Troubleshooting Power Failures in Procolored L-800 DTF Printers: What to Do When Your Power Button Stops Responding

Customer Question

I purchased a Procolored DTF L-800 printer two months ago. After returning from vacation, I discovered the printhead was clogged. I attempted to unclog it, but now the power button won't turn the printer on. How should I begin troubleshooting this issue?

Response

Step-by-Step Guide to Troubleshooting the L-800 Power Button Issue

1. Verify Power Source and External Connections

Start with the basics:

• Wall Outlet: Test the outlet using another device to ensure it’s delivering power.

• Power Cord: Inspect for any visible damage, such as fraying, melted areas, or kinks. Replace it if needed.

• Power Adapter/Brick: If your model uses an external power adapter, test it using a multimeter. Look for the rated DC output—if there’s no output, the adapter may have failed.

2. Inspect the Mainboard and Fuse

Unclogging attempts can occasionally lead to electrical shorts, especially if liquid cleaning solutions are involved.

• Fuse Check: Open the printer and examine the mainboard near the power input for a small surface-mount or cylindrical glass fuse. If it’s blown, it must be replaced with a fuse of the same rating.

• Signs of Damage: Look for discoloration, a burnt smell, swollen capacitors, or charred areas on the PCB. Any such indicators suggest deeper electrical failure and a potential need for a board replacement.

3. Temporarily Disconnect the Printhead

A faulty or internally shorted printhead can prevent the printer from completing its startup sequence.

• Carefully disconnect the FFC (Flat Flexible Cable) that connects the printhead to the mainboard.

• Try powering on the printer again. If the power LED turns on without the printhead, the printhead is likely shorted.

4. Bypass the Power Button (Testing Only)

If the power button itself is faulty:

• Locate where the power button connects to the mainboard—typically via a ribbon cable or a dedicated switch board.

• You can use a jumper wire to short the power-on pins to simulate a button press temporarily.

• If this boots the printer, the power button circuit or its ribbon cable may be faulty and require replacement.

Note: Do this only if you’re confident in your technical skills, as incorrect handling could cause permanent damage.

5. Check for Liquid-Induced Short Circuits

If you used a printhead flush or cleaning fluid, it might have leaked into sensitive internal areas.

• Disassemble the casing around the printhead dock, carriage area, and ribbon cables.

• Use 99% isopropyl alcohol and compressed air to clean any wet areas.

• Let the printer dry completely for at least 24 hours, with all power disconnected, before testing again.

6. Consider Component Replacement

If the above steps don’t resolve the issue:

• Power Supply Replacement: If no voltage is reaching the mainboard, replacing the power supply unit (PSU) may resolve the issue.

• Mainboard Replacement: In cases of severe internal failure or burnt circuitry, replacing the mainboard with a new one may be a more cost-effective option than purchasing a new printer, especially for expensive DTF models.

A Word on DTF Printer Repairs

DTF printers, such as the L-800, are intricate machines that require consistent maintenance. Extended downtime, such as being left idle during a vacation, can compound problems—what starts as a clogged printhead can evolve into broader system failures if not handled delicately.

That’s why, at BCH Technologies, we view your printer as a whole system when diagnosing issues, rather than addressing isolated symptoms.

Need Professional Help?

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. Therefore, we're unable 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. Therefore, it may take a few weeks before we can arrange for your printer to drop it off. Our services are structured to repair either the whole printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on how to proceed. However, we acknowledge that our rates aren't the most economical. Thus, we recommend that you resort to self-help via online research. You can start by checking out YouTube or visiting our YouTube channel's homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Look for specific videos using the search icon next to "About" on the right-hand side of the menu bar. I receive dozens of queries every day asking about videos for specific topics. Having created videos over the past nine years, it's challenging to remember every single one. Therefore, using YouTube's search function would be the most efficient approach. Additionally, YouTube may suggest relevant videos from other channels that can assist you.

Thanks again for reaching out. We hope this detailed response helps you get your printer back up and running. Please continue to engage with us—we appreciate your trust and support!