How to Refill Ink Tanks on an EcoTank Printer

Applies To

Description

When an EcoTank ink tank runs low, refill it directly from an Epson ink bottle rather than replacing a cartridge. The refilling process is largely the same across EcoTank and ink tank (L series) models; on some models, resetting the ink level is built into the last step of this same process, rather than being a separate task — see the note at the end of this article.

The product has a low ink alert system. The accuracy of this system depends on the user refilling the ink tanks correctly. The product cannot directly measure the ink levels in the tanks; instead it estimates the amount of ink remaining by internally monitoring ink usage. The low ink alert system may generate inaccurate messages if the ink tanks are not refilled according to these instructions.

As a precaution, perform regular visual inspections of the ink tanks to ensure ink levels do not fall below the lower line. Continued use of the product when the ink level is below the lower line on the tank could damage the product.

Caution: Use ink bottles with the correct part code for your printer, and do not mix ink types. Non-Epson ink can cause damage not covered by Epson's warranty. Ink may splatter while filling; if it gets on clothes or belongings it may not come out, and if it spills on skin or gets in eyes, wash it off/out immediately. Keep ink bottles out of the reach of children. See KA-02081: Ink Handling Precautions for the complete safety and storage guidance.
Note: Store unopened ink bottles out of direct sunlight and away from high or freezing temperatures, and use them before the date printed on the packaging. Don't open a bottle until you're ready to use it, and once opened, use it as soon as possible. If a bottle has been in cold storage, let it warm to room temperature for at least three hours before use. Keep bottles upright when tightening the cap and while transporting them.

Symptoms

  • An ink tank is at or near the lower line marked on the tank
  • The printer shows a low-ink warning light, message, or on-screen alert
  • The printer will not print, and a low-ink or empty-ink message is shown
  • The printer's LCD screen prompts you to reset the ink levels.

Solution

Have your replacement ink bottle ready, then work through these steps for each tank you need to refill.

Not sure which ink bottle your printer uses? Ink bottle part numbers vary by model. Use Epson's InkFinder tool to look up the correct bottles for your specific printer.
  1. On some models with a menu, select Maintenance > Fill Ink on the printer's control panel, and read the on-screen precautions before continuing.
  2. Close the document cover if it's open.
  3. Open the ink tank cover.
    Opening the ink tank cover
  4. Open the cap of the ink tank you're filling.
    Opening the ink tank cap

    Important: Make sure the colour of the ink tank matches the ink colour you want to refill.

  5. While holding the ink bottle upright, slowly turn the cap to remove it.
    Removing the ink bottle cap

    Important: Be careful not to spill any ink, and don't touch the top of the bottle after removing the cap.

  6. Check the upper line marked in the ink tank — this is the fill target.
    The upper line marking inside the ink tank
  7. Align the top of the ink bottle with the filling port and insert it straight into the port. Ink flows in and stops automatically once it reaches the upper line — do not squeeze the bottle.
    Filling the ink tank from the bottle up to the upper line

    Note: If ink does not start flowing, remove the bottle and reinsert it. Once the ink reaches the upper line, do not remove and reinsert the bottle again — this can cause ink to leak or overfill the tank.

  8. Once filling is complete, remove the ink bottle.
    Removing the ink bottle after filling

    Note: Don't leave the bottle inserted, as it may be damaged or leak. If ink remains in the bottle, tighten its cap and store it upright for later use.

  9. Close the ink tank cap securely.
    Closing the ink tank cap
  10. Close the ink tank cover firmly.
    Closing the ink tank cover
  11. Repeat steps 4–9 for every colour you need to refill.
Example shown: Epson ET-4950 Series / L6390 Series. Menu wording and the tank cover's exact location vary by model, but the refilling process itself is the same.

Even if you don't fill a tank all the way to the upper line, the printer can still be used — but for the most accurate ink level readings and best performance, fill to the upper line every time.

Next step: on some models, the screen automatically prompts you to confirm which colours you refilled as soon as you close the ink tank cover. On others, you need to do this yourself from a menu. Either way, see KA-02079: How to Reset Ink Levels on an EcoTank Printer to complete this. If your printer has no display at all, no further action is needed; ink levels on these models are checked visually rather than tracked by a counter.