Why does my Dell ink cartridge level still show up as "low ink" after refilling them? Dell ink cartridges have a sensor that reports the ink level as low once it reaches a certain level. The sensor can not be reset. If you refill an ink cartridge that previously reported low ink, it may print fine, but the sensor will always report low ink. Buying or replacing ink cartridges with new Dell cartridges will resolve the low ink message. Dell discourages ink refills. Refilling ink may lead to print quality problems, and even eventual hardware problems. This post is in no way a validation of refilling ink cartridges.
Why does my Dell ink cartridge level still show up as "low ink" after refilling them? Dell ink cartridges have a sensor that reports the ink level as low once it reaches a certain level. The sensor can not be reset. If you refill an ink cartridge that previously reported low ink, it may print fine, but the sensor will always report low ink. Buying or replacing ink cartridges with new Dell cartridges will resolve the low ink message.
Dell discourages ink refills. Refilling ink may lead to print quality problems, and even eventual hardware problems. This post is in no way a validation of refilling ink cartridges.
Why my printer is reporting “low ink" after using refilled/remanufactured ink cartridges? Most ink cartridges have sensors that report the ink level. The “Low Ink” is usually the last sensor (fuse) before running out of ink.
Since the sensors are fuses that open when the ink level drops, they cannot be reset. If you are using refill or remanufactured ink cartridges, the best thing to do is to disable “ink alerts” on the printer’s software so you don’t keep getting “low ink” messages.
To disable “Ink Alerts” on Dell inkjet printers:
1. Open the Dell printer software (All-In One Center, Tool Box, etc)
2. Go to Settings
3. Advanced
4. More Options
5. In the “Appearance Mode, window, check “Never display the Printing Status window” and “Display the low ink alert only when the cartridges are almost empty.
Dell Branded ink (Both new and remanufacture) can be purchased through retailers and on the Web
If you're having problems with your printer, please post on the Dell Printers Forum
If you find this Wiki helpful, please vote above. Thanks.
Dell ink cartridges can be purchased at Staples, Walmart or Dell's Website.
Thanks for the info,it's a shame that for the printer to function right,you have to buy the ink from Dell?My 5 yr old grandson is driving me to the poor house with printing.So,I get refills at a local retailer for a third the price.Maybe Dell will be more reasonable with their cost in the future?I did like ordering from them,but have to go where I can afford it.
Maybe if tell took the sensors off,they would be cheaper?
That's too bad, next time I have to buy a printer I'll just buy a different brand.
your information on ink refills help, Im new to this site can you tell me how I can post a question, I have a Dell Printer 946 all in one ---it won"t print black it will print color I have tryed setting and resetting and about ready to throw it out---the ink level are fine any ideas.
I bought a refurbished refill from Office Max and now it doesn't print at all. Is there an issue w/ buying refurbshed refills?
It should be clear to everyone by now to certainly avoid ever buying a Dell printer again. I've read post after post about problems with the cartridges, often getting incorrect right (color) cartridge errors after replacing the left (black) cartridge when the color one is almost full. Dell's solution, just buy two new cartridges from them again and throw away the ones that are almost full of ink (and working just fine previously). But I'd say instead of replacing cartridges so rapidly, it is a lot more economical to just replace the printer. And obviously just don't buy Dell again and your problems (and this rip-off) will go away!
The sensor is only to force you to buy Dell ink cartridges.I looked at all the stores listed and none had my cartridge.That is why this is the last Dell printer I will buy.
Refilled ink/ laser toner cartridges are a fact of life these days, especially in these tough economic times. If Dell was smart, they would design refillable cartridges and provide refill instructions to refillers so that the cartridges worked right.
Got the V305 originals refilled at Walgreens last week-- so far no problems. Happy to learn about the sensors-thanks
what's the matter Dell, scared of a bit of healthy competition? I refilled the ink and your machine just ignores it. Hmm. Time to purchase a different brand methinks. Are you not afraid of the European Commission? They don't like anti-competitive trade practices like your ink re-ordering scam.
PS I made a comment about my feelings on this on my facebook site and suggest that anyone else in the same boat do the same so that your friends are not ripped off.
Dell 946 All in one... here's what I do....
1). Go to Control Panel
2). Click on Printers
3). Right Click on .. DeL AIO Printer 946
4). Select Printing Preferences
5). Click on Advanced Tab
6). Click on More Options
7). Choose: "Never Display the Printing Status"
8). Leave boxes in "Complete A Print" both blank
9). Exit
<p>I think we all need some genius to find out which of those contacts on the cartridge tells the computer to announce that infernal message about low ink.. If I could find out which contact it is, I would tape or paint over it with a very small brush.</p>
<p>one word - MONOPOLY.</p>
<p>I was out of color ink, and needed to print a B&W document for my FAFSA (that's federal student aid = I AM A POOR STUDENT). A very time critical document, NO color needed!!! NO NO NO, not allowed said the DELL ink police, and they put the cuffs on my AVAILABLE black ink. No printing allowed, not even in B&W!!! Left with no choice, I went to Staples to print it out. lo and behold the wonders of printers and ink to be found!!! AND at amazing low prices!!!! My poor student eyes could not believe what they were seeing, "is this wonderland? I asked myself"..."No, this is Staples, we sell affordable, high yield printers with ink that wont break you down to a sniveling wretch," said the kind gentlemen. To make a long, yet wonderful story short, I did not buy more dell ink, I did not use the Staples print center(which is still cheaper that using the v313) I instead came home with a new printer(brand will remain nameless, but do your homework on YIELD/COST OF INK and print quality, it's not hard. One hour of homework will save HOURS of headache, not to mention LOTS OF $$$, the stuff poor students lack the most.) HAPPY TIMES! Tell the captain of the Amistad... uuhh I mean the CEO of DELL's ink MONOPOLY, this slave, uh I mean FORMER printer owner has jumped ship and swam to the safety of a new free land, I mean new printer. I have tossed off the shackles of this ink monopoly, I shall no longer feel the sting of Dell's whip upon my wallet, I will no longer watch my printer fall WAY short of specified page yields. FREE AT LAST! FREE AT LAST!!</p>
<p>this is my 3rd and LAST dell printer... sorry Dell, you lost me, my family, my cousins. Your customer service STINKS. How is it that all sales people I speak to are the nicest people in the world, very informed, speaking very clear English, yet support is the EXACT OPPOSITE? I feel robbed, lied to and cheated. I'm sure you have a technical term for people who buy the v313, perhaps a MARK, or is a SUCKER.</p>
<p>Dell USED to be a quality brand with good customer service... what happened?</p>
<p>and you can have that free ink cartridge you sent me back, I CANT USE IT. Really, I can't, Im out of color ink.</p>
<p> Long time tell customer, now jumping ship(on ALL products)</p>
<p> -michael</p>
<p>One thing I have learned is that refilled ink cartridges may be less expensive, but in the long run they're damaging to printers from leaking ink! I've lost 2 printers to them, I won't buy them anymore!</p>