Need help with my Epson DX44500

So, I picked up two replacement ink cartridges for my Epson. When I first tried to pop them in, they were leaking like crazy, so I had to pull them right back out. I decided to try a different set, but before installing those, I made sure to thoroughly clean off any leftover residue with some isopropyl alcohol. Now, after putting the new ones in, one printer recognizes the cartridge just fine, but the other one acts like it isn't even there.😢

I’ve spent quite a bit of time double-checking the sensors on the black printhead to make sure they aren't dirty—I’ve wiped them down several times now—but the black head just won't respond at all. Here is the weird part: when I swap the cartridges and try to put the black ink into a different printhead, the printer actually detects it (though it mistakenly identifies it as the wrong color), and the ink level reading shows up perfectly. So, I'm fairly certain the issue isn't actually with the ink itself.🤷

I even went as far as trying to reinstall the drivers, thinking maybe something had gone sideways during the software setup, but the result was exactly the same. Does anyone have any thoughts on what else I might be able to try?

silentfalcon22 said:So, I picked up two replacement ink cartridges for my Epson. When I tried to pop them in, they were leaking like crazy, so I pulled them right back out. I swapped them for different ones, and before putting the new ones in, I made sure to clean off all the extra ink with some alcohol. Now, after installing the new set, one printer recognizes one cartridge perfectly fine, but it’s completely ignoring the other one.😢

I’ve checked the sensors on the black printhead a bunch of times now. I even gave them a few extra cleanings, but honestly, the black head just isn't responding at all. When I swap the cartridges and try running the black ink through a different printhead, the printer picks it up fine—even if it thinks it's the wrong color—and the levels read perfectly. So, it’s definitely not an issue with the ink itself.🤷

I even tried reinstalling the drivers to see if something went sideways during the initial setup, but I’m still getting the exact same result. Anyone have any ideas on what else I should try?

If you're coming from around Washington, D.C., bring your Epson DX 4450 over to rustysurfer79’s shop. We’ll get a set of Twitter continuous ink tanks installed for you—they're 100% reliable, and we'll finally figure out exactly what's been causing your headaches.

Look, I have to admit, I am based out in Seattle.

Along the way, I think I must have pulled the cartridge out and shoved it back in at least ten different times, swapped in some others, tried flipping them upside down—I don't even know anymore—and then, suddenly, the thing just started working. Please don't ask me why, because honestly, I haven't the slightest clue myself. At one point, it actually recognized all of them, and now it seems to be functioning properly.

I really hope this doesn't happen again, because I'd much rather avoid being caught in another frantic scramble like that.