Not sure what to do about my printer

ssparry

It was working fine 2 weeks ago, then last week I attempted to print a photo and it won't print colour. I have tried to clean under where the ink cartridges go - no good, I have used a brand new full set of original espon ink to automatically clean it, costing a small fortune and still not working. I'm getting quite frustrated with it now and not sure what to do with it.

Its an Epson R240 and was bought in Boots just before Christmas.

Anyone have any ideas?

bluemoonbob

Its possible that you have ticked the greyscale option
on the properties tab
you can produce a test print just by hoding the printer buttons down in a certain order
Should be in the user manual
hope that helps
cheers
Bob

johnmc

No messages on screen / flashing lights?

I get my cartridges from North Devon Ink (full set for R240 £3.99) and bulk ink (matched to the manufacturers spec) from Aktiv Direct, which saves a few bob.

Is the purge tube attached? It goes from the place where the cartridges dock, down to some felt pads under the printer. If this has come off it will cause the heads to dry out.

The heads are part of the machine, the cartridges are just tanks for the ink.

Try wiping the heads with a Q-tip soaked in meths. If you've got an empty set of catridges then buy some alcohol from the chemist, refill the cartridges and flush it through (may need a chip resetter which cost about a fiver from your local market or off Ebay).

I can't find it at the moment, but there is a website where someone strips the machine and steams the heads ........... personally I'd rather buy a new printer!

If it still won't play then it's under warranty. Take it back and ask them to refund the wasted cartridges as well!

motorguy

If the jets have clogged up beyond a certain point, no amount of cleaning with the carts will help

Look for Epson inkjet cleaner / cleaning fluid on ebay, you put a few drops in then leave it a few mins, then try again.

Failing that, its under warranty. Lookup your local epson repair centre and take it to them. make sure it has genuine ink in when you take it.

Also, for those using non genuine carts, epson wont make any attempt to repair a printer without epson carts in it. they may also refuse to repair it full stop....

ssparry

Thank you for the quick replies.

Yes I learnt a valuable lesson a few years back using 'non' compatible ink cartridges, so now I spend the extra and go for originals....

I shall have a go at what you've suggested, if not back then it shall be a trip to Boots.

Many thanks

johnmc

Epson R240 for £40 from Pixmania or Amazon.

New set of T0441 cartridges £18.19 on Amazon + free P&P

Compat's £3.99 + 4.99 P&P equiv 3.3 sets.

Think I'll stick with compatible's which I've been using for years with no issues. When the printers unrepairable I'll buy another for the cost of a couple of sets.

Because the cartridges are so easy to refill I tend to use bulk ink and refill each cartridge many times.