• 1A38 - Printhead responded, but reported internal thermistor failure

• 1A41 - Printhead responded, but head ID is incorrect or unreadable

• 1A39 - Printhead gave no response of any kind (electrical "dead silence")

When the printer receives any feedback-good or bad-you get 1A38 or 1A41. When the printer receives nothing at all, you get 1A39, which behaves the same as if the printhead were not installed.

Most Common Causes of Error 1A39

Based on our technical experience, these are the likely sources:

1. Damaged or improperly seated PH (Printhead) FFC cables

   • These flat cables are fragile and easily damaged.

   • A bent pin, ink contamination, or partially seated connector can prevent communication entirely.

2. Failed printhead board (Head Board)

   • This is the intermediary board between the mainboard and the printhead.

   • If the head board is damaged, the printhead will not receive or send signals.

3. Failed mainboard (rare but possible)

   • The mainboard drives the communication signals.

   • If it fails, the printhead cannot complete its test handshake.

4. Dead printhead

   • A printhead that has shorted or failed electrically will not respond.

Will clogged tubes or a clogged printhead cause this error?

No-clogged tubes cannot cause the mainboard or head board to fail. A clog is a physical ink flow issue, not an electronic one.

However, there is a related risk:

Ink spills can damage electronics

If ink leaks onto the head board, FFC cables, or mainboard:

• It can cause shorts

• Create corrosion

• Interrupt signals

• Blow circuits

So while clogging itself does not damage the board, ink contamination absolutely can.

Recommended Diagnostic Steps

To properly evaluate the 1A39 error, follow this order:

1. Check all PH FFC cables

   • Remove and reseat both ends of each cable

   • Inspect for ink contamination

   • Look carefully for cracked traces or burnt areas

2. Check the head board

   • Look for heat damage, corrosion, or burnt components

   • Replace if there is any sign of failure

3. Replace the printhead if necessary

   • A dead printhead will always throw 1A39

   • Testing requires swapping in a known-good printhead

4. Replace the mainboard (only after all above checks)

   • This is uncommon, but it does happen

   • Replace only after ruling out FFC cables and the head board

Addressing printer issues can be intricate due to the hands-on nature of repairs. Because of this, we're unable to offer remote troubleshooting or hands-on repair support electronically. We do provide in-person evaluation and repair at our local diagnostic facility, which you can learn about here: Printer Repair Service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Due to high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so it may take a few weeks before your printer can be accepted. We repair full printers or individual components with clear, structured processing. Our service rates may not be the most budget-friendly, so we strongly encourage starting with self-help by researching online. You can also use the search bar on our YouTube channel's homepage, BCH Technologies on YouTube (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies), to look for specific videos. With nearly a decade of videos created, the YouTube search tool is the best way to locate tutorials-whether on our channel or others covering similar topics.

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