Can the printer still print if an ink cartridge is expended or not installed?

Applies To

  • Related Articles: KA-01046 - how to change ink cartridges. KA-01571 - printing in black only when a colour cartridge is expended.

Solution

No — the printer won't operate if any cartridge is expended or removed. It's best to always keep spare cartridges on hand.

The printer warns you before this happens:

  • Printers without an LCD panel: a flashing red/amber Ink light means the indicated cartridge is low — a good time to get a replacement ready. A solid red/amber light means it's expended and needs replacing.
  • Printers with an LCD screen: a warning message or icon appears when ink is low, and an error message or icon appears once a cartridge is expended.

When you send a print job from your computer, a graphical display of ink cartridge status also appears in your printer software's Progress Meter window.

If you need to keep printing with a colour cartridge expended, see KA-01571 for Black Print Mode, if your model supports it.