Epson WF-3720 Not Printing Colors After Chipless Firmware Update? Troubleshooting Guide & Fixes

Customer Question:

I converted my Epson WF-3720 printer to chipless firmware, but now it refuses to print any colors. I’ve thoroughly cleaned the nozzles using every method I can find, and they appear to be clear and clean. What should I do next?

Understanding the Chipless Firmware Impact

When you flash your Epson WF-3720 with chipless firmware, you remove the printer's dependency on original cartridge chips. This is a powerful modification for ink freedom, but it introduces some complications, especially with color printing:

• Firmware Overrides Ink Monitoring: The printer no longer reads ink levels, which can make troubleshooting trickier. A false sense of "no error" may mask deeper mechanical or fluidic problems.

• DTF Ink vs. Standard Ink Flow: When using DTF ink or third-party pigment ink, note that it’s thicker than Epson’s OEM ink. The flow characteristics may not match the pump/vacuum power of the stock capping station.

Steps to Properly Prime the Printhead and Check Flow

1. Ensure Printhead Is Properly Parked:

   • Turn the printer on and allow the printhead to return naturally to the home/capping station.

   • Keeping the power on ensures the parking mechanism seals correctly for vacuum operations.

2. Test the Waste Ink Line for Flow:

   • Connect a syringe with a short piece of tubing to the waste ink line under the capping station.

   • Slowly draw 1.5 mL of air:

     • If you feel no resistance or get only air, the printhead isn’t parked correctly, or the capping station has a seal leak.

     • If there is total blockage (you can't pull at all), the capping station could be clogged and needs thorough cleaning or replacement.

   • If successful, draw up to 2 mL slowly and hold the vacuum for 10 seconds to help draw ink into the head.

3. Listen for Damper Feedback:

   • A subtle crinkling noise from the damper indicates that ink is flowing and the internal membrane is reacting—this is a good sign.

4. Run Standard Head Cleanings (But Cautiously):

   • After priming, run a standard cleaning via the printer interface.

   • Do not do multiple cleanings back-to-back. Wait 8–12 hours between vigorous cleanings to prevent overheating or flooding.

   • Avoid vigorous cleanings within the first 12 hours post-priming, especially on thick inks.

Other Considerations

• Color Channels Might Be Air-Locked: Even if the nozzle appears visually clear, a small air bubble or poor capping station vacuum can keep color ink from reaching the head.

• Check Ink Path Obstruction: Inspect the tubes and cartridge nozzles. If you're using refillables, double-check that the vent holes are open and not causing negative pressure.

• Software Cleaning Tools: In some chipless setups, using WIC Reset Utility or third-party tools may help perform power clean cycles more effectively than the built-in panel options.

When Nothing Works

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. So, it might take a few weeks before we can arrange for your printer to be dropped off. Our services are structured to repair either the 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 (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. We’re here to help however we can, and we’re always working to deliver clear, accurate information to empower your DIY repair efforts.