How to refill an empty Canon cartridge

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of refilling an empty Canon ink cartridge. Refilling your cartridge can save you money and reduce waste. By following these straightforward steps, you'll be able to bring your printer back to life with fresh ink.

Step 1: Gather Your Tools

Before starting, make sure you have the following tools ready:

• Portable butane stove
• Toilet paper
• Color-coded syringe
• Pliers
• Nail
• Cutter
• Empty ink cartridge
• Color rubber plugs (red, yellow, blue)
• Ink (cyan, magenta, yellow)

Step 2: Prepare the Cartridge

1. Check Freshness: Swab the ink nozzles with toilet paper. If you see ink in all three colors, the cartridge is still fresh and easier to refill.
2. Remove the Cover: Use the cutter to carefully remove the sticker label. This will give you access to the cartridge chambers.
3. Puncture the Chambers:
   • Use the pliers to hold the nail and heat it with the butane stove until it turns red.
   • Puncture the following chambers:
     • Red (magenta)
     • Yellow
     • Blue (cyan)
   • Be cautious and avoid injury.

Step 3: Prepare for Filling

1. Clean Excess Plastic: Use the cutter to remove any leftover plastic around the punctured holes.
2. Widen the Holes: If necessary, use the cutter to carefully widen the holes for the rubber plugs to fit.

Step 4: Fill the Cartridge

1. Insert Rubber Plugs: Place the rubber plugs into the corresponding chambers (red, yellow, blue).
2. Fill with Ink:
   • Use the color-coded syringe to draw ink from its container.
   • Inject up to 3 ml of ink into each chamber.
   • For each color, puncture the chamber and slowly discharge the ink to allow it to be absorbed by the sponge inside the cartridge.
   • Perform this step for cyan, magenta, and yellow in their respective chambers.

Step 5: Clean Up

1. Wipe the Cartridge: Use a tissue to clean any excess ink from the outside of the cartridge.
2. Allow Absorption: Wait a few moments for the ink to be absorbed before proceeding.

Step 6: Install the Cartridge

1. Insert into Printer: Place the cartridge back into the printer, ensuring the colors are correctly aligned (color goes on the left).
2. Secure the Cartridge: Push it down firmly to ensure a proper fit.

Step 7: Conduct Deep Cleaning

1. Initiate Deep Cleaning:
   • Press the maintenance button on your printer three times.
   • A letter 'Y' will appear; press the green button to start the deep cleaning process.
2. Wait for Completion: This may take some time but is necessary to ensure optimal printing performance.

Step 8: Print a Test Page

1. Run a Test Print:
   • Press the maintenance button once.
   • A letter 'A' will appear; then press the color button to print a test page.
2. Evaluate Results: Check the test print to ensure all colors are coming through correctly.

Conclusion

You have successfully refilled your Canon ink cartridge! Remember to regularly check the ink levels and perform maintenance as needed. For future reference, consider watching a video on how to unclog a dried ink cartridge if you encounter any printing issues down the line. Happy printing!