INK TANK – The print heads are NOT integrated into the cartridges.  Do NOT perform the paper towel method.

The old OEM chip MUST be removed off the old OEM cartridge and installed into this cartridge.  A piggy back chip is included that will physically contact the old OEM chip that is installed into the new cartridge.

These are compatible cartridges; there will be some appearance differences from the OEM cartridges.  These differences will not affect the function of the cartridges.

IMPORTANT:  If you are sending the cartridge(s) back for an exchange or refund, you MUST return the piggy back chip that is included with each cartridge.

 

Not Recognizing

 

Verify you have the correct cartridges for your specific printer model.

 

IMPORTANT:  You must remove and re-use the OEM chip off the old OEM cartridge.  It is also important that you are using the correct color OEM chip with the correct color compatible cartridge.  You CANNOT use a matte black OEM chip with a photo black compatible cartridge for example.

 

View the picture below to see the process of removing and re-using the OEM chip with these compatible cartridges.  Click on the picture below to enlarge it.

 

Make sure that the OEM chip is being inserted in the correct orientation into the compatible cartridge.  Be careful not to touch the contacts on either the OEM chip or the piggy back chip as finger print oil can cause reading errors.  A clean, lint-free cloth can be used to wipe down the gold contacts.

 

The OEM chip will be inserted first into the slot on the side of the compatible cartridge then the piggy back chip will be snapped into place above the OEM chip.  Small pin connectors on the back of the piggy back cartridge will make contact with the gold contacts on the OEM chip.  Check to make sure the pin connectors are making physical contact with the OEM chip’s gold contacts by viewing into the slot on the side of the compatible cartridges.

 

Click on the YouTube video below to view a video on installing an old OEM chip into the T58 and snapping the piggy back chip into place.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfsPzZxc3Zo[/youtube]

 

Make sure the cartridge is fully inserted into the printer and that the correct color is installed into the correct color slot.

 

To remove and install the cartridges into a Stylus Pro 3880 do the following;

–          Press the ink cover button (upward arrow) to unlock the ink cover.  If the light is flashing and the LCD message is INK LOW, you need to hold down the button for 3 seconds to unlock the cover.

 

–          Lift open the ink cover.

 

–          Press the ink eject button above the cartridge that needs replacing.  The cartridge will slide out slightly.

 

–          Carefully pull the cartridge straight out of the slot.

 

–          Check to make sure you have the correct color cartridge for the cartridge you are replacing.  Hold the cartridge with the arrow mark facing up and pointing to the back of the printer, and then insert it into the slot until it clicks.

 

–          Close the ink cover and press it down until it clicks.

 

Print Quality Issues

 

Do NOT remove the clear pieces of plastic covering the nozzle hole and the vent hole on the front of the cartridge.  The printer will puncture these when the cartridge is installed.

 

Whenever there is a print quality issue a print head cleaning should be performed.  Print head cleaning does consume ink to complete so it should be done sparingly.  Epson recommends that if the first cleaning doesn’t resolve the issue to run a second cleaning but allow the printer to sit for 15 minutes before attempting to print so that the ink can soak on the print head and loosen any dried ink.  To perform a power cleaning on the Stylus Pro 3880 do the following;

–          Press the Menu button.

–          Press the down arrow until Maintenance is highlighted, then press the > button.

–          Press the down arrow to select Power Cleaning, then press the > button.

–          Press the Enter button to start the power cleaning.

 

Remove the cartridge from the printer and check to make sure the nozzle and vent holes on the front were punctured.  While the cartridge is out, cover the two holes with a paper towel and gently shake the cartridge.

 

Not Fitting

 

Verify you have the correct cartridges for your specific printer model.  Check to make sure the correct color is being installed into the correct color slot and that cartridge is being installed in the correct direction.