Epson 980 not printing

[Dick]

I have a non-functional Epson Stylus Color 980.

Situation: It was working, but the "replace black cartridge" light came on.
I purchased a new T003 011 Epson Black Cartridge. The tape was removed and
the cartridge inserted. I pressed the proper button, it did some stuff and
acknowledged the new cartridge; the light went out, back to normal.

Now: Everything works perfectly, whether test printing from the printer or
from the computer. However, no ink whatsoever makes its way to the paper.
Alignment patterns, XP test pages, whatever-the printer goes through all the
motions, pulls the paper through normally, makes printing sounds, no warning
lights, but - - - - the paper is as clean when it comes out as when it goes
in. I've tried cleaning, nothing on the page! It was my sister's printer,
but I don't think the time lapse before replacing the cartridge was more
than a couple of weeks.

I haven't tried removing the cartridge yet to see if there is any clue, as I
know Epson's aren't happy with cartridges in and out. Will it make the new
one useless if it is removed and looked at?

This is a seldom used printer, and probably hasn't printed more than a
hundred pages, but all it does now is pull paper through and leave it in
virgin condition! I hate to throw it in the garbage can.

TIA

Dick

 

[Safetymom123]

Have you run a nozzle check, and cleaned heads from the utility menu of your
printer. You may need to run a number of cleaning cycles to get the black
printing again.

 

[Dick]

I did try cleaning with the utility two times. I will be more persistent to
see if any magic happens.

I've seen many Epsons get plugged and print with gaps, but I've never seen
one where there isn't a speck of ink that makes it to the paper.

Dick

 

[Dick]

I just cleaned a half dozen times in succession. Nothing at all shows on the
paper, and now the color cartridge light is blinking!

I could really learn to hate Epson printers with the drying out problem, if
that is what it is. Spend $65 for two cartridges, and then find out its
garbage can time. Wonderful!

Dick

 

[Safetymom123]

I have owned quite a few Epsons with no problems. If it is a bad clog it
may take up to 10 cleanings or more. I would try some more since you let it
sit overnight. Do you follow the instructions about turning it off using
the power button? Leaving it off until you need to print? It also uses the
color inks when it runs the cleaning cycles.