How to Fix "Ink Out - Replace Magenta Cartridge" on an Epson Stylus Photo RX640

Question:

After successfully installing a waste-ink drain and confirming the inside of the printer is now dry, my Epson Stylus Photo RX640 is giving me a new error saying the magenta cartridge is out of ink. I tried replacing the magenta cartridge and even attempted to disable ink-level detection, but nothing works. Is there any way to overcome this error?

Answer:

Understanding the "Ink Out - Replace Cartridge" Error on the RX640

The Epson Stylus Photo RX640 uses chip-based ink cartridges. Even if:

• The cartridge is physically full

• The ink lines are primed

• The printer is printing fine mechanically

...the printer will still refuse to operate if the magenta chip reports that it is empty.

This is a firmware-level lockout and cannot be bypassed by normal button presses, cleaning cycles, or replacing only the cartridge housing. The printer relies entirely on what the cartridge chip says-not the actual ink level.

Why Replacing the Cartridge Didn't Work

There are a few common reasons why swapping cartridges does not clear the error:

1. The replacement cartridge chip is also "empty"

Many third-party cartridges come with chips that fail prematurely or ship with incorrect programmed ink levels.

2. The chip contacts are dirty or oxidized

Dust or residue on the gold contacts prevents communication between the cartridge and printer.

3. The magenta cartridge slot has a weak or loose contact pin

If the spring-loaded reader pins inside the printer lose pressure or get ink residue on them, they cannot read the chip.

4. Ink-level detection disabling doesn't work on this model

Unlike newer Epson models, the RX640 does not allow full bypass of ink-level chips. Some maintenance programs may reset counters, but they cannot override a "dead" chip.

The Most Reliable Solution: Refillable Cartridges With Resettable Chips

For the Epson RX640, the most consistent and permanent fix is to switch to refillable cartridges equipped with:

• ARC (Auto-Reset Chips) - automatically reset to "full" when removed and reinserted

• Manual reset chips - require a chip resetter device, but extremely reliable

These cartridges bypass the original Epson chip restrictions and give you full control over ink levels.

Once installed:

• The chip resets itself whenever the printer cycles power

• The printer sees the cartridge as full

• You can refill as needed without buying new OEM units

This eliminates the "Ink Out" error permanently, assuming the chip is functioning properly.

Additional Things to Check

Before switching to refillable cartridges, also check the following:

1. Clean the cartridge chip contacts

Use a dry lint-free cloth. Never use IPA directly on the chip.

2. Inspect the printer's chip-reader pins

Shine a flashlight inside the magenta slot. Pins should be:

• Straight

• Springy

• Not covered in ink

If a pin is bent, the printer may not read any magenta cartridge.

3. Try another brand of cartridge

Some inexpensive refills include mismatched firmware chips or incorrect coding for the RX640.

General BCH Technologies Service Note

Printer problems like this are often very hands-on, and because of that, we're unable to provide remote repair or detailed troubleshooting support. If you prefer professional assistance, we offer in-person evaluation and repair at our local diagnostic facility:
BCH Printer Repair Service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service)

We handle repairs on a first-come, first-served basis, and it may take a few weeks before your unit can be inspected. We offer both complete printer repairs and component-level service with clear instructions on how to proceed. Our rates may not always be the most budget-friendly, so we strongly encourage learning through online resources as well. You can start by checking YouTube or visiting our BCH Technologies YouTube homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon next to "About" to quickly locate specific videos. After nine years of producing content, even I can't remember everything we've covered-YouTube search often finds answers faster, and it may also recommend helpful videos from other creators.

Thank you again for reaching out and for your patience. Your willingness to learn and troubleshoot makes a big difference, and we're grateful for your support. If you need more guidance in the future, feel free to contact us anytime.