How to Fix the "Cannot Lock the Carriage" Error on Epson Procolored 1390 DTF Printers

Customer Question:

I have a DTF Procolored 1390 Epson printer, and it's giving me two flashing lights and an error that says “Cannot lock the carriage.” This started happening after I reset and cleaned everything. Can you help me figure out what's wrong?

Answer:

Understanding the "Cannot Lock the Carriage" Error:

When your Epson 1390-based DTF printer (including the Procolored 1390 model) displays the “Cannot Lock the Carriage” error and blinks two warning lights, it's typically signaling a mechanical issue, most commonly related to the capping station or printhead lock mechanism being out of sync.

This problem often arises after maintenance actions like deep cleaning or a system reset, which can inadvertently leave components slightly misaligned.

Recommended Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Check the Capping Station Synchronization

• Manually move the printhead away from the capping station (toward the printer's center).

• Locate the waste pump on the right side of the printer. It has a center slot that accepts a flathead screwdriver.

• Insert the screwdriver and turn it counterclockwise a few times.

• Observe the white printhead lock lever—it should move up and down as you turn the screw. This indicates that the capping mechanism is trying to engage/disengage.

If it doesn't move erratically, your capping station may be jammed or mechanically out of sync.

Essential Video Guides to Help You Further:

Here are several videos we’ve created that walk you through different aspects of diagnosing and fixing capping station problems:

• Why You Hear a Screeching Sound (Capping Station Issue)
  https://youtu.be/MjArYM-QnfU

• How to Repair Screeching Sounds in Epson DTF Printers
  https://youtu.be/TNOG_1TtN6g

• Removing & Reinstalling the Capping Station
  https://youtu.be/_cZEkmgIZYc
  (Caution: This doesn’t include full uncasing of the printer—if that’s overwhelming, consider professional help.)

• How to Unclog a Capping Station
  https://youtu.be/WbY_6O1-w2c

• Capping Station Maintenance Tips
  https://youtu.be/5yjq3ZN0qv8

• Troubleshooting & Repairing the Capping Station
  https://youtu.be/5UC2IMu9V90

• Rewiring Tubes in the Capping Station
  https://youtu.be/J9im3s8UJfo

For an in-depth mechanical breakdown—disassembling gears and syncing all moving parts of the capping station—we’ve created a comprehensive video guide available on our website:
Complete Capping Station Assembly & Disassembly Guide
https://bchtechnologies.com/products/video-capping-station-assemble-disassemble-guide-for-l1800-1390-artisan-1430-and-1400

Additional Note on In-Person Support:

Diagnosing and fixing printer problems can be a hands-on and sometimes intricate process. Unfortunately, due to the physical nature of these issues, we cannot offer remote repair or one-on-one troubleshooting. We do, however, provide in-person diagnostic and repair services at our local facility, which you can learn more about here:
BCH Printer Repair Service
https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service

Please note that service slots are limited and processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Depending on current demand, there may be a few weeks of wait time. We repair full units or individual parts with detailed guidance. That said, we understand that our pricing might not fit everyone’s budget. Therefore, we encourage DIY repair whenever possible.

For further learning, visit our YouTube Channel Homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies) and use the search tool next to the “About” tab on the top menu. We’ve published hundreds of videos over the past 9 years, and while we can’t always recall every single one, YouTube’s algorithm often helps surface the most relevant guides.

Thank you again for your patience and trust in BCH Technologies. We’re honored to assist you on your printer journey and appreciate your commitment to learning and improving with us.