How to Replace the Motherboard and Ink Cables on a Procolored L1800 (Epson L1800 Platform): Common Issues, Safety Checks, and Helpful Resources

Question:

A customer explained that their Procolored L1800 (Epson L1800-based) printer has been down since September. They have already replaced the motherboard, printhead, and control panel, and installed new cables. They believe they know how to install the motherboard but want to watch a video to confirm. They also need instructions on replacing ink cables and want to make sure nothing damages the new board. They mentioned they have learned more from BCH videos than from official support and would like guidance on where to begin.

Answer:

Replacing the Motherboard, Printhead Checks, and Ink Cable Guidance

Since you've already replaced several major components, the next steps mainly involve confirming that the new motherboard and printhead are safe to pair together and ensuring that the ribbon and ink cable routing is correct.

1. Critical Step: Check the Printhead Before Connecting It to the New Mainboard

One of the most important precautions-especially on L1800, 1390, 1430, and Procolored variants-is verifying the printhead's electrical condition before attaching it to a new or good motherboard.

A faulty printhead can instantly blow the new board, which is unfortunately a very common failure scenario.

To run this safety test, use the multimeter test sheet designed for Epson L1800-format printheads:

Printhead Multimeter Test Sheet (Digital Download)
https://bchtechnologies.com/products/test-sheet-for-l1800-1390-printhead-testing-with-multimeter-digital-download-instant-download-delivered-to-your-email?_pos=5&_sid=fb0f88e38&_ss=r

This guide walks you through measuring resistance values across the head's contacts. If any of the readings fall outside the expected tolerance range, the printhead may be shorted internally-and plugging it into your new motherboard could damage that new board instantly.

Even if the head is new, testing it first is strongly recommended.

2. Motherboard Installation Tips for the Procolored L1800 / Epson L1800

Although motherboard installation itself is fairly straightforward, here are the key points to ensure a smooth and safe setup:

• Disconnect all power and ensure capacitors are drained before removing or connecting anything.

• Double-check ribbon cable orientation. A single reversed cable can short out the board.

• Ensure all locking tabs are fully seated-L1800 boards are extremely picky about contact pressure.

• Do not attach the printhead until the very end, after all other cables and the control panel are confirmed secure.

• Inspect each ribbon cable for cracks or burnt contact points. You mentioned you ordered new cable sets-this is excellent, as faulty ribbons are a leading cause of intermittent or catastrophic failures.

Most L1800 motherboard installs follow Epson's standard navigation and structure. If you have watched Kevin's L1800/L1390 series teardown videos, the same general rules apply to the Procolored version since the hardware platform is essentially identical.

3. Replacing Ink Tubes and Cable Routing

Ink tube and ribbon routing is largely mechanical, but incorrect routing can lead to:

• Carriage jams

• Tube pinching

• Ink starvation

• Encoder strip contamination

• Carriage drive errors, such as Carriage Jam, Fatal Error, Paper Jam, or 0xEA-type errors on Epson-based systems

Here are the key guidelines:

• Keep ink tubes aligned with the factory arc to prevent tension on the carriage.

• Avoid over-tightening tube clamps. Too much tension can restrict movement.

• Ensure the tube holder on the carriage moves freely without rubbing against the frame.

• Run the tubes through their intended channels and retainers-using the wrong path can cause rubbing against the encoder strip or belt.

• If you emptied the ink system, prime the lines again with syringes or a priming tool to avoid dry firing the printhead.

While we do not currently have a dedicated Procolored-specific cable routing video, all Epson L1800-series routing methods are similar. Searching "L1800 ink tube replacement" or "Epson 1390 ink lines" on YouTube will produce the closest matches.

4. Notes About Error Codes You May Encounter

Procolored L1800 units may show Epson-style errors such as:

• General Error (0xF1) - often cable orientation or head short

• Fatal Error (0xF0 or variations) - usually ribbon cable or motor/encoder related

• Carriage Jam / 0xEA Errors - tube tension, carriage obstruction, or belt issues

• Service Required / Waste Ink Pad Error - maintenance-related, unrelated to board swaps

If any of these appear after reassembly, the first things to re-check are:

1. Ribbon cable orientation

2. Whether the printhead passed the multimeter test

3. Encoder strip cleanliness

4. Carriage path obstruction

A Note Regarding Repairs and Support

Working through printer hardware issues can be difficult because many of the problems require hands-on testing, electrical verification, and physical inspection. For this reason, we're unable to provide remote troubleshooting or hands-on repair guidance beyond general suggestions. We do offer an in-person evaluation and repair service at our local diagnostic facility (Printer Repair Service
https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service).

Please be aware that our repair queue is first-come, first-served and may take several weeks before a unit can be examined. Our services cover full-printer repairs or individual component repairs, with clear instructions for drop-off and processing. Because our repair rates may not fit every budget, we always encourage self-help through YouTube searches. Visit our YouTube homepage (BCH Technologies on YouTube
https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies), and use the search icon next to "About" to locate videos matched to your specific issue. With nine years of uploaded content, it's difficult to recall every video on command, and YouTube's search tool will be the fastest way to find what you need-along with suggested videos from other creators that might also be useful.

Thank you again for reaching out and for your continued support of BCH Technologies. We truly appreciate your trust, your patience, and your engagement with our content. If you need anything else, feel free to contact us anytime.