How do I troubleshoot an Error 16 on my DTF printer?

Troubleshooting: Error 16 on DTF Printers

Applies to: DTF printers using XP600, i3200, or similar printhead platforms.
Related Components: Ribbon cables, printhead, headboard (printhead driver board).

Overview

Error 16 indicates a communication failure between the mainboard and one of the printheads. This error typically shows up immediately after powering on the printer or when starting a print job. In most cases, the issue is related to wiring, a damaged printhead, or a faulty headboard.

This guide walks you through the standard diagnostic steps to identify which component is causing the fault.

Common Causes

Burnt/Damaged Ribbon Cables
- Bent pins, heat damage, improper seating, or ink contamination.
Faulty Printhead
- Internal electrical failure or shorted circuits.
Defective Headboard (Printhead Driver Board)
- Damage from static, prior cable shorts, or overvoltage.
Incorrect Cable Orientation
- Ribbon cables accidentally reversed during installation.
Loose Connections
- Ribbons not fully inserted into their sockets (common after maintenance).

Safety Notice

Turn the printer OFF before unplugging or reseating any ribbon cables.
Do not touch the exposed gold contacts with your fingers.
Ensure the work area is dry and free of static.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

1. Power Cycle & Initial Check

Turn off the printer.
Wait 10 seconds and restart.
If Error 16 immediately returns, proceed to the next step.

2. Inspect the Ribbon Cables

Turn off the printer and unplug it.
Locate the ribbon cables going to the affected printhead.
Remove each ribbon cable and inspect:
- Burn marks
- Bent/damaged pins
- Ink contamination
- Delamination or creases
Reseat the cables firmly, ensuring:
- The blue tab faces outward
- The gold contacts face inward
Power on the printer and test.

If Error 16 persists, continue to the next step.

3. Swap Ribbon Cables (If possible)

This step helps determine whether the issue follows the cable or stays with the head/headboard.

Turn off the printer.
Swap the left and right ribbon cables only if they are identical and same length.
Power on the printer.

Results:

If Error 16 moves to the other head, the ribbon cable is bad → Replace the cable.
If Error 16 stays on the same head, continue.

4. Inspect the Headboard (Printhead Driver Board)

Look for visible damage:
- Burn marks
- Smell of burnt electronics
- Loose components
Gently press the board to confirm it’s seated correctly.
Power the printer back on.

If Error 16 returns, continue.

5. Test With Known-Good Ribbon Cables

If spare ribbons are available:

Replace both cables on the affected printhead.
Power on and test.

If the error remains: proceed.

6. Determine if the Printhead Is Faulty

Signs of a bad printhead:

Error 16 does not move when swapping cables.
No physical damage to ribbons or headboard.
Printer was recently flushed, cleaned improperly, or cables were removed under power.
Printer had recent electrical issues or static discharge.

At this point, Error 16 is likely caused by:

Shorted printhead
Internal head failure

Solution: Replace the printhead.

7. Replace the Headboard (If printhead + cables test good)

If:

Known-good ribbon cables do not fix the issue, and
A new printhead still triggers Error 16

…then the headboard (printhead driver board) is the remaining cause.

Solution: Replace the headboard.

Summary of Fixes

Cause	Confirmed When…	Solution
Burnt/Damaged Ribbon Cable	Error follows cable swap	Replace ribbon cable
Faulty Printhead	Error stays with the head after cable swap and new cables	Replace printhead
Bad Headboard	Error persists with new cables + new head	Replace headboard

Preventative Tips

Always power OFF before removing cables.
Avoid pulling cables by the blue tab—grip near the connector.
Keep area free of ink spills.
Ground the printer to prevent static damage.
Replace cables at first sign of heat damage or discoloration.