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- HP Community
- Printers
- DesignJet, Large Format Printers and Digital Press
- Ink cartridges reading empty but just refilled

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07-20-2019 06:21 AM
Hello,I am having a issue using refilled cartridges that I just purchased,I have a large format printer,designjet 500,I can feel the cartridges are full but they are reading empty,
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07-20-2019 08:10 AM
I am not familiar with your printer type - the following is based on a more general statement about HP cartridges and use.
Refilled cartridge use for any except a particular type of cartridge or tank that is manufactured to be refilled, is not supported. Some printers (still) tolerate the use of refilled cartridges.
In general, HP does not manufacture "refillable" cartridges.
There are a few problems with refilled cartridges (most of which will not be addressed here).
One of the issues on a printer that tolerates the practice of using Refilled Ink:
Cartridges that are not manufactured to be refilled do not "sense" that the empty cartridge once again is filled with ink. The sensor simply does not work that way - it was never intended to do so.
Possibly related - Please simply ignore the following if you find the comments unhelpful or irritating...
Refilled cartridges are not manufactured - rather they are usually created by adding an ink product to previously used, empty ink cartridges.
Refilling cartridges at home presents its own challenges (not addressed here).
Purchasing refilled cartridges means you are depending on the cartridges, the ink, and the process used by the merchant from whom you are purchasing the product. If a refilled cartridge does not work as expected, consider returning it for a replacement cartridge. Reminder: There are no guarantees from HP whether this would work, whether there is any change in behavior, benefit, or outcome.
At some point, partly because the ink used in refilled cartridges may not be manufactured to current industry standards, the ink in refilled cartridges might actually damage the ink system in your printer.
Perhaps (big emphasis on the possibility as opposed to fact), the printer is starting to object to the use of these cartridges. Again, the "fill" sensor on cartridges that are not meant to be refilled likely does not work simply because it was never intended to work more than the one time. It may be possible, too, that there are complications developing due to the use of refilled cartridges and "off brand" ink.
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07-20-2019 11:01 AM
the cartridge reads empty because the monitor chip on the cartridge knows that the cartridge has printed all the pages it can with the amount of ink that can be installed. Either the chip needs to be reset or replaced, either of which any reputable vendor will do when selling refilled products, but then there are many out there who are not reputable. Contact the vendor and demand satisfaction. There is no saving in buying a product you cannot use.
I am a volunteer, offering my knowledge to support fellow users, I do not work for HP nor speak for HP.