How to Fix Screeching Noises on Epson ET-8550 Printers: Causes, Error Codes, and Solutions

Question:

My Epson ET-8550 makes a loud screeching noise during operation and won't proceed past it. What could be causing this, and how can I fix it?

Answer:

Thank you for contacting us, and we sincerely apologize for the delay in responding. We understand that all printer issues, especially disruptive ones like yours, are urgent and often frustrating. However, we also want to treat every case with the attention and detail it deserves. At BCH Technologies, we deeply value your support, especially your engagement with our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Your questions and feedback help us continuously improve and provide better technical insights for the printing community.

What’s Causing the Screeching Sound?

The screeching noise from your Epson ET-8550 typically points to a mechanical obstruction or motor strain, often in the carriage path or gear train. This is more common than it seems and can be caused by several things:

1. Encoder Strip Contamination or Misalignment

The encoder strip is a thin, clear plastic strip with fine lines that helps the printer determine the position of the printhead. If it’s dirty, dislodged, or stretched, the printhead might behave erratically, causing the motors to struggle or screech.

2. Carriage Motor or Rail Issues

If the printhead rail is dirty or dry, or the carriage motor is worn out, the movement can produce loud screeching noises. Sometimes the printer will try to compensate with more torque, leading to the jarring sound you described.

3. Gear Train Binding

Epson printers use a gear system to move parts of the printer. A misaligned gear, a foreign object, or dried ink buildup can jam the system and cause a high-pitched screech as gears skip or bind.

Steps to Troubleshoot:

Here’s what you can try before opting for the service:

Step 1: Search Our Channel for Visual Guidance

We’ve published several videos tackling this very issue. To locate the most relevant one:

• Go to our YouTube homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies).

• Click the magnifying glass icon (🔍) at the top right.

• Search using keywords like Epson 8550 screech, gear noise, or carriage stuck.

One beneficial video may be this one:
ET-8550 Screeching Sound – Fixing Guide
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZImxOQYgcQ)

Step 2: Check Encoder Strip

• Power off the printer.

• Open the lid and locate the clear encoder strip behind the carriage path.

• Use a lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol, and gently wipe it.

• Be extremely careful—this strip is fragile.

Step 3: Lubricate the Rails

• Clean and lightly lubricate the metal bar the printhead rides on using white lithium grease or sewing machine oil.

• Avoid over-lubrication to prevent splatter.

Step 4: Inspect for Obstructions

• Remove any debris or jammed paper.

• Look around the gear areas (usually visible near the printer's rear) for ink buildup or dislodged plastic bits.

Are There Any Error Codes?

While the ET-8550 may not always throw an error code for mechanical sounds, in some cases, it might trigger a "0x97" or "0xEA" error, indicating hardware malfunction or carriage jam, respectively. If you see these codes, they further confirm a mechanical interference or drive issue.

Additional Support

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. So, we're unable 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 to get your printer to drop it off. Our services are structured to repair the 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 YouTube or visiting 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 supporting BCH Technologies. We truly appreciate your patience and trust in our knowledge and services.