For anyone who knows about Printers

[chewie8008]

Just trying to figure out what the deal is with our printer. I have two, Lexmark Z33(I think) and Z515 and am having the same problem with both. When we try to print anything with color it prints in black and white, and not only that, but prints so lightly the picture is barely even visible. So I assume the color must be almost out, but the printing status shows the color cartridge over 50% full. And the black and white cartridge is pretty much brand new, so I know it's not empty. I tried the cartridges in both printers and had the same problem with both. I have tried cleaning the copper contact points on the cartridges with rubbing alcohol. I can only assume the color is just too low and maybe the printer is misreading the amount of color left. Any other possible things that could cause this? I want to know it's the cartridges before I go an pay $20+ for new ones.

Thanks for any information.

[jman98]

I wish I knew more about printers, but I want to give you something to consider. A couple of months ago, I had a problem where my 2 year old printer had generated some kind of error that seemed to indicate it needed more color toner. I put more color toner in it. It made no difference. I was pissed! Then I remembered what a co-worker told me. He said that whenever his PC printer runs out of toner, he throws it away and buys a new printer. He was not kidding. I threw away my old printer and bought a new one. It works. If your printer is old, you might consider that maybe it's just time to get a new one. I tried the rubbing alcohol trick too and it made no difference. I understand not wanting to spend the money on a new printer, but you can get a really nice printer for $100 or a little less these days.

[ROF]

Since you have removed the cartridges before the printer told you they were empty you will more than likely have screwed up the sensor chip and it is therefore the software is now reporting false information about the amount of ink left. You also likely while doing this created a clogged nozzle by removing an ink cartridge before it is empty or nearly empty. You may need to manually clean your printheads or if they can be replaced you may need to do so.

Solution: Never remove any ink cartridge before the printer tells you too unless you have knowledge of how to fix the problems which can occur by doing so.

[Abbadon]

There is an option for cleaning the printer heads in the software/driver application. Also, problems with colors is sometimes due to "refilled" cartridges with bad quality ink or toner.

[ROF]

That software cleaning may do the trick but in alot of cases a manual cleaning is required.

[HacktheHacker]

Have you checked your settings? Sounds to me like it is set on draft mode in b&w. For it to happen to both printers at the same time is to much of a coincidence on it being the ink cartridges.