INK TANK – These don’t have a print head attached so DO NOT perform the paper towel method.

These are compatible cartridges and will differ in appearance than the OEMs.  This will not affect the function of the cartridges.

We now carry updated 100XL compatibles over the older compatibles we used to carry.  Differences to the newer compatible 100XLs are they no longer use a piece of film on the side of the cartridge to contain the ink but rather use the entire cartridge core to do so.  This will help stop atmospheric pressure changes from causing the ink to leak or not come out properly.  Also, two new cotton pieces replace the pad on the bottom and sponges inside the cartridge.  The cotton can hold a greater density of ink which will help prevent the cartridge from not outputting the ink properly.

The 100XL Black is physically thicker than the 100XL color cartridges.  There are four colors in this series; Black, Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow.

 

Not Recognizing

 

Verify they have the correct cartridges for their specific model printer.

 

This cartridge uses a RF or radio frequency sensor chip that’s located on the top of the ink cartridge. This chip does not make physical contact with the printer but rather sits in a specific position to be picked up by the printer’s sensor. Make sure that the cartridge is properly inserted and locks into place to ensure the chip is in the correct position. If the problem persists it is most likely an issue with the chip on the cartridge.  These will read the correct ink levels.

 

Lexmark has a history of doing stealth firmware updates, where they disguise a firmware update as a routine update.  A firmware update may lock out the use of aftermarket cartridges.  Usually when a firmware updates goes through cartridges that were once working will no longer read and/or a cartridge gives an incompatible error and you try others (reships, multiples in the same order, etc) which also won’t recognize.  Try to find out if the customer has done any recent software updates on their printer.  If you notice a pattern, post it on the CSR Blog.

 

IMPORTANT====> There is a carbon strip located on the RF chip on top of the cartridge.  If the cartridge is reading low or empty or is giving an recognition error, scrape away the middle portion of this carbon strip to break the connection.  This will change the chip and should resolve the ink level issue or recognition error.  As of April 2014 we added additional serial numbers to the chip to help with recognition issues.  Make sure to try scraping the carbon strip!

 lex100carbon

Verify that the correct color cartridge is being installed into the correct color slot.

 

To remove and install these cartridges into a Lexmark S605 printer do the following;

–          Open the printer.

 

–          Press the release tab on the color being replaced, and then remove the used ink cartridge(s).

 

–          Be sure you have the correct color cartridge for the color cartridge being replaced.  Insert the new cartridge into the correct color slot and push down until it clicks into place.

 

–          Close the printer.

 

Print Quality Issues

 

There is a yellow piece of tape that must be removed prior to installation.  This opens a vent hole.

 

There is an orange plastic protective clip which must be removed from the cartridge prior to installation.  This clip should just snap off the cartridge.

 

A print head cleaning should be performed when experiencing any type of print quality issue.  To run a print head cleaning on the Lexmark S605 do the following;

–          On the printer control panel click the icon of color bars on the touchscreen.

–          Select More Options.

–          Select Clean Printhead.

 

If the first cleaning doesn’t resolve the print quality issue, a second cleaning may be necessary.  Run a second cleaning but this time select Deep Cleaning instead of Clean Printhead.  This will run a more aggressive cleaning.  Printhead cleaning should be done sparingly as it does consume ink to complete.  After the second cleaning, allow the printer to sit for 10-15 minutes before attempting to print.  This allows the ink to soak on the printhead and help loosen any dried ink which may be present.

 

Not Fitting

 

Verify they have the correct cartridges for their specific printer model.  Make sure the correct color cartridge is being installed into the correct color slot.  Verify that the orange plastic protective clip was removed as well as the yellow tape.  Make sure the cartridge is being installed in the correct orientation.  Check inside the printer for any obstructions.  Check the cartridge for physical damage.