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

These are high capacity cartridges and are used in select Ricoh printer models.  It is important to verify they have the correct cartridges for their specific printer model.

 

Not Recognizing

 

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

 

Make sure the cartridge is installed correctly and fully inserted.  Make sure that they are installing the right color into the right slot.

 

There is a smart chip on the cartridge located on the front of the cartridge.  Check to see if there is any dirt or damage on the gold contact points. You can use a dry Q-tip to gently wipe the chip contacts.  Do not touch the chip with your fingers, as finger print oil can cause false readings.

 

You can try resetting the machine.  To do this; remove the cartridges from the printer, power the printer off, unplug the power cord for 10-15 seconds, re-insert the power cord, turn the printer on, and re-insert the cartridges.

 

To install the cartridges into a Ricoh GX e5550n printer do the following;

–          While pressing the recessed area (1) of the right front cover, open the cover (2).

 

–          Make note of the different locations of the color cartridges.  Remove the color needing replacing.  Be sure to hold the printer firmly so that it does not move.

 

–          Make sure you have the correct color cartridge for the color being replaced.  Insert the cartridge into the correct color slot.

 

–          Close the right front cover.

 

Print Quality Issues

 

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

 

Try shaking the cartridge or gently tapping it on a hard surface.  Take caution if the cartridge has already been open as ink may leak out of the punctured nozzle and vent hole.  A paper towel can be used to cover these two holes before attempting to shake or tap to prevent ink leakage.

 

A print nozzle cleaning should be performed when experiencing any type of print quality issue.  To run a print nozzle cleaning on the Ricoh GX e5550 do the following;

–          Press the ▼ key.

 

–          A message will appear asking to clean the print heads.

 

–          Press # to begin the cleaning.

 

Print head cleaning does use a lot of ink so it should be done sparingly.  If the first cleaning doesn’t resolve the issue, perform a second cleaning but allow the printer to sit for 10-15 minutes BEFORE attempting to do any printing.  This allows the ink to soak on the print head and help soften or loosen any dried ink which may be clogging the nozzles.

 

Also, remove the cartridge and check the front to make sure the nozzle has been punctured.  While the cartridge is out check the slot in the printer to make sure there is no debris that may be blocking the ink from coming out correctly.

 

Not Fitting

 

Verify they have the correct cartridges for their specific printer model.  Make sure the correct color cartridge is installed into the correct color slot.  Check inside the printer for any obstructions.  Check the cartridge itself for physical damage.