Troubleshooting Persistent Issues with Spongeless Black Ink Cartridges

Customer Question

Why does my black ink cartridge keep malfunctioning, even after I refill it and use the priming clip as I did previously? It worked the last time, but now it refuses to print. What else can I do to fix this issue?

Answer 

Understanding Spongeless Cartridge Issues

If your black cartridge is not working after refilling, even with proper use of a priming clip, there are several potential causes to explore:

1. Number of Refills and Print Volume

Black ink cartridges typically get used up faster than color ones because most documents and images rely heavily on black ink. It's common to underestimate the number of times a cartridge has been refilled, especially with spongeless cartridges, which can hold up to 5 to 6 times more ink per refill compared to traditional sponge-type cartridges.

So while you may think you haven’t refilled it that often, you’ve pushed a lot more ink through it than you would have with a standard sponge cartridge. Over time, the nozzles can clog or wear out, primarily if the printer is not used frequently or if it sits idle.

2. Priming May Not Be Enough

Using a priming clip is essential, but it may not fully restore functionality if air bubbles have entered the system or if dried ink has blocked the nozzles. Try these additional steps:

• Flush the Printhead: If your printer uses a permanent printhead (like many Epson models), remove the cartridge and flush the printhead using a cleaning solution.

• Prime the Cartridge Thoroughly: Sometimes a quick prime isn't enough. Ensure that you pull ink through the exit port until a steady stream with no bubbles appears.

• Inspect the Cartridge Exit Port: Ensure there are no cracks or clogs where the ink exits the cartridge. You can gently press a tissue on the port—there should be a solid ink mark.

3. Cartridge Aging and Damage

Even high-capacity spongeless cartridges have a lifespan. After several refills, internal seals may begin to degrade or micro-cracks may form, which can interfere with ink flow. If you notice persistent failures, it might be time to retire the cartridge and replace it with a new one.

4. Printer Firmware or Driver Issues

In rare cases, the printer may not recognize a refilled cartridge properly due to software or firmware updates. This is more common with HP or Canon systems, but it’s worth checking for any alerts or error messages on your printer screen. Resetting the cartridge chip or bypassing recognition via maintenance mode may be necessary.

You can also refer to our video guide:
Why Black Cartridge Doesn’t Work After Refill (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTLjsCPi7Xc)

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, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We offer an in-person evaluation and repair service via our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Given the high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis. It may take a few weeks before we can accommodate your printer for drop-off. Our services are structured to repair either the whole printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on how to proceed. However, we acknowledge that our rates aren't the most economical. Thus, we recommend that you resort to self-help via online research. You can start by checking out YouTube or visiting our YouTube channel’s homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon next to the "About" section to find videos related to your issue. With over nine years of content, using search ensures you find the most relevant video, even if it's from another channel.

Thank you again for reaching out, and we appreciate your continued support of BCH Technologies. We’re here to help you keep your printer running at its best!