Epson Ink Cartridge expiration date

[cuzzzzzz]

Hi.. put a brand-new Epson black ink cartridge in my Epson C84 printer, without going through their "install new cartridge" menu (have done this successfully before), and it doesn't work. Put the old one back in (which still had 10% ink), now doesn't work. I'm pretty sure it's due to their "smart chip" technology that disables cartridges after a certain date, or if they think it's been refilled. Their "maintenance" section shows a full ink cartridge is in the printer, so the cartridge is recognized.

Anyone else have this problem, and knows of a work-around?

Too many companies (Epson, HP, Microsoft) are getting too paranoid.

Thanks,
Bruce
cuzzzzz@worldnet.att.net

[glc]

I have to ask a really stupid question - did you remember to pull the tape off the new cartridge?

You *can* buy a chip resetter - that may be what you need. Google Epson chip resetter.

[Panama Red]

I had one of those C84's and soon after a cartridge replacement, the unit quit working. Contacted Epson support, did a bunch of research on line, tried all the fixes suggested and nothing would repair it. Threw it in the trash and vowed to never buy another Epson. My Canon i560 works great for color and my Samsung (cheap) laser printer does the bulk of the work in our house.

[cuzzzzzz]

Hi...not a stupid question... I'm sure that's happened many times.

No tape on this cartridge to pull off (the cartridges on my Canon S900 DO have tapes though). I checked this several times to see if I overlooked that.

I just downloaded a chip "re-setter" for Epson cartridges (found it on google). I'll let you know if it works.

Thanks

[cuzzzzzz]

Panama Red.. thank you. I've two of those C84's... but I'm making the same vow when they both die. Considering a Samsung Laser, AND, for photos, the Kodak 1400 dye-sub. Supposed to be great (all reviews). The print-head on my Canon S900 just died (ca. >$100 to replace just the printhead.. not worth it) after 3 years of many, many photos (8 grandkids).

Thanks again.

[glc]

I have a C86 - it was given to me - and so far so good. I've only replaced the black cartridge once, no problems, the colors are still original.

How do you "download" a chip resetter? I thought it was a physical device?

[cuzzzzzz]

GLC...the software resetter (710KB) found the printer and the correct cartridge, but haven't gotten it to do anything yet. Message comes up that says "don't forget to remove chip" ? Have to tear the thing apart to do that. Will keep working at it in case I'm overlooking something. If interested, google "Epson Ink Cartridge expiration date".

As for the C84/C86.. two things. It seems you don't use the color inks much. Make sure you use the full printer regularly.. don't let it sit for months or the nozzles/heads clog, and cleaning them uses up tons of ink.

Also, I foolishly, not knowing about these chips, bought many cartridges online (much cheaper than the local Staples, etc). Buy a fresh one when needed. I almost got a C86 because i was very happy w. the C84, but now i know about the chips. HP is just as bad.

Thanks for your replies.

[glc]

You can buy a bottle of Epson head cleaning solution for 10 bucks from fixyourownprinter.com so I'm not sweating clogged nozzles.

If I were *buying* an inkjet I'd get a Canon. However, with an entry level HP color laser under $300 now I'd probably go that way.

[scomac]

I had to replace my C84 about a month ago. I had the exact same issue you did. I had it for 3 years, had run my black down to less than 10%, followed the procedure for replacing the cartridge and it wouldn't print. The black was showing as full, but pages were blank. Did all the 'fixes' per Epson, but it wouldn't work. Did some research at that time and found that there are many people who have this same problem with the C84's. You aren't alone. Probably time for a replacement.

Scomac

[cuzzzzzz]

Scomac.. thanks for reply. Really a ripoff... have three unused but older cartridges on hand. Feel badly because I was very happy with the C84, and recommended it to two friends, who each bought one. From what you and Panama Red said, probably a waste of time contacting Epson.

No Epson or HP (same chip issue) printers for me.

Thanks again.
cuzzzzz