Change cartridge printer selects for black

Once a cartridge is empty the printer will not print untill a new cartridge is put in, just replace the empty black cartridge

my printer CANON mg5100 still has the same problem...I bought 3 printers ! THe quality of them is in 1 to 10 =2 or 3 ...The same issues: always using colors instead BLACK too much head cleaning.... This printer MG51000 is for sure the WORST i ever bought.......

They are both described as black but the larger one is "pigment" black. So the answer is they will not switch over because they are different inks and different sizes.

No, the larger cartridge is used for text printing only.

The smaller cartridge is used to add black to images instead of using the color ink to make a composite black.

Don

You cannot change to the smaller cartridge when the larger cartridge (PGI15BK). The smaller cartridge is used for photo printing along with the Y,M, and C cartridges. You must replace the larger cartridge to be able to print text.

There are two black inks in the printer so that when you are printing only black and white such as printing a fax or when you set print in B/W for printed matter, the printer will use the larger ink cartridge. When you are printing in the multicolor mode (most people don't know the difference) the printer will use the finer black ink in the smaller cartridge. This smaller cartridge is used for photo printing and multi-color page printing. You cannot mix the two blacks since the larger cartridge is a coarser ink.

Hi,
If you go to your printer properties, there should be a setting whereby you have to select the option to "PRINT USING BLACK CARTRIDGE ONLY". Make sure this option is selected, otherwise your printer will use ALL colors even if you only print black.
Let me know if you need any further assistance.
Best wishes,
Graemevm

It won't default to the small one...I emailed Canon support; this is the response I got.

The reason for the two different black ink tanks is for the different types of printing your unit is capable of. They are not intended as backups to each other. The larger black tank is pigment based, and is primarily used for standard black text printing or output. The smaller black ink tank is dye based like the color inks, and is used for photo and graphics output. They are designed to complement each other, allowing the printer to produce the best possible black text output or photo quality as appropriate.

The PGI-220 is the larger ink tank and is filled with standard black ink. The PGI-221 black cartridge is the photo black. There is no way to force the printer to use the photo black cartridge (skinny one) to print documents. The photo black cartridge is only used if you print a photo. I own a Cartridge World ink refilling shop and I can't refill these cartridges yet. There is no way to reset the ink level chip without a resetter and any replacement chips you find on the internet are technically violating patent law.

1. When one or more ink cartridges are empty, for example, Black, the LCD shows “Ink Empty Black” and “Open Cover.” Close the printer’s document support and the document tray.
2. Lift the top cover to the open position until it locks securely into place.
3. Pull the ink cartridge hook toward the front of the printer and remove the color ink cartridge displayed on the LCD. Place the cartridge in a plastic bag as it may still contain some residual ink and may leak.
4. Open the new ink cartridge bag for the color shown on the LCD and remove the new ink cartridge. The cartridge cover may come off when you open the bag. This is not uncommon and will not damage the cartridge.
5. Each color has its own correct position that is clearly labeled and color coded inside the printer. Keep the ink cartridge in an upright position when you insert it into slot. It will only fit in the correct direction. Press down on the ink cartridge until the hook snaps over it.
6. If you replaced an ink cartridge while “Near Empty” was displayed on the LCD, the LCD may ask you to verify that the replacement cartridge was brand new one. Example: “Did You Change Black? 1.Yes 2.No.” For each new cartridge you installed, press 1 on the dial pad to automatically reset the ink dot counter for that color. If the ink cartridge you installed is not a brand-new one, select 2.