Troubleshooting a Stuck Print Head on a Procolored L1800 DTF Printer: Mechanical, Sensor, and Belt Issues Explained

Question:

Why does the print head on my Procolored L1800 DTF printer stop one-third of the way when moving left after completing the startup process?

Answer:

1. Mechanical Obstruction

One of the most common causes is a physical blockage along the carriage’s path. Check for:

• Loose wires or ink tubes snagging on the carriage

• Warped or misaligned drag chains

• Dried ink buildup or debris on the carriage rail

How to test: Power off the printer, then gently move the print head left and right by hand. If you feel resistance or it stops at the same spot every time, this is likely your culprit.

2. Carriage Belt or Motor Malfunction

If the timing belt that moves the carriage is loose, frayed, or worn, the printer might fail to move the head properly. Similarly, the motor pulley or gear driving the carriage could be loose or worn out.

• Check the belt for proper tension—there should be a slight give but not so much that it sags.

• Ensure the motor pulley is not slipping on the shaft.

3. CR Encoder Strip Issues

The CR Encoder Strip is a translucent plastic band that runs behind the carriage. It provides positional feedback to the printer.

If this strip is dirty, scratched, or misaligned, the printer may stop the carriage prematurely to avoid further issues. This is a protective behavior.

Fix: Gently clean the strip using a lint-free cloth and 90%+ isopropyl alcohol. Avoid using force or excessive pressure.

4. CRPW Sensor or FFC Cable Error

Sometimes, the Carriage Position Sensor (CRPW) misreads the strip due to signal loss or internal fault. This could happen from:

• Dust on the sensor lens

• Damaged or loose FFC (Flat Flexible Cable)

• EMI (electromagnetic interference) issues

Try disconnecting and reconnecting the FFC cable and clean the sensor area gently. If the error persists, sensor replacement might be required.

5. Greasing the Rod

At around the 12:12 mark in our detailed video tutorial (https://youtu.be/bXtkceBRVuk), we noticed a carriage jam. This might be due to friction on the CR shaft (the main metal rod the carriage glides on). Apply a light lubricant designed for printers (avoid household oils) and manually slide the carriage to distribute the grease evenly.

6. Out-of-Sync Capping Station

Around the 3:00 and 7:00 marks of the same video, we observed behavior that could mean the Auto Pump Gear (APG) or capping station is slightly out of sync. If the APG doesn’t raise or lower properly, it can throw off the startup sequence and cause sensor errors.

A misaligned capping station might also trigger errors from sensors detecting incorrect boundary or docking conditions.

7. Use the Epson Adjustment Program

To confirm sensor or hardware errors, use the Epson Adjustment Program:

• Launch the program and select the correct USB port.

• Choose "Particular Adjustment Mode", then "Printer Information Check".

• Click “Check” and note the first error code listed.

You can identify the meaning of the error using our BCH error lookup tool. Just search "BCH Epson Error" on Google to find our decoder page for Epson's Triple Secret Error Codes.

For a quick walkthrough, refer to this video tutorial (https://youtube.com/shorts/FPZzpyYuZLE).

Additional Note

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. For this reason, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We offer an in-person evaluation and repair service via our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Given the high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis. It may take a few weeks before we can accommodate your printer drop-off. Our services include full printer repair or targeted part repair, with detailed steps on how to proceed. That said, we understand our pricing might not be the lowest, so we highly recommend self-help methods through online research. Start with YouTube, and especially explore our YouTube channel homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon near the “About” tab to find videos by topic. We've produced hundreds of tutorials over the past nine years, and this is the most effective way to locate what you need. Plus, YouTube may suggest helpful videos from other creators as well.

Thanks again for reaching out. We appreciate your support and are always here to help however we can. Stay tuned for more helpful content on our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies).