Epson Printer "end of service life" Problem Fixed

lotto-dreamer

:j In true money saving spirit - I have fixed my Epson Stylus C46 printer (with a little help from the internet) It involved changing ink pads and resetting counter.

1. Unplug printer and remove USB cable.

2. Take printer somewhere where you can clean up easily as you need to open it (from back with flat bed screw driver - 2 plastic slots and one screw in middle) Prise printer open then remove the ink pads from back lower left. It's messy, do it near a sink -I used kitchen draining board and rubber gloves. There are 4 largish ink pads layered on top of each other.

2. Wash ink pads thoroughly in hot water until they are as white as you can get them. Then dry them - hairdryer or overnight somewhere warm. They are quite thick and I actually put mine in a cupboard with a dehumidifier. They were dry in the morning.

3. Then go to this web page http://en.kioskea.net/faq/sujet-338-epson-error-message-a-a-end-of-service-lifea read instructions and download link they give on the page. It seems quite okay - it's mentioned on lots of links and they've been around a long time.

4. Once you've downloaded the small progamme follow the instructions as given on the web page (pop-up will ask if you've changed ink pads - go "yes" then follow rest of instructions to reset counter).

If printer is still flashing -turn off printer and re-start computer and then turn on printer again. If necessary unplug printer for about 20 secs. You might need to re-start computer again as well.

Putting printer back together is a bit tricky but do it on a soft surface like a bed or sofa cushion and it should be okay. I was terrified I was going to break the casing.



5. I also put in new cartridges for good measure (I use generic ones)


Happy to say I now have a beautifully functioning printer again - so hope this helps someone else save money