Fixing Epson WF-3640 Power Issues: Mainboard Troubles and Printhead Tips

Question:

I have an Epson WF-3640 printer that powers on with red lights inside but no response on the control panel—no lights or display. The power supply has the correct voltages, and the power button is working fine. Could the issue be with the transistors on the mainboard? Also, is it worth having a cleaned spare printhead ready for quick swaps instead of unclogging on the fly?

Answer:

From your description the most likely problem is on the mainboard, especially a blown transistor and/or the F1 fuse. These components can be damaged by surges, among other electrical problems. But before you replace any parts, make sure to check the connections to the control panel to see that everything is plugged in correctly. If the connections are not secure and the problem still persist, the next suspect will be the transistor and fuse on the mainboard. Replacing these parts typically requires soldering skills and a multimeter to check for continuity. If you’re experienced at electronics repairs, this might be a fix you can tackle.

For your second question, yes having a spare printhead ready can save you time. Replacing a printhead isn’t immediate, but it certainly takes less time than conducting a complete unclogging session, particularly for a very clogged nozzle. That said, the expense of a spare printhead and the work required to keep it (clean and at the ready) should be balanced against how often and how badly you typically get clogs. For infrequent clogs, unclogging on the fly may well still be the more practical solution.

Printer repair is a tricky thing, often requiring physical troubleshooting. Remote repair service is not available for us. We do not have a same-day service option, though we do provide in person diagnostic and service at our local facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service) and repairs are conducted on a first come, first served basis with a wait time due to higher demand. Whether the entire printer needs to be repaired or you decide to repair only some of its components, we can help you along the way.

If you would rather go the self-help route, feel free to visit our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies) and search for topics that relate to what you are trying to do. YouTube might also recommend some other useful videos to assist you.