What are Epson ET-8550 Error Codes 100077 and 100025?

Question:

I recently converted my Epson ET-8550 to a Continuous Ink Supply System (CISS). After installation and filling the ink reservoirs, the ink began pooling, and I started receiving error codes 100077 and 100025. What do these errors mean, and how can I fix them?

Answer:

ERROR CODE 100077 − FB BS+ Excess Load Error

This error signifies that there is something wrong with the scanner motor or any of its respective components. The printer is sensing an overload or obstruction in the scanner movement, which can happen due to various things:

Possible Causes and Fixes:

The scanner motor failed mid-scan

• It may be caused by a disengaged scanner carriage (CR) or motor pulley. Ensure the scanner mechanism is seated properly and moves freely.

Scanner motor gear damage

• Check for any cracks or breaks in the gears of the scanner motor assembly. If any are found, they will need to be replaced.

Scanner motor encoder failure

• The encoder tracks scanner movement. If it’s dirty from dust or ink residue, gently wipe it down with a lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol.

Flat flexible cable (FFC) issues

• Inspect the FFC (flat flexible cable) connecting the scanner to the main board for disconnections, breaks, or damage. If it's damaged, you will have to replace the cable.

Defective scanner motor

• If the above doesn't solve the problem, the scanner motor itself may have failed and needs to be replaced.

Main board failure

• A damaged main board could be the culprit as a last resort. Replacing this will take professional diagnosis and replacement.

Error Code 100025 – Measurement Error

This error is also associated with the scanner driving mechanism and indicates an overload problem.

Possible Causes and Fixes:

Scanner drive mechanism overload

• Look for paper jams, obstructions, or ink leakage around the scanner area that might be preventing movement.

Scanner motor failure

• Examine the motor and replace it if this becomes a problem.

Additional Error: 000025 – CR PID Speed Fall Error

If you also receive Error Code 000025, it is a carriage (CR) problem, not the scanner.

Possible Causes and Fixes:

Obstacles stopping the CR movement

• Ensure there is no jammed paper, trapped ink tubing, or obstructions interfering with the carriage.

Overload of the mechanism

• In case the CISS tubing is not fitted properly, it is probably the one limiting the movement. The tubes must ensure unobstructed movement of the carriage.

Loose or skipping timing belt

• Have a look at the timing belt (the long-toothed belt moving the printhead) to see if it is loose or damaged. A loose belt might have to be tightened or replaced.

Contaminated CR encoder scale

• Be sure the encoder strip (the thin plastic strip that runs behind the carriage) is clean. Lightly wipe it down with isopropyl alcohol if necessary.

CR encoder FFC (flat flexible cable) damage

• Just like the scanner, look for any loose, damaged, or broken cables.

CR motor or main board failure

• If the above troubleshooting steps do not resolve the issue, either the CR motor or main board is defective.

How to solve the Ink Pooling problem?

The ink pooling problem happened after you installed the CISS. This is a typical issue when air bubbles or leaks occur in the ink lines. Here’s what to check:

Check the ink cartridges and tubing

• The CISS tubes may not have been properly sealed or disconnected, causing air to enter the ink system.

Check for ink leaks

• If your ink is pooling, check for leakage around the cartridge ports, tubing, or printhead area. Reseal any loose connections and re-fit.

Do a nozzle check and cleaning cycle

• Running a cleaning cycle may alleviate this issue if air bubbles are the culprit, as they will be extracted along with the ink.

Check vent plugs

• Depending on the system design, vent plugs in some CISS systems must be left open or closed. Ensure they are properly configured.

Fixing a printer can be a bit complicated as it requires hands-on repairs, and printer troubleshooting is also a tough job. Sorry, we don't do remote troubleshooting or direct repair. However, we do have an in-house printer evaluation and repair service available here (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Due to heavy demand, things are first-come, first-served, and it could take weeks for us to be able to accept your drop-off.

If you would like to do it yourself, we strongly suggest visiting our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies) and using the search icon next to the "about" section on the channel homepage to find some videos. Over the past nine years, we’ve published hundreds of tutorials, so if you want specific solutions for any printer issue, searching directly on YouTube is often the quickest way to help.

I hope this helps you with your issue with your Epson ET-8550 CISS conversion. If you have any additional questions, do not hesitate to contact us. We’ll try to help!