How to Resolve Epson Printer in Inspection Mode and Error Code 031006

Question:

When your YouTube videos showed how to fix the "Inspection Mode" error, I tried to fix that, too, but couldn't. Now, I'm also facing the 031006 error code. I have not been able to fix either problem. Can you help me fix both?

Answer:

How to Reset Epson Printer Inspection Mode

And the Inspection Mode is a factory test mode of Epson printers where every printer is checked at the factory before it was shipped, to check the functionality of the printer. A printer in Inspection Mode is usually indicative of corrupted firmware.

Why Does This Happen?

Firmware corruption can happen if the automatic firmware isn’t configured properly and gets interrupted or applied incorrectly.

Some online sources claim that this can be bypassed by entering a password via Inspection Mode, but mostly this does not work at all because the firmware itself is too faulty in this case.

Anyway, Epson printers have locked firmware and when it goes corrupt there is no way to restore his Firmware without replacing the mainboard.

What is Error Code 031006?

Most of the times error 031006 is caused due to a hardware failure, and it is a critical error, and may not be repairable in most cases.

The Most Common Causes:

Burned-Out Printhead:

Replacing the Printhead If the printhead has experienced an electronic burn or short-circuit, it is no longer repairable and must be replaced.

Damaged Motherboard:

The mainboard F1/F301 fuse could be blown.

Other electronic components, such as transistors or capacitors, might have failed.

The printer may also produce a clicking sound when powered on, which could also indicate a short circuit.

Printhead and Motherboard Failure at the Same Time:

If ink has leaked into the electronic components, the printhead and mainboard may be beyond repair.

Can You Fix Both Issues?

Sadly, even after you've replaced the printhead and the mainboards (and repaired or replaced the mainboard), if you corrected the 031006 issue, but your printer will still be stuck in Inspection Mode due to the corruption of the firmware. The only way to recover from this state is through a complete replacement of the mainboard with the working firmware, since as you know you cannot downgrade or rewrite Epson firmware.

What Are Your Best Options?

Step 8: Replace the Mainboard, Printhead, and FFC Cable

Restoring functionality is the only way to do it, but it may not be economical.

Confirm that the price of these materials is not higher than the cost of a new printer.

Think About Getting a New Printer:

Due to the complicated and expensive nature of fixing both firmware and hardware malfunctions, the best approach may instead be to opt for a new printer.

Avoid This Problem Down the Road:

If you have a new Epson printer, turn off automatic firmware updates to protect yourself against firmware corruption.

You can either go into your printer’s settings and do this or block Epson’s update servers from your router.

Fixing printer problems can be tricky, given their practical nature. So we cannot offer assistance with troubleshooting remotely, or with offering suggestions for printer repairs. The other is an in-person service through our local diagnostic center (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service), and due to it being in high demand, these are treated on a first come first serve basis so it may take several weeks before we are able to have your printer serviced. You can opt for the repair of the entire printer or one of its components, and we will show you the way. But then again, we know our rates may not fit every budget. For this reason, we highly encourage self-help through online resources.

You can check out our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies) and search solutions there! Search specific topics using the search icon, which appears next to the “About” tab in the menu bar. Video tutorials are lengthy — with nine years of videos, it’s hard to remember every single one, but the search function on YouTube can get you close to what you’re looking for. Plus, YouTube might recommend other useful videos from different channels.

Again, we thank you for your patience and support. Please reach out for more information if you need. Thank you for your continued support of BCH Technologies!