INK TANK – The print heads are not integrated into the cartridge, do NOT perform the paper towel method.  The print heads are a separate, replaceable, maintenance item.

These are compatible cartridges so there will be some appearance differences.  These differences will not affect the function of the cartridge.

This cartridge series also includes an optimizer cartridge which helps enhance and preserve the printed pictures.  The black cartridge and optimizer cartridge are physically thicker than the BCI-8 color cartridges.

Not Recognizing

 

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

 

These cartridges do not use smart chips.  Make sure the correct color is being installed into the correct slot and verify the cartridge is firmly installed into the printer.

 

To remove and install the cartridges in a Canon BJC-8500 printer do the following;

–          Open the top cover

 

–          Press the REPLACE button near the center of the printer.  The cartridge holder moves to the left side of the printer

–          Remove the empty ink tank from the holder.  Push in on the plastic lock on the ink tank to release it then lift it up out of the holder

 

–          Insert the new tank into the correct color slot of the holder.  Press down on the top of the ink tank until it locks into place

 

–          Close the top cover

 

–          The printer will then charge the ink

 

Print Quality Issues

 

There’s a yellow piece of tape on the top of the cartridge which must be removed prior to installation.  This opens a vent hole.  There’s an orange clip on the bottom of the cartridge which must be twisted off (on the black cartridge and ink optimizer cartridge there are two orange clips located on the bottom)

 

For any print quality related issue a print head cleaning should be performed.  Try to determine which color the defect is occurring in.  Print a test page and see if the problem is only occurring with one color or if it is occurring across all the colors.  To print a print quality test page on a BJC-8500 do the following;

–          Make sure there is plain white paper loaded in the printer

–          Press down and hold the Power button until you hear one beep.  The test page will begin printing

–          Check the test page to see where the print quality defect is occurring

 

Two cleanings may be required to resolve a print quality problem.  If the second cleaning does not resolve the issue try running a third cleaning but allow the printer to sit for 10 minutes before attempting to print.  This allows the ink to soak on the print head.  To perform a print head cleaning on a BJC-8500 do the following;

–          Press and hold down the Resume button for over 3 seconds and release after the printer beeps once

–          The cleaning process will begin

 

If multiple cleanings doesn’t help and the problem is occurring with multiple cartridges then the print head on the printer may need to be replaced.  The print heads are maintenance items and will need to be periodically replaced after a certain amount of printed pages.

 

Not Fitting

 

Make sure you have the correct cartridges for your specific printer model.  Verify the correct color is going into the correct color slot.  Check to make sure the orange clip(s) have been removed and that the cartridge is being installed in the correct orientation.