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How To / Replacing Ink Cartridges

Replacing an Ink Cartridge

Using the control panel buttons
Using EPSON Status Monitor

This printer uses ink cartridges equipped with IC chips. The IC chip accurately monitors the amount of ink used by each cartridge, so even if a cartridge is removed and later reinserted, all of its ink can be used. However, some ink is consumed each time the cartridge is inserted because the printer automatically checks reliability.

You can replace an ink cartridge using the printer's control panel or using the Status Monitor utility. Refer to the appropriate section below for instructions.

Using the control panel buttons

The printer's lights will inform you when it is time to obtain a replacement ink cartridge and when it is time to replace an empty cartridge.

This table describes the status of the lights on your printer and the actions you need to take.

Lights

Action

Obtain a replacement black ink cartridge (T038) or color ink cartridge (T039).

Replace the empty black or color ink cartridge.

To find out which ink cartridge is empty, check EPSON Status Monitor 3 (for Windows) or EPSON StatusMonitor (for Macintosh).

Warning:

Keep ink cartridges out of the reach of children. Do not allow children to drink from or otherwise handle the cartridges.

Be careful when you handle the used ink cartridges, as there may be some ink around the ink supply port. If ink gets on your skin, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water. If ink gets into your eyes, flush them immediately with water. If discomfort or vision problems remain after a thorough flushing, see a doctor immediately.

Caution:

EPSON recommends the use of genuine EPSON ink cartridges. Other products, not manufactured by EPSON, may cause printer damage that is not covered by EPSON's warranties.

Leave the old cartridge installed in the printer until you have obtained a replacement; otherwise, ink remaining in the print head nozzles may dry out.

Do not refill the ink cartridges. The printer calculates the amount of remaining ink using an IC chip on the ink cartridge. Even if the cartridge is refilled, the amount of ink remaining will not be recalculated by the IC chip and the amount of ink available for use will not change.

Note:

You cannot continue printing with one ink cartridge empty, even if the other cartridge still contains ink. Before printing, replace the empty cartridge.

To replace an ink cartridge before it is empty or low, press the maintenance button and the power button at the same time.

In addition to the ink used during document printing, ink is consumed during the print head cleaning operation, during the self-cleaning cycle (performed when the printer is turned on), and during ink charging when the ink cartridge is installed in the printer.

For more information about ink cartridges, see When handling the ink cartridges.

To replace an ink cartridge using the maintenance button, follow the steps below.

Make sure that the printer is on. The power light should be on, but not flashing.

Open the printer cover.

Press the maintenance button. The print head moves to the black or color ink cartridge replacement position, the power light begins to flash, and the error light begins to flash or remains on. When both cartridges are out of ink, the print head moves to the black ink cartridge replacement position first. After replacing the black cartridge, press the maintenance button again to switch to the color cartridge replacement position.

Caution:

Do not move the print head by hand, as this may damage the printer. Always press the maintenance button to move the print head.

When replacing ink cartridges, be careful not to touch the cartridge sensor shown below.

Lift up the ink cartridge clamp as far as it will go. The cartridge rises partly out of the cartridge holder. Lift the cartridge out of the printer and dispose of it properly. Do not take the used cartridge apart or try to refill it.

Warning:

If ink gets on your hands, wash them thoroughly with soap and water. If ink gets into your eyes, flush them immediately with water. If discomfort or vision problems remain after a thorough flushing, see a doctor immediately.

Remove the new ink cartridge from its protective bag. Next, remove only the yellow tape seal from the cartridge. Do not touch the green IC chip on the side of the cartridge.

Caution:

You must remove the yellow tape seal from the cartridge before installing the cartridge; otherwise, the cartridge will become unusable and you will be unable to print.

If you have installed an ink cartridge without removing the yellow tape seal, you must remove the cartridge and install a new one. Prepare the new cartridge by removing the yellow tape seal, and then install the cartridge in the printer.

Do not remove the blue portion of the tape seal from the top of the cartridge; otherwise, the print head may become clogged and be unable to print.

Do not remove the tape seal from the bottom of the cartridge; otherwise, the cartridge may become unusable.

Do not touch the green IC chip on the side of the cartridge; otherwise, normal operation and printing may not be possible.

If an ink cartridge is temporarily removed from the printer, be sure to protect the ink supply port of the ink cartridge from dirt and dust. Store the ink cartridge in the same environment as the printer. When storing the cartridge, be sure that it stands as shown in the illustration above (the label that identifies the color of the ink cartridge should be displayed on the top of the cartridge). The valve in the ink supply port is designed to contain any excess ink that may be released. However, careful handling is recommended. Do not touch the ink supply port of the ink cartridge or its surrounding area.

Be sure to always install an ink cartridge into the printer immediately after removing an old ink cartridge. Failure to promptly install the ink cartridge may cause the print head to dry out and render it unable to function properly.

Place the ink cartridge into the ink cartridge holder, and then close the ink cartridge clamps. Do not apply excessive force to the cartridge.

Caution:

After you remove an ink cartridge from the printer, insert a new one immediately. If no cartridge is present, the print head may dry out and become unable to print.

Close the printer cover.

Press the maintenance button. The printer moves the print head and begins charging the ink delivery system. This process takes about thirty seconds to complete. When the ink charging process is finished, the printer returns the print head to its home position, the power light stops flashing and remains on, and the error light goes out.

Caution:

The power light continues to flash while the printer is charging ink. Never turn off the printer while this light is flashing. Doing so can result in incomplete charging of ink.

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Using EPSON Status Monitor

You can monitor the remaining ink levels from your computer and view on-screen instructions for replacing a low or empty ink cartridge using EPSON Status Monitor 3 (Windows) or EPSON StatusMonitor (Macintosh).

When an ink cartridge is low or empty, click How to in the EPSON Status Monitor window. Follow the on-screen instructions to replace the cartridge.

For more information on using EPSON Status Monitor, see Using EPSON Status Monitor 3 for Windows, or Using EPSON StatusMonitor for Macintosh.

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