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Replacing an Ink Cartridge Before It Is Expended

Using the Buttons
Using Your Computer (for Windows)

You may need to replace an ink cartridge before it is expended if it has been installed in your printer for more than six months and print quality declines.

To replace an ink cartridge before the ink light flashes or EPSON Status Monitor notifies you that the cartridge is expended, follow the instructions in this section.

You can replace an ink cartridge using the printer buttons or using your computer.

Using the Buttons

Caution:

Do not remove the cartridge from the printer until you are ready to replace it with another.


Note:

The illustrations show replacement of the black ink cartridge, but the instructions are the same for all cartridges.

Make sure the power light is on, but not flashing.

For best results, shake the ink cartridge four or five times before opening the package.

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 side of the cartridge. This can damage the ink cartridge.

    * Do not touch this part.

  • Always install an ink cartridge immediately after removing the old cartridge. If a cartridge is not installed promptly, the print head may dry out and be unable to print.

Lower the output tray, and then open the printer cover.

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


Note:

Do not hold the ink button for more than three seconds, or the printer will start 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.

Open the cartridge cover. Squeeze the tab at the back of the 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.

Place the ink cartridge into the cartridge holder. Push down the ink cartridge until it clicks into place.

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

Press the ink button.

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


Note:

If the ink light flashes after the print head moves to its home position, the ink cartridge may not be installed properly. Press the ink button again, and press down the ink cartridge until it clicks into place.

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Using Your Computer (for Windows)

You can view on-screen instructions for replacing an ink cartridge using the printer maintenance utilities.

If you need to replace an ink cartridge before it is low or expended, click the button on the Maintenance tab.

For more information on using the printer utilities, see the online help.

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