Not printing The model is an Epson Stylus C86. Nothing will print. The screen says my Cyan cartridge is out of ink. However, there is plenty of ink in all the cartridges. I was able to figure out that fact by removing all 4 cartridges, shaking them and hearing the ink move around inside. Because Epson does not allow head cleaning if any cartridge is empty, I cannot clean the nozzle(s) using its instructions. Instead, the nozzles were cleaned by me using Q-tips and rubbing alcohol. Still nothing is getting printed. I don't want to buy new cartridges in case there is an internal printer problem, I would just be throwing away money. These cartridges fit only C84 & C86 models. Any ideas/suggestions about what else I can do before having to buy a new printer?

1 more comment
kalel95 Dec 14, 2007

Same problem as above. All three colors are brand new cartridges, full of ink. Print utility says they're empty and the printer won't print anything or run any tests.
doodlesq Mar 29, 2009

I have just replace all 4 ink cartridges but the ink out light stays on and the print utility doesnt register anything.
Anonymous May 11, 2010

It's a long time now without any help forthcoming on this problem. Can you post a new comment updating the situation, so that I can try and help you fix it, or close it as solved!

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353 Answers

The printer determines the amount of ink left in the cartridge by counting the number of ink "shots" when printing, head cleaning etc. This information is stored in the "chip" on the cartridge. Thus, it is not an actual measurement of the ink left, but an estimate calculated by subtracting the total shots from the original full ink quantity. This estimate can sometimes be grossly in error, usually due to a cartridge replacement not being carried out correctly. However, for all four cartridges to be suddenly out of ink is odd. The cheapest way to check this out is to buy a chip resetter on e-bay (currently one for sale at £3.25). Reset all your cartridges to "full", and see if the printer will now recognise them as full. If so, you can buy a new set OK. If the printer still says the cartridges are empty, post a new comment to this effect and we can provide further help.

Posted on Feb 28, 2009

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