Refillable Printer Cartridge Troubleshooting Guide (Ink Flow Problems / ARC Chip Not Recognised)

There are several checks that you need to perform if you are experiencing performance issues with refillable cartridges.  Here are some of the most common problems and solutions.

Problem: No ink is coming out of the cartridge.
1. Make sure that you only have one rubber stopper / bung inserted in the cartridge.  Do not block the air filter hole as this will stop ink from leaving the cartridge.
2. Inside many refillable cartridges is a spring, that when pushed up opens a valve.  This is usually located at the bottom where the ink should come out when entering the printer nozzles. If you insert a syringe (without needle) and push it up, this will open the value and you will be able to suck a small amount of ink into the syringe.  This will create a siphoning motion and hopefully sustain a proper flow of ink.  You then remove the syringe while maintaining pressure, not allowing any ink to go back into the cartridge. Replace the cartridge and run a head cleaning cycle or two.
3. If after performing the above troubleshooting techniques ink is still not transferring on to the paper, then you may have a blocked nozzle or print head.  You may need to use cleaning fluid to clear blockages.  We recommend you purchase special head cleaning cartridges.  We stock these for various printer makes and models including for Brother, Canon, Epson, and HP at.. https://www.printercartridges.net/printercartridgesstore/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=222  You could also use the refillable cartridges you already have by filling them with cleaning solution.  Please refer to our cleaning cartridges instructions for more details.
4. If you cannot clear the blockage then you will need to buy a new printhead (for certain Canon and HP printers), but this could prove more expensive than buying a new printer! You will need to decide whether you like the printer enough to keep it and that it offers superior quality and cheaper runing costs to newer models.  For Epson and Brothers printers that contain a fixed printhead you may be forced to replace the printer!  This is very common practice in these modern times of recycling!

Problem: One or more of the cartridges are not recognised by the printer. (Replace Cartridge Error / Cartridge needs replacing / Wrong black or colour installed etc.)
1. For models that contain a smart-chip it is necessary to have the correct version installed.  Make sure that you have the correct cartridges for your printer.  Please see our full range at.. https://www.printercartridges.net/printercartridgesstore/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=116
2. If one cartridge is not recognised then try removing it and carefully wiping the chip.  Then re-install and try again.
3.  For Canon and Epson models, try taking out all of the refill cartridges and unplug the printer at the wall socket.  After one hour has passed plug it back in and re-install all of the refillable cartridges to see if this has solved the problem.
4.  For Brother printers unplug the printer at the wall for one hour before trying again.  This should reset the memory.  Brother cartridges do not contain a chip so cartridge information is estimated by the machine.
5. Some printers do not like a mixture of special refillable cartridges with ARC auto reset chips and ordinary OEM or compatible microchips.  You will need to install the complete set of reusable ink tanks for them to be acknowledged.
6. The latest type of reusable cartridges for use with Epson printers (Stylus Color S22 SX125 SX130 SX225W SX235W SX245W SX420W SX425W SX525 SX525W etc.) features a small battery.  If the cartridge does not reset automatically you may need to perform a manual reset.  This can be performed by touching the two copper pins on the chip at the same time with a metal piece.  If your version does not contain these pins then you will need to remove the battery to reset it.

For more hints and tips visit our main website at http://www.printercartridges.net/