No ink coming out

[kilg]

Hello, 

I'm hoping that this printer, which hasn't been used in years, still works. The fax works. And the scanner works. But when I try to print, not even the slightest ink smudge will make it onto the page. The printer will take in the page and it sounds like it's going back and forth printing text, but each time no ink whatsoever comes makes it onto the page. The printer says I have low black and white ink, but a full cartidge of color ink. (I've taken the cartidges out and put them back in, and each time it reads the same ink levels.) So it appears there IS ink in the cartridges, but, again, no ink, b&w or color, comes out. 

My question is: Is there a chance this printer will still print? I don't want to have to pay the heavy expense of ink cartridges if it won't. Again, this printer hasn't been used in years, so perhaps the ink in the cartridges have dried up or reached their expiration date? If anyone thinks I still have a chance to get this thing printing, please let me know. Thanks!

[JeanJAB · Accepted solution]

Hi kilg,

I think there is a high liklihood that the printer will work again.  You may need to replace the ink cartridges.

There are some ink cartridge cleaning routines that you can do as described in this document.

Since the faxing and scanning works and the printer moves the page through as if it is printing - it seems like the mechanism is fine. 

The ink cartridges used in this printer have the ink supply and printhead built into the cartridge.  So, when you replace it - it is all new.

You will want to weigh the price of new cartridges as compared to a new printer that will come with ink and have a warranty.  I can't guarantee the printer will work - so it is a risk. 

I wish you the best in getting this to work - or picking out a new printer. 

Let me know if I can provide any additional information.

Jean

[kilg]

Thanks Jean. I'll give some new cartridges a try!

[kilg]

I bought new cartridges, and it worked! Thanks.

[JeanJAB]

Excellent!  I'm happy to hear it!
Jean