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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.

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.

You can check which cartridge needs replacing with the LCD panel. See Using the LCD panel for detail.

For more information about ink cartridges, see the Safety Instructions.

Using the printer's control panel buttons

Make sure that the printer is on but not printing, then open the paper support, the printer cover, and lower the output tray.

Note:

Make sure the CD/DVD tray is not inserted in the printer before you replace the ink cartridge.

To check the ink Levels, press the button in Advanced Mode to scroll to the next screen. The ink icon displayed in the LCD panel flashes when the ink runs low. When the ink runs out, the entire ink icon flashes and a message is displayed.

Check that the message "ink out" is displayed in the LCD panel and press the maintenance button. This message is not displayed if there is some ink left. In this case, press the maintenance button, make sure Ink Cartridge Replacement is selected, and press the OK button. To find out which cartridge requires replacing, see Checking the Ink Supply.

Follow the instructions on the screen and press the OK button. The ink cartridge moves slowly to the ink replacement position.

Caution:

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

Remove the new ink cartridge from the package.

Caution:

Be careful not to break the hooks on the side of the ink cartridge when you remove it from the package.

Do not remove or tear the label on the cartridge; otherwise, ink will leak.

Do not touch the green IC chip on the front 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 supply port or surrounding area.

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.

Open the cartridge cover. Pinch the sides of the ink cartridge that you want to replace. 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 continue after a thorough flushing, see a doctor immediately.

Place the ink cartridge vertically into the cartridge holder. Then, push the ink cartridge down until it clicks into place.

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

Press the OK button. The print head will move and begins charging the ink delivery system. When the ink charging process is finished, the print head will return to its home position.

Caution:

The progress meter is displayed in the LCD panel while the ink is being charged. Never turn the power supply to the printer off before the completion message is displayed. Doing so can result in incomplete charging of ink.

When the message "Ink cartridge replacement is complete" is displayed in the LCD panel, press the OK button.

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 maintenance button again, and reinstall the ink cartridge until it clicks into place

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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 the section below.
See Using EPSON Status Monitor 3 for Windows
See Using EPSON StatusMonitor for Macintosh

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