Why the Power Button on Your Epson L1800 DTF Printer Won't Turn On (and How to Fix It)

Question:
My Procolored L1800 printer's front power button won't turn on. The two buttons next to it-the paper and ink drop lights-do illuminate, but the power button itself stays off. I'm trying to locate a replacement for the cable labeled AWM 20706 105C 60V VW-1 flat cable wire, thinking it might be the problem, but I can't find it anywhere. What should I do?

Answer:

When your Epson L1800 DTF printer's power button fails to respond, but other indicator lights are functional, the issue is likely electrical or firmware-related. Below are several possible causes and troubleshooting steps:

1. Check Internal Power Distribution

Even if the ink and paper lights come on, the main power circuit for the control board might not be receiving or distributing voltage properly. The ribbon cable labeled AWM 20706 105C 60V VW-1 connects critical components like the power board and the control panel.

• If this cable is damaged, bent, or burned, the power switch signal won't reach the mainboard.

• Before replacing it, visually inspect both cable ends for corrosion or signs of melting. If you suspect damage, it's best to find a cable with the same pin count and pitch (spacing between conductors). While the exact cable can be hard to find, many electronics parts suppliers or DTF printer resellers carry generic AWM 20706 flat flexible cables (FFC) compatible with Epson L1800 units.

2. Run a Diagnostic Test Using the Epson Adjustment Program

To pinpoint the root cause, use Epson's Adjustment Program-a software tool developed for service technicians.
Here's how to use it:

1. Open the program and select the USB port corresponding to your printer.

2. Choose "Particular Adjustment Mode."

3. Scroll down to "Printer Information Check."

4. Click "Check."
   The tool will display your printer's internal error logs, with the most recent issue shown as Error Number 1.

You can then cross-reference that error number using our BCH resource on Epson's internal codes. Simply search for "BCH Epson Error" on Google, and you'll find our dedicated page explaining Epson's Triple Secret Error Codes-used internally by technicians.

For a step-by-step walkthrough, check out our quick instructional video on YouTube:
👉 How to Use Epson Adjustment Program (https://youtube.com/shorts/FPZzpyYuZLE).

Common error codes you might encounter include:

• Eprom or EEPROM Error: Indicates firmware corruption or power surge issues.

• APG Sensor Error: Suggests mechanical blockage or communication failure between the mainboard and carriage sensor.

• Fatal Error 0x97 or 0x9A: Usually points to a damaged mainboard or faulty cable connection.

3. Power Board and Button Assembly

If no software errors appear and the cable checks out, the power board or front control board assembly may have failed. These are replaceable parts and sometimes interchangeable with units from standard Epson L1800 printers. If you have access to a multimeter, you can check whether voltage reaches the power button when the printer is plugged in.

4. Firmware or Chipset Lock

DTF conversions occasionally introduce non-original firmware or custom chips that alter printer communication. A locked chip can prevent boot-up. Disconnect your printer for a few minutes, then reconnect and hold down the paper and ink buttons simultaneously while plugging it in to perform a soft reset.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. We're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. However, we do offer in-person evaluation and repair services (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service) through our local diagnostic facility. Please note that, due to high demand, repairs are handled on a first-come, first-served basis and may take a few weeks before intake. Our services include full-printer or component-level repair with clear guidance on next steps.

That said, we understand our repair rates might not be the most affordable. We encourage you to try self-help solutions by exploring resources on YouTube-starting with the BCH Technologies YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon next to "About" to look for specific repair topics, such as "L1800 won't power on" or "AWM cable replacement." You might also find helpful videos from other creators addressing similar DTF issues.

Thank you once again for your patience, support, and for reaching out to us. We're always glad to help guide your repair process in any way we can.