Replacing an Ink Cartridge

Checking the Ink Supply

When the red  error light flashes, an ink cartridge is low on ink. This is a good time to make sure you have a new cartridge. When the red  error light stays on, you may need to replace one of the cartridges.

Note: The red  error light also comes on if your paper runs out or is jammed, so make sure you check your paper before replacing a cartridge.

When a cartridge is more than six months old, you may need to replace it if printouts don't look their best. If the quality doesn't improve after cleaning and aligning the print head, you can replace the cartridge even if the  error light is off.

To check your ink supply, do one of the following:

Ink Cartridge Precautions

Warning: Keep ink cartridges out of the reach of children and do not drink the ink.

If ink gets on your hands, wash them thoroughly with soap and water. If ink gets in your eyes, flush them thoroughly with water.

Caution: To avoid damaging the printer, never move the print head (ink cartridge holders) by hand.

You cannot print if either ink cartridge is empty. Leave the empty cartridge installed in the printer until you have obtained a replacement. Otherwise the ink remaining in the print head nozzles may dry out.

Removing and Installing Ink Cartridges

Be sure you have a new ink cartridge before you begin. Once you start the ink cartridge replacement procedure, you must complete all the steps in one session.

  1. Make sure the printer is turned on and not printing (the green  power light should be on, but not flashing). Then open the printer cover.
  2. Press the  maintenance button for 6 seconds. The print head moves to the cartridge replacement position.



    3. Note: If both cartridges need replacing, the print head moves to the black cartridge position first.

    The black cartridge is on the left, and the color cartridge is on the right.

    Caution: Don't touch the ink cartridge sensor above the print head, as shown below:



  3. Pull up the ink cartridge clamp and remove the cartridge. Dispose of it carefully.



  4. Unpack the new cartridge and remove the yellow tab.



    5. Caution: You must remove the yellow tape from the top of the cartridge or you will permanently damage it.

    Be careful not to touch the green chip on the front of the cartridge; you might damage the cartridge.

  5. Insert the new cartridge and press down firmly on the clamp. Make sure the clamp is closed completely.



  6. Press the  maintenance button.

    7. If the other cartridge needs to be replaced, the print head moves into loading position. Repeat step 3 through step 6.

    Caution: Don't move the print head by hand; you could damage the printer. Always use the  maintenance button.

  7. Wait until ink charging is finished. (The green  power light stops flashing and the red  error light goes out.) Ink charging takes about 30 seconds.
  8. Close the printer cover.

Now you're ready to print again.

If the red  error light remains on and the printer continues to make noise for more than five minutes, open the printer cover and press the  power button to turn the printer off. Then make sure that the ink cartridge clamps are completely closed. Close the printer cover and press the  maintenance button to finish ink charging. If that doesn't work, contact EPSON as described in Where To Get Help.