How to Roll Back Epson ET-15000 Firmware to an Older Version (FL13K4) - Step-by-Step Guidance

Question:
I've been trying to roll back the firmware on my Epson ET-15000 to version FL13K4, but I keep running into problems. The Epson Firmware Updater says my printer is "Downgraded" and won't let me continue, and the WIC Reset Utility I downloaded doesn't show the firmware upload option. I've tried for days, but nothing works.

This is very important to me because I'm creating a special wreath design for my mother-in-law, who's battling brain cancer. I've always used third-party inks that worked perfectly with firmware FL13K4, and I just need to restore that version so I can finish this tribute project.

Can you please help me figure out how to get back to that firmware version or what I might be doing wrong? My printer model is Epson ET-15000, and I'm in North America.

Answer:

Now, let's go through the possible causes and solutions to your Epson ET-15000 firmware rollback issue.

1. Understanding the Firmware "Downgraded" Error

When you see the "Downgraded" message in the Epson Firmware Updater, it means that your printer's current firmware has firmware protection enabled. This feature prevents older versions from being installed once the printer has been updated to a newer release. Epson introduced this safeguard specifically to block compatibility with third-party or refillable ink systems, which unfortunately affects users like you who rely on trusted refill inks.

So, even though the older firmware (like FL13K4) worked perfectly before, the printer's internal EEPROM (its memory chip) now carries a "lock flag" that prevents downgrading through official channels.

2. Restarting the Printer in Service Mode

To attempt a firmware rollback, the first step is to enter service mode-a special maintenance environment that bypasses normal restrictions. Here's how:

1. Turn off the printer.

2. While holding down the Stop, Right Arrow, and Down Arrow buttons simultaneously, press the Power button.

3. Keep holding all buttons until you see "Firmware Update Mode" or a similar message on the screen.

Once in service mode, you can connect your printer to your PC and run the Epson Firmware Recovery Tool. This utility allows you to overwrite corrupted or mismatched firmware more freely than the standard updater.

If the tool fails to detect your printer or displays the same downgrade restriction, move to the next method.

3. Using the WIC Reset Utility

The WIC Reset Utility is an independent program that supports some firmware rollbacks and EEPROM operations. However, the firmware upload function is not included in every version of WIC Reset-you may need to contact the vendor directly to confirm if your version supports it for the ET-15000.

If supported, you can use WIC Reset to:

• Backup and restore your printer's NVRAM (EEPROM memory).

• Upload a firmware binary file (.bin or .enc format).

• Clear firmware protection flags before downgrading.

Make sure to use the official WICReset.com tool and connect your printer via USB cable (not Wi-Fi).

4. Advanced Option: EEPROM Reprogramming

If both of the above methods fail, it's possible that your printer's EEPROM (memory chip) is corrupted or locked at a hardware level. This is not uncommon after multiple firmware attempts or incomplete updates.

There are two ways to restore the correct firmware in this case:

Option A - Binary Dump Flashing:
Search online or on bchtechnologies.com (https://bchtechnologies.com) for a binary dump file for the Epson ET-15000 (keywords: ET-15000 BIN dump FL13K4). Once you find it, you'll need either:

• A USB EEPROM programmer (available on Amazon or eBay), or

• To build your own using an Arduino board and clip adapter.

This method involves physically writing the firmware data directly into the memory chip, bypassing Epson's software lock.

Option B - Chip Replacement:
If the EEPROM itself is corrupted beyond repair, you can replace it entirely. Replacement chips are inexpensive, and many sellers provide pre-flashed versions with older firmware installed (such as FL13K4 or earlier).

These procedures are advanced and require some technical skill, but they're the only reliable ways to truly revert to an earlier firmware once Epson's software locks are engaged.

5. A Note About Firmware Versions

Since Epson updates regional versions differently, firmware version numbers (like FL13K4) may not always match across continents. Even if you find the same version number, it's important to confirm that the region code matches your printer's serial and language settings (for example, "NA" for North America, "EU" for Europe, etc.). Installing the wrong regional firmware can permanently disable your printer's network or language settings.

Addressing printer firmware issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the process. Therefore, we're unable to provide remote troubleshooting or direct firmware uploads. However, we do offer in-person printer evaluation and repair services at our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Due to high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and it may take a few weeks before your printer can be received. Our service options include full printer restoration or part-specific repairs, depending on your needs.

That said, we highly recommend exploring self-help options by visiting our BCH Technologies YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon next to "About" on the right-hand side of the menu bar to find tutorials related to Epson firmware, ET-15000 troubleshooting, and EEPROM programming. With hundreds of videos produced over the past nine years, this is the fastest way to locate relevant step-by-step demonstrations.

Thank you again for reaching out and for sharing your story with us. We truly appreciate your dedication and trust in BCH Technologies. We wish you strength, and we hope your creative project brings comfort and joy to your family.