Black change MK/PK is not possible

The Problem

When changing the black variant from Matte Black to Photo Black, you will eventually get a message on your printer's display stating that the black ink change is not possible because there is not enough ink available. This message reads "Ink levels too low to replace the cartridge. Replace the cartridge." Since the black ink change process has already been initiated, you cannot proceed until a cartridge with sufficient ink level is installed.

Technical Background

By default, your printer uses ink cartridges with a predetermined fill volume. For example, we will use an SC-P600, whose ink cartridges have a fill volume of 25.9ml. This fill volume is stored in the ink cartridge's electronic chip, and an electronic counter counts down the cartridge's content when using such a cartridge. The ink consumption is calculated or estimated based on various factors such as print quantity, idle time, number of cleaning cycles, etc. This results in the ink consumption display that is shown to you by the printer or printer driver. In general, ink is consumed by:

Print jobs
Cleaning procedures / nozzle cleanings
Switching the black cartridge / black variant (requires approximately 1-3ml)

Each process requires different amounts of ink or requires certain existing amounts to be carried out.

Method

For example, you are currently printing with Matte-Black and now want to switch to Photo-Black. Assuming that the current ink level of the Photo-Black cartridge's chip is at 1.8ml at this moment, you will now receive a message from the printer that the black ink change is not possible due to insufficient ink. For this change, the printer needs about 3ml of ink to fill the print head channel with Photo-Black and flush out Matte-Black in the process. The chip reports 1.8ml, but actually 3ml is required, so the process cannot continue until a Photo-Black ink cartridge with sufficient ink level is inserted.

At this point, it does not matter whether an original cartridge or a refill cartridge is used. When using refillable cartridges, this error message often leads to confusion because there seems to be enough ink in the cartridge after visual inspection. However, this state is not relevant because the printer gets its information exclusively from the electronic chip. There is no query of the ink chamber, neither the cartridge chip nor the printer has knowledge of the actual ink level of the cartridge.

To continue the ink change process, one of the following things is needed:

A new ink cartridge
A used ink cartridge with sufficient ink level on the chip
A new refill cartridge
A used refill cartridge with sufficient ink level on the chip
A new cartridge chip (replaceable for refill cartridges)
A used cartridge chip with sufficient ink level (replaceable for refill cartridges)

So, an ink cartridge or another cartridge chip (refill cartridge) of the color that the printer is requesting must be inserted. After that, the ink change process can be continued and completed.

Notice when using refill cartridges

During the process of changing the black ink, the printer only complained about the ink level because there is an increased need for ink during this process. If you were to start a print job, there would be no error message because there would have been enough ink left for that. This means that in most cases, you can still use the ink cartridge that was "complained" about for printing, and you should do so.

Once the black ink has been successfully changed and the printer is ready to print again, remove the ink cartridge or chip that was just inserted and put back the cartridge/chip that was previously used. Continue printing with it, and after a few prints, the printer will stop because the chip has reached its "zero" level. At this point, remove the cartridge from the printer, fill it completely, and reinsert it. The chip will then automatically be reset to 100% full. You received corresponding instructions with your Farbenwerk refill system.

By doing this second cartridge/chip change after the black ink change problem, you ensure that the initially used cartridge/chip can be reset and remains usable. Set aside this second "exchange cartridge," as it can help in the next situation where the Photo-Black cartridge is complained about during a black ink change. Continue with this second cartridge in this way until the ink level is very low. Only then should you use it for printing so that the chip is reset shortly and the cartridge remains usable for a longer time. By exchanging cartridges like this, you always have one as a backup.

If you frequently switch between the Matte-Black and Photo-Black black ink, it is a good idea to purchase an additional second ink cartridge for each color and set it aside.

Disclaimer
We hereby expressly state that the manipulation of ink cartridges and printers is done at your own risk, and we assume no liability for any damages or injuries resulting from the use of this guide. The instructions and suggestions provided above are meant as recommendations, and their use is entirely voluntary and at the discretion of the user. We accept no liability or guarantee for damages or consequential damages to printers, printer parts, tools, furniture, or products used from farbenwerk. There is always a risk of damage when working with printers or printer parts due to improper handling. We explicitly disclaim any responsibility for covering costs or compensating damages (e.g., printer downtime).