Troubleshooting Loud Noises and Carriage Issues on Model J DTF Printers

Question:
I’m experiencing an issue with my Model J DTF printer. The carriage moves to the right, then shifts left while making a loud noise. What could be causing this, and how can I fix it?

Answer:

From the description and video you shared, the issue seems to be related to the carriage movement system. When the printhead moves abruptly and generates loud noises, there are a few likely culprits:

1. CR Scale (Timing Encoder Strip) Misalignment

The clear strip behind the carriage, often called the timing encoder strip or CR Scale, helps the printer determine the exact position of the printhead. If this strip is dirty, loose, out of position, or installed incorrectly, the printer can misread signals and cause the head to crash or slam from side to side.

• Fix: Inspect the encoder strip for dust, ink splatter, or grease. Clean gently with a lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol. Ensure both ends are properly mounted and tensioned.

2. CRPW Sensor Malfunction

The CRPW (Carriage Position Width) sensor reads the encoder strip. If the sensor itself is damaged, misaligned, or not seated properly, the carriage cannot locate its position correctly.

• Fix: Check the sensor for proper installation and clean it carefully. If it’s defective, replacement may be required.

3. CRPW Cable Issues

The flat ribbon cable that connects the CRPW sensor to the mainboard may be loose, bent, or damaged. A faulty connection can cause the system to misinterpret signals, resulting in erratic carriage motion and loud mechanical noises.

• Fix: Reseat the cable firmly at both ends. Inspect for cracks or breaks in the cable. Replacement cables are available, including this option: 13-Pin Page Width CR Encoder Sensor FFC Cable (https://bchtechnologies.com/products/13-pin-page-width-cr-encoder-sensor-csic-ffc-cable-for-epson-l1800-1390-1430-dtf-dtg-printers?_pos=1&_sid=ce55665ae&_ss=r).

4. Other Considerations

• Make sure the carriage rail is lubricated and free of debris.

• Listen for grinding sounds—these can indicate mechanical obstructions or a stepper motor skipping.

• Perform a reset and allow the printer to reinitialize to see if it correctly recalibrates.

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 full remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for detailed printer repairs. However, we do offer in-person evaluation and repair service at our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Since demand is high, service is provided on a first-come, first-served basis and may take a few weeks before your printer can be dropped off. We can handle either full printer repairs or specific component-level fixes, with clear instructions on next steps.

That said, we recognize our rates might not be the lowest. We encourage you to try self-help solutions first by exploring repair tutorials online. A great place to start is our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). To find relevant content, click the search icon next to “About” on the channel menu bar and type in the keywords for your issue. Over nine years of content are available, making it difficult to recall every single video, but the search tool is the most efficient way to find the exact guide you need. Plus, YouTube may recommend useful videos from other creators too.

Thank you again for contacting us. We truly value your trust in BCH Technologies and your support of our work.