Epson WF-3620 Prints Blank Pages After Error 0x69: Troubleshooting and Fixes

Question:
My Epson WF-3620 is no longer printing at all. I've already cleared the 0x69 error using one of your YouTube videos, but now when I run maintenance functions like Nozzle Check, Head Cleaning, or Head Alignment, the result is always a blank page. There are no test patterns or even ink smudges. What should I do before sending the printer in for service?

Answer:

The 0x69 error on the Epson WF-3620 typically points to a capping station synchronization issue. The capping station's role is to seal the printhead and create suction for ink priming. If the capping station is misaligned or not functioning properly, the printhead will fail to pull ink, which explains why you are seeing completely blank pages even though the error itself has been cleared.

Here are some detailed steps and possible causes to consider:

1. Capping Station Function

   • If the capping station is not sealing against the printhead, no vacuum is created, and ink cannot flow.

   • Inspect the capping station for dried ink, misalignment, or hardened seals. Cleaning the rubber pads with distilled water or a cleaning solution may help.

2. Air Trapped in the Ink Lines

   • After a 0x69 error, air bubbles may remain in the ink system. This blocks the flow of ink to the nozzles, leading to blank-page printing.

   • Run a few cleaning cycles, but avoid doing too many in succession. Two or three cycles followed by resting the printer for a few hours is safer for the printhead.

3. Dried or Clogged Printhead

   • If the printer has been idle or exposed to warm conditions, ink may have dried inside the nozzles.

   • For deep cleaning, the printhead may need to be flushed manually with a cleaning solution applied directly through the ink ports using a syringe and tubing. This should only be attempted if you are comfortable with disassembly.

4. Pump Assembly or Suction Tube Blockage

   • The pump mechanism connected to the capping station can sometimes clog with dried ink. If the pump fails, the printer cannot generate suction to draw ink into the printhead. In such cases, the pump or entire capping assembly may need replacement.

5. Cartridge and Chip Recognition

   • The WF-3620 uses ink cartridges with chips. If the chips are not communicating properly, the printer may act as though no ink is available.

   • Ensure that all cartridges are genuine or high-quality compatible units, fully seated, and properly recognized by the printer.

6. Printhead Failure

   • If none of the above restores ink flow, the printhead itself may have suffered electrical damage and is no longer firing. Unfortunately, replacing a printhead on this model can be costly and may not be worth the expense compared to replacing the printer.

Addressing printer issues like this can be quite complex since they require physical inspection and hands-on testing. For this reason, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting or detailed repair support. However, we do offer an in-person diagnostic and repair service at our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Please note that we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and it may take a few weeks before we can work on your printer. Our services cover both complete printer repair and individual part servicing, depending on your needs. That said, we know our rates are not always the most economical, so we encourage customers to start with self-help solutions. You can explore our YouTube channel's homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies) and use the search function next to the "About" tab to find videos on similar issues. With over nine years of content, this search tool often provides the fastest way to locate guidance, and it may also direct you to useful videos from other creators.

Thank you again for your thoughtful question and for supporting BCH Technologies. We truly appreciate your engagement and hope this guidance helps you determine the next best steps for your Epson WF-3620.