Fixing CR Motor Drive Error (0x02) and Dual Blinking Lights on UV DTF Printer (Epson 1390 Parts)

Question:
I recently acquired a UV DTF printer built with Epson 1390 parts. After transporting it with ink bottles inside (which unfortunately leaked), I'm now seeing dual blinking red lights (Ink and Paper indicators) and encountering a "0x02, CR Motor Drive Error." When powering on, the CAP motor makes two movement sounds but shows no actual movement, and occasionally, the printhead briefly moves before stopping with the same error. What could be causing this, and how can I fix it?

Answer:
Thank you very much for reaching out to us! I sincerely apologize for the delay in responding to your query. Printer issues can feel extremely urgent, and at BCH Technologies, we strive to handle each concern carefully and thoroughly. Your ongoing engagement, particularly with our YouTube channel, significantly aids us in developing deeper technical insights and expertise.

From your detailed explanation, you're facing a typical mechanical or feedback stall in your printer's carriage return (CR) system. Let's carefully examine each potential issue and how to address it:

Potential Issues & Detailed Solutions:

1. Carriage Return (CR) Motor Obstruction (Most Common)
The "0x02 CR Motor Drive Error" indicates that your printer's carriage system is facing resistance or obstruction, preventing proper movement.

• Solution:

  • Turn off the printer and gently move the printhead manually. It should slide smoothly and freely.

  • Clean the carriage rail thoroughly using isopropyl alcohol and apply a small amount of lithium grease or silicone lubricant afterward.

  • Check for any physical obstructions, like dried ink or debris from the spilled ink or leftover paper towel fibers.

2. Cap Station or Pump Gear Stalling
The noise (two clicks) without visible movement suggests issues with your cap station or pump gear assembly, likely due to ink spillage.

• Solution:

  • Inspect and manually rotate the pump gear beneath the cap station. It should rotate smoothly without excessive resistance.

  • Clean gears and related mechanical parts thoroughly with distilled water or isopropyl alcohol to remove dried ink.

  • Confirm that waste ink tubing is clear and unobstructed.

3. Encoder Strip or Sensor Contamination
Ink contamination on the encoder strip or CR sensor can confuse the printer’s positional reading, leading to carriage misalignment errors.

• Solution:

  • Gently clean the encoder strip with a lint-free cloth dampened slightly with isopropyl alcohol.

  • Verify the encoder strip is correctly aligned and properly threaded through the sensor—ensure it's clean, undamaged, and free from ink smudges.

4. CR Motor or Circuit Board Damage
Although unlikely if ink did not directly reach electrical components, prolonged resistance from mechanical stalls could potentially damage motor circuitry.

• Solution (Advanced Check):

  • If comfortable, test CR motor continuity using a multimeter.

  • If available, consider briefly swapping the mainboard or CR motor with compatible Epson 1390 parts to confirm functionality.

Your Spilled Ink Concern is Valid:
Spilled ink can indeed cause mechanical blockages, particularly in sensitive areas like cap pads, pump assemblies, and encoder sensors. Residual ink and improperly removed cleaning materials (like paper towels) frequently cause such issues.

Recommended Actions:

• Carefully inspect and clean the carriage rails, cap station, and associated pump gears.

• Meticulously clean the encoder strip and ensure no ink residue is left.

• Ensure all mechanical movements are smooth and free from resistance after thorough cleaning.

Addressing printer issues often involves complex, hands-on troubleshooting, making remote assistance impractical. BCH Technologies provides professional in-person diagnostic and repair services. For more details, visit our Printer Repair Service. Due to high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so please plan accordingly. Although we understand our pricing may not be the lowest, we encourage exploring online resources for self-help first. Our YouTube channel homepage has extensive troubleshooting videos—use the search function next to "About" to find relevant videos quickly. Additionally, YouTube's algorithm might recommend other helpful resources.

Thank you again for your patience and for trusting us with your printer concerns. We greatly value your continued support and engagement!