THIS IS NOT AN INKJET CARTRIDGE OR TONER CARTRIDGE; THIS IS A RIBBON CARTRIDGE FOR A DOT MATRIX PRINTER.

This is a compatible cartridge so there will be some differences from the OEM cartridge.  These differences will NOT affect the function.

This is sold in a 6 pack, where you get 6 ribbon cartridges.

 

Not Recognizing

 

There is no smart chip or any kind of ID contact on this cartridge.  Epson recommends the cartridge to be replaced once the prints become light.

 

To remove and install this cartridge into the Epson DFX-5000 printer do the following;

WARNING:  You need to remove the print head by hand to replace the ribbon cartridge.  If you have just used the printer, the print head may be hot; let it cool for a few minutes before touching it.

 

–          Turn off the printer.

–          Open the printer’s top cover and slide the print head to the exposed part of the paper bail.

–          Lift the ribbon guide off the print head.

 

–          Pull up the side of the ribbon cartridge to release it from the printer’s mounting pins.  Remove the cartridge by lifting it up and away from you.

 

–          Remove and throw away the plastic separator from the middle of the new cartridge.  Next, detach the ribbon guide from the cartridge and turn the ribbon tightening knob in the direction of the arrow to take up any slack in the ribbon.

 

–          Hold the new cartridge with both hands and lower it into the printer.  Pull the cartridge toward you, slide the slots nearest you over the corresponding two pins in the printer.  Then push the cartridge down into position until the other two slots snap into place over the mounting pins in the printer.

 

–          Press lightly on both sides of the cartridge to make sure it is locked in place.

–          Insert the ribbon guide over the metal pins on each side of the print head.  The smaller end of the guide should be on top, with its angled edge facing back toward the platen.  Turn the ribbon-tightening knob again to remove any slack in the ribbon.

 

–          Slide the print head from side to side to see that it moves smoothly and that the ribbon is not twisted or ceased.

 

–          Close the printer’s top cover.

 

Print Quality Issues

 

Verify the ribbon cartridge is fully inserted and properly installed into the printer.  Check the ribbon slack.

 

The print head will eventually wear out after a certain period of usage, if print quality isn’t improved with new ribbon cartridges then the print head may have an issue.

 

If the ribbon cartridge is continuously printing lightly then the ribbon may be depleted and the cartridge needs replacing.

 

Not Fitting

 

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

 

Make sure the cartridge is being installed in the correct orientation.  Using the instructions outlined above, verify the installation of the cartridge.

 

Check inside the printer for any obstructions.  Check the cartridge itself for physical damage.