No Ink Coming Out After Replacing Motherboard, Capping Station, and Printhead: Causes and Fixes

Question:
I replaced the motherboard, capping station, and printhead in my printer, but I still can't get any ink to flow through the printhead. What could be wrong?

Answer:

Why No Ink is Flowing After Major Part Replacements

Even though you replaced the motherboard, capping station, and printhead, there are still several other factors that can prevent ink from reaching the nozzles:

1. Air in the Ink Lines

   • When a printer is opened up for part replacement, air can easily enter the ink delivery system. If the ink lines are filled with air pockets, the printhead will not draw ink properly.

   • This often requires a priming process or the use of a syringe to gently pull ink through the dampers or lines until a steady flow is restored.

2. Dampers or Ink Filters Blocked

   • The dampers (small filters between the ink lines and the printhead) may be clogged or defective. Even new ones can sometimes have blockages or manufacturing issues.

   • If ink cannot pass through the dampers, the printhead will appear dry even though the rest of the system is intact.

3. Capping Station Not Sealing Properly

   • Even if you replaced the capping station, if it isn't sealing tightly against the printhead, the suction pump cannot pull ink during cleaning cycles.

   • A poor seal results in air being drawn in instead of ink, which leaves the head starved.

4. Pump Assembly Problems

   • The pump connected to the capping station is what generates suction to move ink through the printhead. If the pump is weak, misaligned, or clogged, it won't pull ink into the head.

5. Ribbon Cable Orientation

   • If the ribbon cable to the printhead is installed incorrectly (flipped, loose, or misaligned), the printhead may not fire even if ink is present. This is a common oversight after part replacements.

6. Printhead Short or Defect

   • Unfortunately, even new printheads can arrive defective. If the new head is internally shorted or damaged, it will not draw ink or fire nozzles.

Recommended Next Steps

• Prime the system: Use a priming tool or syringe to draw ink through the lines until ink reaches the printhead.

• Check the seal of the capping station: Ensure it aligns perfectly with the head surface and test whether suction is happening during a cleaning cycle.

• Inspect the dampers: Replace them if clogged or not filling properly.

• Test the pump assembly: Make sure it is pulling ink and not drawing only air.

• Recheck ribbon cables: Confirm correct orientation and secure connection.

• Test for shorts: If the fuse on the mainboard blows repeatedly, the printhead itself may be faulty.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. That's why we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, detailed suggestions, or direct support for repairs. We do, however, offer an in-person evaluation and repair service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). This service works on a first-come, first-served basis, and due to high demand, it may take a few weeks before your printer can be brought in. We handle both complete repairs and part-specific servicing. That said, we understand our rates may not be the most economical, so we encourage self-help approaches as well. A great starting point is our YouTube channel homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies), where you can use the search function next to "About" to locate relevant videos or find helpful tutorials recommended by YouTube from other creators.

Thank you again for reaching out. We appreciate your trust and support, and we hope this guidance helps you identify why ink isn't flowing after your part replacements.