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How To / Replacing Ink Cartridges

Replacing an Ink Cartridge

Using the printer's control panel buttons
Using the 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 printer's control panel buttons

The printer's indicator 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 (T028) or color (T029) ink cartridge.

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). You can also tell which cartridge is empty by checking the speed at which the error light flashes when the print head moves to the ink cartridge replacement position. See the table below.

Lights	Action
	Replace the black ink cartridge if the error light flashes at the same speed as the power light.
	Replace the color ink cartridge if the error light flashes at twice the speed of the power light.
	Replace both the black and the color ink cartridges if this light remains on.

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 damage to your printer 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 ink remaining 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.

In addition to the ink used during document printing, ink is consumed during the print head cleaning operation, during the self-cleaning cycle which is 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 ink cartridge replacement button, follow the steps below.

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

Lower the output tray, then open the printer cover.

Press the ink cartridge replacement button. The print head moves to the ink cartridge replacement position, the power light begins to flash, and the error light begins to flash or remains on. To find out which cartridge requires replacing, see Using the printer's control panel buttons, or check EPSON Status Monitor 3 (for Windows) or EPSON StatusMonitor (for Macintosh).

Caution:

Do not move the print head by hand, as this may damage the printer. Always press the ink cartridge replacement button to move it.

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 chip on the side of the cartridge.

Caution:

You must remove the yellow tape seal from the cartridge before installing it; 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, then install it 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, ink will leak.

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 should be removed temporarily from the printer, be sure to protect the ink supply area 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 supply port of the ink cartridge or its surrounding area.

Be sure to always install an ink cartridge into the printer immediately following the removal of 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.

Align the tabs on the ink cartridge so that they are resting on the tabs protruding from the base of the opened ink cartridge clamp. Push the clamps down until they lock firmly into place.

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 ink cartridge replacement 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 the 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 (for Windows) or EPSON StatusMonitor (for 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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