How to Fix the 0x97 and 0xEA Errors on the Epson WorkForce WF-3640 Printer

Question:
My Epson WorkForce WF-3640 printer is printing blank pages after I installed a new printhead I purchased online. I’m seeing error codes 0x97 and 0xEA. How can I fix this issue?

The issue you're experiencing may be related to the printhead you purchased, particularly if it was bought at a low price from websites like Amazon, eBay, or Walmart. Unfortunately, many of these lower-cost printheads are counterfeit or defective, and they can lead to problems like blank pages and error codes 0x97 and 0xEA. If you paid over $100 for the printhead, it might be worth considering the possibility that it could still be faulty, despite the higher price.

To fix the blank page issue and address the error codes, follow these steps:

1. Power the Printer On and Park the Printhead:
   Turn your printer on and allow the printhead to naturally settle on the capping station. It’s safe to do this with the printer powered on.

2. Check for DTF Ink Thicker Than Regular Ink:
   If you’re using DTF (Direct to Film) ink, keep in mind that it’s thicker than standard ink. You may need to assist the printhead in getting started. This can involve using a syringe and tube to draw air from the printer’s waste line to help prime the printhead.

3. Use a Syringe to Draw Air:
   Attach the syringe to the printer’s waste line and gently draw 1.5 ml of air. You should feel slight resistance during this process. If you’re only drawing air without resistance, it likely means the printhead isn’t parked properly, or there’s a leak in the capping station’s seal. If you feel complete resistance and can’t draw anything out, it could mean that the capping station is clogged, which would prevent the printhead from being primed correctly.

4. Check the Damper Membrane:
   As you draw the air, you might hear a slight crinkling sound coming from the damper membrane. This is a sign that the printhead nozzles are opening. Continue drawing air until you reach 2 ml, and hold for 10 seconds to allow the ink to settle.

5. Perform Regular Cleaning:
   After priming the printhead, run the printer’s standard cleaning cycle. However, avoid doing strong cleaning operations within 12 hours, and don't perform back-to-back cleanings without giving the printer a break.

If these steps don’t resolve the issue, the printhead or the capping station may still be faulty. Given the nature of counterfeit printheads, it might be a good idea to try replacing it with a genuine part, which should resolve the blank page printing and error codes.

Additional Notes:
Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. Unfortunately, we cannot provide remote troubleshooting or support for printer repairs. We offer in-person evaluations and repair services through our local diagnostic facility at https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service. Due to high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, which means there may be a waiting period before we can examine your printer. Our services include repairs for both full printers and specific parts, with clear instructions on how to proceed. While we strive to provide high-quality repairs, our rates may not be the most economical, so we highly encourage you to explore self-help options online. You can start by checking out our YouTube channel here for helpful videos. Use the search feature to look for specific topics, as I receive many queries daily and can't always recall every video I’ve posted. YouTube's search function will help you find relevant content, including suggestions from other channels.

Once again, thank you for your support!