I just installed a Lexmark 2500. It came with an ink cartridge (color) I purchased a black cartridge and installed it but it does not seem to be working. How do you darken the ink on this printer. It seems like it is only using the color side to prind black even though I press the black button. Help Please I also cannot get the printer to use the black only cartridge to print Black & White -- it is draining my color ink so fast even though I haven't printed in color! I downloaded the manual in line, and it does not help. I tried the print properties button and get a Lexmark menu and when I go to "options" and then "printing status options" it sometimes lets me check the box that says "use black cartridge to print in black and white", but it doesn't always let me check that AND even though I saved a new setting (factory default has the color cartridge being used for all printing), it does not indicate if that is in fact the setting that is being used. As I said, color is depleting, black does not seem to be. HELP!

Make sure you are inserting the correct versions of cartridges for your model. Try to re-seat the cartridges by removing and re-inserting the cartridges in the carrier. The black cartridge goes in the left carrier while the color goes in the right. Also, make sure you are using genuine Lexmark cartridges.

http://www.lexmark.com/publications/pdfs/2007/2500/v3709407_en.pdf
Page 50 has full instructions.

These articles may help:
- How to Clean the Cartridges of the Lexmark Z615 Color Jetprinter in Windows - How to Clean the Cartridges of the Lexmark Z515/Z615 Color Jetprinter in Mac

hello

35 is color ink cartridge .. high yield,

A new color print cartridge needs to be installed.

If available, click the Continue button on your computer screen to print using the

black (or photo) print cartridge. (The Continue button is available only at the

beginning of a print job.)

Note: A variable amount of ink remains in the color print cartridge.

Follow these steps to replace the color print cartridge in your printer:

1 Cancel the print job if not already canceled.

2 Replace the color print cartridge with a new cartridge. For more information,

see "Removing a used print cartridge" on page 35 and "Installing print

cartridges" on page 35.

3 Print again.

To order supplies, click Order Ink on your computer screen. You can also see

"Ordering paper and other supplies" on page 40 in this guide.

Troubleshooting 54

manual = http://www.lexmark.com/publications/pdfs/2007/2500/v3708617_en.pdf

Installing print cartridges

1 If you are installing new print cartridges, remove the sticker and tape from the back and bottom of the cartridges.

1 2

Warning-Potential Damage: Do not touch the gold contact area on the back or the metal nozzles on the

bottom of the cartridges.

Maintaining the printer
35

list of ink cartridge part numbers
http://www.lexmark.ca/lexmark/product/home/455/0,6970,204812589_653399443_1037657543_en,00.html?tabId=7

the paper was black or blank? i think you mean blank, the ink will dry out over time replacing the cartridges will most likely solve the problem, or for the cost of the two cartridges u may want to consider a new cheap printer.

Yes you do need 2.
All ink cartridge bays has to be filled with a working cartridge, for the print driver to allow you to print. That is why I prefer single ink type printers, so it is not so expensive to maintain the inks you don't use.

Maybe you can try to rest the black ink level 1st. To reset the ink level:
1) Goto the Lexmark Solution Center application.
2) Press button Maintenance>Install a new print cartridge, follow the instruction on screen. U may then have your new full ink level. Note: u only can reset to full level, cannot customize the level by your own.
Hope this help.

YBC (/\)

Unfortunately the printer wont print unless there is ink in both cartridges

then get it replaced by lexmark as the cartridges comes with one year warranty..

Try cleaning the copper plates and install back again if the same message pops up try single cartridge if the error exits with 2 cartridges ,replace the cartridge as lexmark cart has 1 year warranty..