Reference Guide

Index	Search	Glossary

Contents	Help

How To / Replacing Ink Cartridges

Replacing an Ink Cartridge

Using the printer's control panel buttons
Using the 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 EPSON Status Monitor utility. Refer to the appropriate section below for instructions.

For the product numbers of ink cartridges, see Ink cartridges.

Using the printer's 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 required actions you need to take.

Lights	Action
	Obtain a replacement black ink cartridge if the error light flashes at the same speed as the power light when the print head moves to the ink cartridge replacement position.
	Obtain a replacement color ink cartridge if the error light flashes at twice the speed of the power light when the print head moves to the ink cartridge replacement position.
	Replace the empty ink cartridge.

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 cartridges 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 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, and then open the printer cover.

Press the ink button. The print head moves to the ink cartridge replacement position, the power light begins to flash. 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).

Note:

Do not press the ink button for over three seconds. Otherwise the printer starts cleaning the print head.

Caution:

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

Lift 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. This can damage the ink cartridge.

If you remove an ink cartridge for later use, be sure to protect the ink supply area from dirt and dust; store it in the same environment as the printer. Be sure to store the cartridge as shown in the illustration. Note that there is a valve in the ink supply port, making covers or plugs unnecessary, but care is needed to prevent the ink from staining items that the cartridge touches. Do not touch the ink cartridge ink supply port or surrounding area.

Make sure the ink cartridge tabs are not under the tabs protruding from the base of the opened ink cartridge clamp, as this could damage the clamp.

Be sure to always install an ink cartridge into the printer immediately following the removal of the current ink cartridge. If the ink cartridge is not installed promptly, the print head may dry out rendering it unable to print.

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.

Align the tabs on the ink cartridge so that they rest on the tabs at the base of the opened ink cartridge clamp. Push the clamps down until they lock firmly into place.

Caution:

Make sure that the ink cartridge tabs are not under the hinges protruding from the base of the opened ink cartridge clamp, as this could damage the clamp.

When you are finished replacing the cartridge, close the printer cover.

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

Caution:

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

Note:

If the ink end error occurs after the print head moves to its home position, the ink cartridge may not be installed properly. Press the ink button again, and reinstall the ink cartridge until it clicks into place.

[Top]

Using the 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 the progress meter for Windows, or Using EPSON StatusMonitor for Macintosh.

[Top]