- Confirm the printer is producing a poor nozzle check with full channels missing.
- Verify all ink-related troubleshooting steps have already been completed.
- Proceed only if ink supply, dampers, and ink circulation have been ruled out.
Step 1 – Inspect Carriage Ribbon Cables (Front)
What you need
- Ribbon cable teeth are intact
- No residue on contact points
- No visible damage along the cable
- If damage is found, notify a DTF Station technician
- Turn the printer off.
- Open the front cover.
- Open the bottom panel to expose the capping station knob.
- Rotate and hold the knob counterclockwise.
- With your free hand, move the carriage to the center of the printer bed.
- Using a Phillips screwdriver, loosen the three screws on the carriage cover.
- Loosen the two screws on the right side of the carriage cover.
- Completely remove the third screw on the right side.
- Remove the carriage cover.
- Locate the first ribbon cable.
- Using two hands, grab both sides of the ribbon cable.
- Pull straight upward with even pressure to unplug the cable.
- Do not wiggle the cable during removal.
- Inspect the cable teeth for damage or residue.
- Inspect the full length of the ribbon cable for damage.
- Repeat steps 10–15 for the second ribbon cable.
What you need
- Never touch metal contact points with bare hands
- Wear gloves when handling ribbon cables
- Natural oils can damage contact points
What you need
- Blue tape remains in place for structural support
- All cables are fully seated
- No cables are bent or pinched
- Align the ribbon cable teeth with the port.
- Press straight down with even pressure across the width of the cable.
- Ensure the cable is fully seated.
- Repeat for the second ribbon cable.
- Using the same method, inspect the third ribbon cable.
- Inspect the fourth ribbon cable.
- If ink residue is present, clean with 99% isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth.
- Inspect all additional carriage cables.
- Reinstall all cables using the same straight-down technique.
- Leave the carriage cover off.
- Verify no cables can contact the printer frame during movement.
- Turn the printer on.
- On the control panel, press Menu.
- Go to Head Maintenance.
- Select Head Status to perform a nozzle check.
- If the nozzle check is still poor, proceed to the next step.
Step 2 – Inspect Carriage Board Cables (Front)
What you need
- All pins are present and straight
- No ink residue in connectors
- Cables fully seated
- Turn the printer off.
- Move the carriage to the center of the printer bed.
- Locate the four cables connected to the carriage board.
- Remove the first cable.
- Inspect the connector pins for damage or missing pins.
- Check for ink buildup inside the connector.
- Clean ink residue with isopropyl alcohol if present.
- Repeat steps 4–7 for the remaining three cables.
- Reinstall all four cables securely.
- Turn the printer on.
- Perform a nozzle check.
What you need
- Ribbon cables are undamaged
- Adapter is fully seated
- Bracket is securely fastened
- Turn the printer off.
- Go to the back of the printer.
- Open the two rear panels.
- Remove the two screws securing the adapter bracket.
- Remove the bracket.
- Carefully pull the adapter straight out.
- Remove the first ribbon cable using even upward pressure.
- Inspect the ribbon cable for damage.
- Repeat for the second ribbon cable.
- Reseat both ribbon cables using even downward pressure.
- Push the adapter straight back in without wiggling.
- Reinstall the bracket and secure with two screws.
- Turn the printer on.
- Perform a nozzle check.
What you need
- If nozzle check is still not resolved, contact a DTF Station technician
- Technician may advise replacing the carriage board
Step 4 – Replace Carriage Board
- Turn the printer off.
- Move the carriage to the center of the printer bed.
- Take a clear photo of the carriage board to document cable placement.
- Carefully remove all cables from the carriage board.
- Remove the four screws securing the carriage board.
- Remove the carriage board.
- Position the new carriage board.
- Secure it using the four screws.
- Using the reference photo, reconnect all cables to the correct ports.
- Turn the printer on.
- Perform a nozzle check.
- Reinstall the carriage cover.
- Secure the cover with screws on both sides.
- Close both rear panels.
- Turn the printer on.
- Allow the carriage to dock onto the capping station.
- Turn the printer back off.
What you need
- If nozzle check issues persist after carriage board replacement, contact your DTF Station technician
