Troubleshooting Power and Error Light Issues on Your DTF L1800 Printer

Question:
I recently replaced the capping station, ink lines, and dampers on my L1800 DTF printer. About two months ago, I also replaced the printhead and carriage unit. However, after installing the new capping station a few days ago, my printer's power button is no longer responding, and both the power and ink lights are blinking red. Could you help me diagnose the issue? Additionally, do you offer motherboard repairs, and if so, how much do you charge?

Answer:
Thank you for reaching out to us! We sincerely apologize for the delay in getting back to you. We understand that printer issues are always urgent, and we strive to give every question the careful consideration it deserves. At BCH Technologies (https://bchtechnologies.com), we appreciate your engagement and support, especially through our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Your feedback helps us refine our technical expertise and provide better resources for printer troubleshooting.

Diagnosing the Issue

To accurately diagnose your printer's problem, you can use a specialized tool called the Adjustment Program from Epson. Here’s how to use it:

1. Open the Adjustment Program and select your printer’s USB port from the dropdown menu.

2. Navigate to Particular Adjustment, then scroll down and select Printer Information Check.

3. Click Check, and the most recent error code will be displayed at the top.

4. If you’re unsure what the error means, try searching "BCH Epson Error" on Google. This should direct you to our page explaining Epson’s Triple Secret Error Codes.

This software is typically provided to Epson technicians but is sometimes available from DTF printer sellers. If you don’t have access, you may need to search online for a copy.

For a quick video walkthrough of this process, check out our YouTube guide (https://youtube.com/shorts/FPZzpyYuZLE).

Troubleshooting Steps

If your printer is not turning on properly and is flashing red lights, try the following steps:

1. Check the Flat Flexible Cable (FFC)

A loose or improperly seated cable can prevent the control board from receiving power or signals, leading to boot failures. Ensure all FFC connections are securely attached to both the control board and mainboard.

2. Look for Visible Damage

Examine the control board for any burnt components, blown capacitors, or discoloration. If you find any damage, the control board may need to be repaired or replaced.

3. Measure the Power Supply Voltage

Use a multimeter to check the voltage at the control board connectors. If the power supply is faulty, it might not deliver the correct voltage, preventing the printer from powering on.

4. Check Internal Fuses or Surge Protection

Some printers have internal fuses or surge protectors near the control board to prevent electrical damage. If these components are blown, the control board may not receive power. Replace any burnt fuses or damaged protectors.

5. Perform a Firmware or Hardware Reset

In rare cases, a firmware or hardware issue might prevent the control board from turning on. Check your printer’s manual for reset instructions. Performing a reset could resolve software-related problems.

6. Inspect the Mainboard

The mainboard controls the entire printer. If it is damaged, the control board may become inactive. Check the mainboard for burnt components or other signs of failure. If you suspect a problem, it may need repair or replacement.

7. Examine the FFC Cables

Worn-out or damaged FFC cables can disrupt power delivery, causing startup issues. If you notice wear or breakage, replacing the cables may solve the problem.

8. Verify the Reset Button Circuit Board

If your printer has a reset button circuit board above the breakout board, ensure it’s properly connected to the mainboard’s Carriage Scanner Interface Card (CSIC). A flipped or misaligned FFC cable can cause power issues.

For a detailed wiring guide, refer to our Epson R1390 wiring diagram (https://bchtechnologies.com/products/wiring-diagram-for-epson-1390-c655-main-mainboard-colorsun-board-as-in-the-picture?_pos=8&_sid=609aaae05&_ss=r).

9. Test the Printhead

Once the mainboard issue is resolved, check the printhead. Sometimes, a faulty printhead can prevent the printer from turning on. If you’re unsure whether your printhead is functional, we can inspect it during the mainboard repair process.

Motherboard Repair Services

We do offer mainboard repair and full printer repair services. You can find more details on our repair services, including pricing and shipping information, at BCH Technologies Printer Repair Service (https://bchtechnologies.com/collections/printer-repair-service). Over the past 13 years, we have refined our repair process to address common issues efficiently.

Additional Support

Addressing printer issues can be a complex task due to the hands-on nature of repairs. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide remote troubleshooting or support for printer repairs. However, we do offer in-person evaluation and repair services via our local diagnostic facility at BCH Technologies Printer Repair Service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Due to high demand, repairs are handled on a first-come, first-served basis, and it may take a few weeks to schedule your printer drop-off.

Our services cover both full printer repairs and individual part replacements, with clear instructions on how to proceed. However, we acknowledge that our repair rates might not be the most economical. Therefore, we highly recommend leveraging self-help options, such as online research. A great place to start is our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon next to the "About" tab to find specific troubleshooting videos. Given our nine years of content creation, it's difficult to recall every video, but YouTube’s search function can quickly guide you to relevant resources. Additionally, YouTube may suggest related videos from other channels that could further assist you.

We appreciate your patience and your continued support. We hope this guide helps you troubleshoot your printer and resolve the issue efficiently. If you need further assistance, feel free to explore our resources or reach out. Thank you!