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.

 

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 FX-980 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.

 

–          Make sure the printer is turned off.  The printer is off when the surface of the Operate button is even with the button protectors as shown.

 

–          Lift the printer cover by its back edge and then pull it straight up and off.

 

–          Make sure that the print head is not hot, if it is, let it cool for a few minutes before touching it.  Then slide the print head to the ribbon installation position (the indented portion of the paper tension unit) by hand.

 

–          Grasp the cartridge and pull it slightly forward and up; the ribbon guide snaps away from the metal pins behind the print head.  Properly dispose of the used ribbon cartridge.

 

–          If there is a separator present on the new cartridge then remove it.  Turn the ribbon-tightening knob in the direction of the arrow to remove any slack in the ribbon.

 

–          Hold the cartridge with the ribbon-tightening knob up.  Fit the two front notches of the ribbon cartridge over the small pegs on each side of the printer as shown below.  Then lay the cartridge flat.

 

–          Lift the cartridge’s ribbon guide (1) and insert it firmly over the metal pins behind the print head (2).  Make sure the ribbon is not twisted or creased and that it is in place behind the print head.  Then press down the guide until it clicks into place.

 

–          Turn the ribbon-tightening knob in the direction of the arrow to remove any slack in the ribbon.  Then slide the print head from side to side to make sure it moves smoothly.

 

–          Replace the printer cover by first inserting the front tabs into the slots on the printer and then lowering the cover into place.  Push it down until it clicks.

 

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.