Troubleshooting Epson WF-3620 Not Recognizing Cartridges – Causes and Fixes

Question:

I have a significant issue with my Epson WF-3620 printer not recognizing ink cartridges. After flushing the system, the printer gets stuck on reading cartridges, and after about two minutes, it throws an "Ink Out/Not Recognized" error.

Here’s what I’ve tried so far:

• Replaced the detection board
• Swapped out the refillable cartridges with a new set
• Installed a new motherboard (which should reset everything, but didn’t)
• Replaced the carriage, cables, and printhead

At this point, the printer should be in 100% working order, yet it still won’t recognize the cartridges. However, when I tried flashing an EEPROM from a different model, the printer recognized the cartridges, but the paper feed function is now messed up. The seller of the refillable cartridges suggested that the printer be activated using original cartridges before it accepts refillable ones.

Could t software block on the motherboard pbe reventing the printer from working? This issue is extremely frustrating because Idespite replacingnearly every major component, yhe printer refuses to function correctly. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Answer:

Thank you for reaching out, and I sincerely apologize for not getting back to you sooner. I understand how frustrating printer issues like this can be, especially after replacing so many components. That’s why I always aim to analyze the problem carefully and provide the most detailed solution possible.

At BCH Technologies, we appreciate your engagement and support, particularly with our YouTube channel (BCH Technologies YouTube Channel). Your feedback helps us expand our technical knowledge and create better troubleshooting content for users facing similar challenges.

Now, let’s break down what could be causing this issue and the possible solutions.

1. Possible Causes for the “Ink Not Recognized” Error

The fact that the printer recognizes cartridges only when you flashed the EEPROM with a different model’s firmware suggests that the issue is likely firmware-related rather than a purely hardware issue. However, there are several potential culprits:

A. CSIC Board Malfunction

The CSIC (Chip Sensor Interface Circuit) board communicates with the ink cartridges. If this board is faulty, even a brand-new motherboard won’t fix the issue.

Fix:

• Inspect the CSIC board for missing or bent gold-plated contact pins where the cartridges slot in.
• If the pins are dirty or corroded, clean them carefully with isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth.
• If you have another working Epson WF-3620, you can swap the CSIC board to see if it resolves the issue.

B. Firmware Lock on Third-Party Cartridges

Epson has been known to push firmware updates that block the use of third-party refillable cartridges. If your printer was automatically updated, it may require original Epson cartridges for activation before allowing third-party ones.

Fix:

• Try inserting a complete set of genuine Epson cartridges first. This can reinitialize the ink recognition system.
• After inserting the genuine cartridges, swap them out one by one with refillable cartridges to see if the printer will accept them.
• If the printer starts working, disable automatic firmware updates to prevent future issues.

C. Incorrect EEPROM Flashing

Since the printer recognized cartridges after flashing an EEPROM from a different model, this confirms that the original motherboard software may be blocking third-party cartridges. However, flashing the wrong EEPROM has now caused paper feed malfunctions, which means the EEPROM is incompatible with your printer’s hardware.

Fix:

• Try reflashing the correct EEPROM for the WF-3620 model instead of using an EEPROM from a different printer.
• If you don’t have the original EEPROM backup, look for a dump file from another working WF-3620 and restore it.
• Flashing firmware tools such as WIC Reset Utility or iFix Epson Tool may help recover the original settings.

D. Faulty Cartridge Chips or Chip Reset Issue

If the printer detects cartridges after the EEPROM change but won’t work otherwise, the issue could be related to the chip reset or cartridge chips.

Fix:

• If using refillable cartridges, try a different chip resetter or ARC (Auto-Reset Chips) to ensure the chips are correctly programmed.
• Test with OEM Epson cartridges to rule out whether the third-party chips are causing the issue.

2. Recommended Next Steps

✅ Step 1: Test the CSIC Board and Cartridge Pins

• Check for missing, dirty, or damaged contacts.
• Clean them and reseat the cartridges.

✅ Step 2: Use Genuine Epson Cartridges for Activation

• Try inserting a full OEM Epson cartridge set before switching back to refillables.

✅ Step 3: Reflash the Correct EEPROM or Restore Factory Defaults

• If you flashed the wrong EEPROM, revert to the WF-3620 default EEPROM to restore paper feed functions.

✅ Step 4: Check for Firmware Blocks on Refillable Cartridges

• If firmware is the issue, use a chip resetter or downgrade the firmware if possible.

If none of these steps work, then the firmware itself may have permanently blocked the use of refillable cartridges. In that case, the only options left would be:

1. I found an older version of the WF-3620 firmware and flashed it manually.
2. Replacing the motherboard with one that hasn’t been updated to the latest firmware.

Additional Support for Printer Repairs

Printer troubleshooting can be highly technical and hands-on, especially at this level. While we strive to offer the best guidance possible, we cannot provide remote troubleshooting or support. However, we offer an in-person evaluation and repair service at BCH Technologies Printer Repair Service at our local diagnostic facility.

Due to high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning there may be a wait time before we can get to your printer. We repair entire printers and specific components and provide clear instructions for customers needing repair assistance. However, our pricing may not be the most cost-effective for everyone.

We highly recommend our YouTube Channel: BCH Technologies YouTube Channel for DIY solutions. Use the channel page's search function (🔍) to find relevant troubleshooting videos related to Epson ink detection errors, firmware issues, and CSIC board fixes.

Final Thoughts

I know this issue is frustrating, especially after replacing so many parts. However, based on your description, the most likely culprits are CSIC board failure, firmware lock on refillable cartridges, or incorrect EEPROM settings. I highly recommend testing with original Epson cartridges first, then programming the EEPROM if necessary.

Thanks again for reaching out, and I hope this guide helps you find a solution. If you have any updates or need further assistance, feel free to ask. Wishing you the best of luck in getting your Epson WF-3620 back up and running!