Epson XP-15000 Error Code 031005 After Cleaning the Printhead: What It Means and How to Fix It

Question:
After cleaning the top of my Epson XP-15000 printhead with cleaning solution, my printer started showing error code 031005. What could be the problem and how can I fix it?

Answer:

1. Understanding Epson Error Code 031005

The 031005 error on Epson XP-15000 printers generally points to a carriage jam or printhead movement failure. In most cases, it means the printhead assembly cannot move freely across the carriage rail or that there's resistance preventing it from returning to its parked position. However, after a cleaning procedure, this error can also be triggered by residual cleaning fluid that has dripped onto electrical components or into the encoder system.

Typical causes include:

• Moisture on the printhead contacts or carriage board (from the cleaning solution).

• Ink or fluid contamination on the encoder strip or encoder sensor, which interferes with head positioning detection.

• Paper feed obstruction caused by towels or paper used during cleaning.

• Printhead cap or capping station misalignment, if it was moved during the cleaning process.

2. Immediate Steps to Fix Error 031005

Step 1: Disconnect Power and Inspect for Moisture

Unplug the printer and allow it to sit for several hours. Cleaning solutions can create short circuits if any moisture reaches the printhead contacts or the logic board.

• Remove the printer's top cover if possible (or open the access panel) and visually check around the printhead carriage, ribbon cables, and mainboard area.

• Use a lint-free cloth to gently dab any visible moisture. Avoid using compressed air, as it can push liquid deeper into the electronics.

Step 2: Check for Obstructions

Make sure there's no paper towel, foam, or cloth left under the printhead. During manual cleaning, users often place an absorbent material beneath the head to catch cleaning fluid. If it's left in place, the carriage can jam and trigger the 031005 error.

Step 3: Clean the Encoder Strip and Encoder Sensor

The encoder strip (the transparent plastic band running behind the printhead) tells the printer where the head is positioned. If it's smeared with ink or cleaning solution, the sensor will misread it and stop the carriage movement.

• Use a cotton swab moistened with distilled water or isopropyl alcohol to wipe the strip gently from end to end.

• Also inspect the encoder sensor (a small black optical reader near the carriage). If it's dirty, clean it carefully.

Step 4: Move the Printhead by Hand

With the printer unplugged, gently slide the printhead carriage back and forth along the rail to make sure it moves smoothly.

• If it feels stuck, lightly lubricate the carriage rail using a few drops of silicone-based grease or light machine oil.

• Avoid using WD-40 or heavy oils, as they can damage plastic parts.

Step 5: Reconnect and Power On

After verifying that everything is dry and free of obstructions, plug the printer back in and power it on. If the printhead moves during startup, you may have cleared the error.

If the 031005 code reappears, the carriage sensor or mainboard may have been affected by cleaning fluid. In that case, you might need to inspect the carriage board connector or replace the encoder sensor assembly.

3. Preventing Future Errors After Cleaning

• Always use minimal cleaning fluid-just enough to moisten the nozzles. Excess fluid can seep into the printhead's electronics or encoder area.

• When cleaning, avoid dripping solution on the printhead's electrical contacts or around the carriage cable.

• If you're performing frequent maintenance, consider using a printhead protective cover, such as our upgraded XP-15000 Printhead Protective Cover V2 (https://bchtechnologies.com/products/printhead-protective-cover-for-epson-xp-15000-upgrade-v2), to help prevent fluid from entering sensitive areas.

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 direct repair support. However, we offer an in-person evaluation and repair service through our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Given the high demand, our repair queue runs on a first-come, first-served basis, so it might take a few weeks before we can receive your printer. Our services cover full printer repairs or specific component diagnostics.

For self-guided help, we highly recommend visiting our YouTube channel homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies) and using the search icon next to the "About" tab to find videos about Epson error codes and cleaning tutorials. With over nine years of detailed content, you can quickly find a step-by-step guide for your model.

Thank you again for your patience and support. We truly value your trust in BCH Technologies and your continued engagement in our community-it's what drives us to keep sharing our technical expertise with printer users worldwide.