Epson WF-7710 Error Code 031006 After Using UV Ink – Repair or Replace?

Question: I purchased a used Epson WF-7710 with low page count and old firmware to print with third-party UV-reactive ink. After a few successful prints, the printer now shows error code 031006 during boot-up. The rollers move and the head shifts, but then the error appears. Should I replace the printhead or mainboard, or consider a different printer entirely?

Answer:

Understanding Error Code 031006

Contrary to some confusion online, error 031006 is not related to the ADF (Automatic Document Feeder). Epson ADF-related errors usually begin with codes like 10xxxx (e.g., 100006). Your error—031006—is in the 03xxx range, which refers to printhead hardware failure.

During the power-up sequence, the printer performs several diagnostic self-tests, including movement tests, ink priming, and printhead checks. Error 031006 generally occurs after the carriage has moved and the printer attempts to communicate with the printhead. The fact that your printer passed the initial motion checks but throws this code suggests that the printhead is either electrically dead or shorted.

Given your use of UV-reactive ink, this is unfortunately not surprising. Many Epson printers (including the WF-7710 series) use very delicate PrecisionCore MicroTFP printheads. These heads were not designed for UV-reactive ink, which is thicker and often more corrosive than standard dye or pigment inks. As such, even a few pages of UV printing can lead to printhead failure.

What Are Your Options?

Option 1: Replace the Printhead (Risky Investment)

• You can try installing a new printhead to see if the printer can get past the error. However:

  • New or refurbished printheads can be expensive.

  • There’s no guarantee the mainboard hasn’t been damaged by the ink or voltage fault from the printhead.

  • If the replacement printhead fails quickly again due to ink incompatibility, it’s not a cost-effective solution.

• In your case, where the printer failed after only 4 pages of UV ink, this path may not be worth the gamble unless you're conducting experiments.

Option 2: Switch to a More Suitable Printer

• If your goal is to print ~1,000 A4 pages using 3rd-party white UV-reactive ink, a printer with:

  • EcoTank architecture, or

  • A model designed or retrofitted for UV/DTF/DTG printing
    would be more reliable.

• EcoTank models are often favored by the DIY printing community because:

  • They have simpler ink paths and refillable tanks.

  • Replacement heads are generally more accessible and cheaper.

  • There’s a larger support community for conversions (UV, DTF, sublimation, etc.).

Recommendations Based on Your Goals

Since you don’t need scan or ADF features, and are looking for an economical, UV-compatible solution:

• Consider refurbished EcoTank models like the ET-2760 or ET-15000.

• These offer tank-based delivery and are more compatible with modification workflows.

• You can also look into DTF-ready converted printers that use more UV-compatible components from the start.

And if you’re still open to experimenting with the WF-7710, replacing the printhead is the only viable repair option—but be aware that it may lead to further errors if the mainboard is already compromised.

Book a Consultation or Repair Evaluation

If you’d prefer real-time guidance, I now offer one-on-one consultations (https://bchtechnologies.com/products/phone-consultation-with-kevin-bch-technologies-%F0%9F%93%9E-expert-printer-electronics-consultation). Each session is 10 minutes and allows us to discuss issues in real time. While I prefer email for its clarity and record-keeping, I understand some customers want more direct interaction.

We also offer full printer diagnostics and repair at our printer repair center (https://bchtechnologies.com/collections/printer-repair-service/products/dtf-dtg-ecosolvent-whole-printer-diagnostic-fee-repair-labor-deposit-limited-opening). Please note: we accept mail-ins, but do not ship repaired units back—you’ll need to pick them up in person.

Printer troubleshooting often requires hands-on testing, which limits our ability to offer support remotely. That's why we offer in-person diagnosis and repair through our local repair service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Due to high demand, it may take a few weeks to process each case, and repairs are completed on a first-come, first-served basis. Whether you're repairing a whole printer or just one part, we give detailed guidance along the way. If you're trying to keep expenses down, we strongly encourage self-help research through our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon next to "About" to find videos on similar issues—YouTube’s algorithm might even recommend helpful videos from other sources.

Thanks again for contacting us and supporting our work. We hope this helps you make an informed next move for your printing needs.