How to Fix Color Accuracy Issues on Epson ET-8550 After Firmware Update or Ink Conversion

Question:

I've been using an Epson ET-8550 that I converted to sublimation ink (Hippo brand) for nearly a year, and everything worked perfectly until recently. After losing my Wi-Fi connection, I unknowingly updated the Epson drivers and the firmware. Since then, I’ve been experiencing strange color output problems. Golden yellow now prints only as bright yellow, teal prints as blue, and reds are stuck in one shade. I ran all maintenance steps, and I know the entire color spectrum works—my second ET-8550 (non-converted) prints all colors acceptably. I've read that Epson firmware updates might interfere with third-party inks. Can you help me revert the firmware or fix the color issues?

Answer:

While it’s tempting to blame the firmware update for the sudden change in color accuracy, the root cause is often more mechanical than digital—particularly if you're seeing a dramatic color shift like golden yellow appearing only as bright yellow, teal printing as blue, and reds limited in tone. Based on your description, this is likely due to clogged or partially clogged nozzles, especially in the magenta or yellow channels—and not caused by the firmware update.

Here’s why:

Firmware updates from Epson, while increasingly restrictive for third-party ink and chip usage, generally do not alter color management to that degree. They mostly affect the printer’s ability to recognize non-genuine cartridges (particularly in chip-based models) or limit functionality like refill detection. The ET-8550 uses an EcoTank system that does not rely on chip recognition for ink levels, so it is not particularly vulnerable to those specific firmware behaviors.

Your issue—where specific hues are skewed—is a textbook example of missing ink in the color mix, often caused by dried or partially blocked nozzles. For example:

• Golden yellow requires a blend of yellow and magenta—if magenta is missing, you'll get a bright or pale yellow.

• Teal is made with cyan and a bit of yellow—if yellow is faint, the color leans toward blue.

• Reds need both magenta and yellow—a missing tone results in a skewed red range.

Even if the nozzle check appears "okay," small breaks in the pattern—particularly in the magenta or yellow—can affect output significantly. In sublimation setups, color loss or imbalance is almost always linked to ink flow rather than firmware.

Recommended Steps to Fix the Problem:

1. Run several cleaning cycles using the printer’s built-in utility. Sometimes a deep clean is necessary.

2. If that doesn’t help, try a manual flush of the affected channels using cleaning fluid.

3. Use the printer’s Nozzle Check and compare it to the known-good ET-8550.

4. You may also consider switching the printer into Service Mode and performing an Initial Ink Charge (be cautious: this uses a lot of ink).

5. If none of these steps restore color accuracy, inspect the ink tanks and lines—in some rare cases, sedimentation or air bubbles in the line could prevent consistent flow.

As for reverting firmware: Unfortunately, Epson doesn't support rolling back firmware on EcoTank models like the ET-8550. There are unofficial methods floating online, but they're risky and can brick your printer. Since your other ET-8550 prints well, the best move is to isolate and restore function on the converted unit without rolling back firmware.

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 get your printer to drop it off. Our services are structured to repair either a 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 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.

Thank you again for reaching out to us. We hope this explanation gets your ET-8550 printing accurate colors again soon. Your support means the world to us.