Epson Stylus Photo RX640 Magenta Cartridge Error Won't Clear (T0483): How to Clean Contacts Safely and Fix "Ink Out" vs "Not Recognized"

Question: RX640 magenta cartridge error won't clear-cartridge locks to the right when the printer is off, and now I see "Ink Out" and "Magenta Not Recognized." What should I do?

I'm getting a magenta cartridge error on my Epson Stylus Photo RX640 (T0483). When the printer is turned off, the cartridge carrier parks/locks on the right side, so I can't access the cartridges. It's only when the printer is on that I can change cartridges-so how can I clean the contacts if I'm told to turn the printer off?

Also, when I install a compatible magenta cartridge/tank, the message changes to "Ink Out" (instead of "cartridge not recognized"). When I put the original Epson magenta back in, it shows "Magenta not recognized." Does that difference matter?

Finally, after running a print head cleaning for magenta, I started seeing the "Ink Out" message even though it wasn't there before.

Answer:

Now, let's break down what you're seeing on the Epson Stylus Photo RX640 with the T0483 (Magenta) cartridge and the two different messages: "Magenta not recognized" vs "Ink Out."

1) Why the cartridges lock on the right when the printer is OFF (and why that's normal)

On many Epson models (including the RX series), when you power the printer off, the carriage parks to the far right and locks. This is intentional-it seals the printhead against a cap to reduce drying/clogs and protects the carriage during shutdown.

So yes-if you turn the printer off normally, you often cannot access the cartridges. That's why the "turn the printer off before cleaning contacts" advice can be confusing: the goal is to clean contacts with no electrical power, but you also need the carriage in a service position.

Safe way to access cartridges while still removing power

Use this method so you can access the cartridges and clean safely with power removed:

1. Turn the printer ON.

2. Open the top cover as if you're going to replace cartridges.

3. Press the Ink/Cartridge Change button (or the printer's cartridge replacement function) so the carriage moves to the replacement position.

4. Once the carriage stops and is accessible, unplug the power cord from the back of the printer or from the wall (don't just press the power button).

   • This removes live power while keeping the carriage where you can reach it.

5. Now you can clean contacts more safely (details below).

Important caution: Don't force the carriage while it's parked/locked, and don't move it aggressively by hand. If it resists, stop-forcing it can damage the belt or carriage rails.

2) "Magenta Not Recognized" vs "Ink Out": what the difference usually means

These two messages often point to two different issues:

A) "Magenta cartridge not recognized"

This typically means the printer is not reading the chip/contact correctly. Common causes:

• Dirty or oxidized chip contacts on the cartridge

• Dirty contacts inside the carriage where the chip touches

• A scratched/damaged chip pad on the cartridge

• A worn or bent contact pin/pad in the carriage

• A compatible cartridge chip that's mismatched or defective

B) "Ink Out"

This can happen when the printer does read the cartridge/chip, but it believes the cartridge is empty (based on the chip's ink counter), or the compatible chip is reporting "empty."

Why you saw "Ink Out" after head cleaning:

• Head cleaning routines use ink and may trigger the printer's ink monitoring system to update its "estimated remaining ink."

• If your compatible cartridge chip was already near "empty" (or incorrectly programmed), a cleaning cycle can push it into an "Ink Out" state.

• Sometimes a cartridge that's intermittently recognized flips between "recognized but empty" and "not recognized," depending on how well the chip makes contact.

So yes-the difference does matter:

• "Not recognized" = contact/chip communication problem.

• "Ink out" = communication works, but the chip reports empty (or the printer thinks it is).

3) How to clean the magenta cartridge chip and carriage contacts safely (for T0483)

Once the carriage is accessible and the printer is unplugged, do the following:

What you need

• Lint-free cloth or foam swab

• 90%+ isopropyl alcohol (preferred) or electronic contact cleaner safe for plastics

• Good lighting

Step-by-step cleaning

1. Remove the magenta cartridge (T0483).

2. On the cartridge, locate the chip/contact area (the small gold/metallic pad area).

3. Lightly dampen the cloth/swab with isopropyl alcohol (do not soak).

4. Gently wipe the cartridge chip contacts in one direction.

   • Do not scrape with a metal tool.

   • Do not sand it.

5. Now clean the matching contacts inside the carriage where the chip touches.

   • Use a foam swab if possible to avoid leaving fibers.

   • Be gentle-those carriage contacts can be delicate.

6. Let everything air-dry completely (a few minutes).

7. Reinstall the cartridge firmly, making sure it clicks into place.

8. Plug the printer back in and power on.

If cleaning helps only temporarily

If the error clears briefly and then returns, it often indicates:

• The cartridge chip is worn/damaged, or

• The carriage contact surface is bent/worn, or

• The compatible chip isn't stable

In that case, testing with another known-good cartridge (even temporarily) is the fastest way to isolate whether the failure follows the cartridge or stays with the printer.

4) A quick checklist specific to your situation

Because you're seeing both "Ink Out" and "Magenta Not Recognized", here's the order I'd troubleshoot:

1. Start with contact cleaning (most common fix for recognition problems).

2. Test with the original Epson magenta after cleaning:

   • If it remains "Magenta not recognized", suspect chip damage or carriage contact issue.

3. Test with the compatible magenta:

   • If it consistently reads "Ink Out", the chip may be reporting empty (or is non-resettable).

4. If you have access to:

   • Another new compatible magenta, try it (bad chips happen).

   • Another genuine Epson magenta, try it (best control test).

5. Avoid running repeated head cleanings while the printer is uncertain about the cartridge:

   • It can waste ink and sometimes complicate the "ink out" state.

5) If the carriage contacts are damaged

If cleaning does not help at all, the RX640 may have:

• A damaged contact pad assembly in the carriage, or

• A sensor/board issue affecting cartridge detection

Those are not reliably fixable through remote steps, because they require inspection and sometimes parts replacement.

Addressing printer issues can be complicated because many problems are hands-on and require physical testing. For that reason, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We do offer an in-person evaluation and repair service through our local diagnostic facility via our printer repair service page (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Due to high demand, we work first-come, first-served, and it may take a few weeks before there's an opening to drop off your printer. Our services are structured to repair either the whole printer or specific parts with clear next steps. That said, we understand our rates aren't the most economical-so we strongly recommend self-help through online research when possible. A great place to start is our YouTube channel homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon near "About" on the right side of the menu bar to find topics quickly. I receive many messages every day asking which video covers a specific issue, and after nine years of posting, it's difficult to remember every single one-so YouTube search is usually the fastest route. YouTube may also suggest helpful videos from other creators that match your exact symptoms.

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