How to Reset the Waste Ink Counter on Epson ET-4500 Before It Reaches Its Limit

Question:

I want to give away my old but reliable Epson ET-4500 to someone who isn't very tech-savvy. The printer hasn't hit its waste ink counter (WIC) limit yet, but it might soon, and I'm worried they won't be able to reset it when that happens. It's currently around 9,000 pages printed. Do you know what the trigger level is for this model? Should I reset the counter and clean out the waste ink tank now to extend its life, or wait until it reaches the limit?

Answer:

Now, regarding your question about the Epson ET-4500 waste ink counter (WIC) - this counter tracks how much ink has been flushed into the waste ink pads during cleanings and maintenance cycles. Once this internal counter reaches its maximum threshold, the printer will stop printing and display an error message such as:

"Service required. Waste ink pad in the printer is at the end of its service life."

1. When Does the Waste Ink Counter Trigger on an Epson ET-4500?

For the Epson ET-4500, the waste ink counter typically triggers between 7,000 and 8,000 pages, depending on cleaning cycles, color usage, and maintenance frequency. However, since you've already reached about 9,000 pages, you're likely very close to that limit. It would be wise to reset it now to avoid the new user encountering the service error soon after taking ownership.

2. How to Reset the Waste Ink Counter

You can easily reset the counter using a reliable tool like the WIC Reset Utility. This software allows you to clear the waste ink counter so your printer can continue operating normally.

Here's how to do it:

1. Go to InkChip.net's WIC Reset Utility page (https://inkchip.net/wic/).

2. Download and install the WIC Reset Utility.

3. Open the program and connect your Epson ET-4500 via USB.

4. Use the "Check" button to verify your current waste ink counter percentage.

5. Click "Reset" and enter a reset key (which you can purchase directly through the site).

After resetting, your printer will clear the counter to zero, allowing continued use without hitting the "service required" message.

3. Cleaning or Replacing the Waste Ink Pad

Resetting the software counter does not physically empty the waste ink pads - it only resets the tracking value. Since you're preparing this printer for someone else, it's a great idea to clean or replace the waste ink pads or install an external waste ink tank.

An external waste ink tank is a small container connected to the printer's purge tube. This allows waste ink to collect outside the printer, keeping the interior clean and preventing ink overflow. It's an inexpensive upgrade that significantly extends your printer's lifespan.

If you choose to clean the existing pads, be sure to wear gloves and clean the absorbent sponges with water and mild detergent, then let them dry completely before reinstalling.

4. Why You Should Reset Now

Since your printer is close to the WIC limit, resetting and cleaning now is the most considerate choice before gifting it. It ensures the new owner won't face an unexpected "service required" error right away, giving them a smooth experience with a printer that's already optimized for extended use.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. Therefore, we're unable to provide remote troubleshooting or repair services. However, we do offer in-person printer diagnostics and repairs through our local service center - you can find more details on our Printer Repair Service page (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Please note that our services operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and due to demand, it might take a few weeks before we can accommodate your printer.

If you prefer to handle the process yourself, we highly recommend visiting our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies) for in-depth tutorials. You can search specific topics like "Epson WIC reset" or "waste ink pad replacement" using the search icon near the "About" section of our channel.

Thank you again for reaching out and for supporting BCH Technologies. Your proactive approach to printer care sets a great example for others and helps us continue providing detailed technical guidance for the community.