How to Troubleshoot No Ink Printing and Error Codes on the Epson L1800 Printer

Question:
I have a PLK A3 L1800 printer and have replaced the motherboard, printhead, transistors on the new motherboard, printhead cable, capping station, printhead carriage, and cable. Despite these replacements, I’m still getting no ink on paper, although the printer is sucking and cleaning the printhead. Additionally, when I select the nozzle check, the carriage moves to the middle and spits out paper. During head cleaning, the carriage moves fine. What should I check next? Do you sell all the necessary cables to fix the firing issue?

You've already replaced several critical components, including the motherboard, printhead, capping station, and printhead carriage, which is a great start. Based on your description, the issue is related to either the FFC (Flat Flexible Cables), the mainboard's print signal components, or the encoder system. Let’s break this down step-by-step.

Recommended Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Inspect the Flat Flexible Cables (FFCs):
   Even small issues with FFCs can cause a complete breakdown in the print signal, preventing ink from firing. Here's what to check:

   • Ensure all FFCs are connected firmly and oriented correctly (not flipped or misaligned).

   • Look for signs of damage such as tears, oxidation, or bent pins on the cables.

   • If you have spare FFCs, swap them one at a time to determine if a specific cable is causing the issue.

2. Check the Mainboard’s Print Signal Components:
   If the cables seem fine, the problem could lie in the electronics of the mainboard. Specifically:

   • Inspect the F1 fuse: A blown fuse can prevent the ink from firing, even if everything else appears to be working.

   • Examine the driver IC and surrounding components: These components manage the signals that control the printhead's firing. If there’s a fault here, the printhead may not receive the correct signals to print.

   • If you have access to a working mainboard, swapping it in can help you quickly determine if the issue lies with the mainboard.

3. Verify Printhead Functionality:
   Although the printhead appears to be moving fine, it may still be blocked internally or damaged. Here's what you can do:

   • Flush or manually prime the printhead using a syringe to check for ink flow resistance.

   • Test with a multimeter for continuity across the printhead's firing pins. Look for any shorts or abnormal resistance values, which could indicate a malfunction.

4. Address the Carriage Moving to the Center During Nozzle Check:
   The issue with the carriage moving to the center and spitting out paper likely points to a problem with the encoder system, not the ink supply. The CR (Carriage Return) encoder is responsible for detecting the position of the carriage. Here’s what to check:

   • Clean or realign the encoder strip that tracks the carriage's movement.

   • Check or replace the CR encoder FFC cable and ensure the sensor connection is secure and working correctly.

5. Regarding the Cables You Linked:
   The 11-pin FFC cable you linked appears to be for an Epson L1800, typically for the breakout or control board interface. However, based on your symptoms, your focus should be on the printhead/CR encoder FFC cables, rather than the cable you linked. These cables play a crucial role in controlling the printhead's firing and the carriage's movement.

Next Steps:

• Swap or reseat all FFC cables, starting with the printhead cable and carriage encoder.

• Test with a known-good mainboard if possible, to rule out any mainboard issues.

• Prime the printhead manually and test firing to ensure ink is flowing correctly.

• Clean and realign the encoder strip or replace the CR encoder FFC cable if necessary.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. Unfortunately, we cannot provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, 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 our rates may not be the most economical, we highly recommend exploring self-help options online. You can start by checking out our YouTube channel here for helpful videos. Use the search feature to find specific topics. With the many queries we receive daily, I recommend using YouTube’s search function to find relevant videos more efficiently.

Once again, thank you for your support, and I hope these steps help get your printer back in working order!