Printer Ink Issue

[Xavier Breath]

I'll preface this by saying that I have searched online for a solution, but each attempt leads me back to the manufacturer who wants to sell me shit I don't need or to someone who offers assistance for a price.

My Brother model MFC-J497DW printer has decided that it cannot recognize its ink cartridges anymore. These are newer cartridges with nearly a full supply of ink, and I have used them to print before without issue. Now, however, I keep getting the "Cannot Detect Ink" message and it will not print. I have repeatedly reinstalled these cartridges, trying different orders, installing at different speeds (I read somewhere that it gets cranky if you install them too quickly), closing the cartridge door at different times, and all to no avail.

Most search results lead me to Brother, who wants me to pay and arm and a leg for their bullshit cartridges. Many Youtube videos promise to fix this, but they also mention using Brother products, or aren't really dealing with my issue. And, had they not worked from the get-go, I might be considering buying Brother's over-priced supplies, but dammit, these generic cartridges did work, so I just need to figure out how to get them to do so again.

It's damn frustrating, and I'd appreciate any assistance.

[bucolic_frolic]

1. If I were you

I would
1) play with different search terms to find the closest match to my problem. I Googled "Brother model MFC-J497DW doesn't recognize ink cartridges". There are some YouTube videos there, don't know if you've already seen them.

2) https://www.tonergiant.co.uk/blog/2014/07/printer-not-recognising-compatible-cartridges/

If there are metal contacts on the printer and cartridges, make sure they're clean. A Qtip dipped in vinegar works for me.

[canetoad]

2. Had Brother printers for ever

And have never seen that message. I've used non-Brother cartridges too - never been a problem.

If, as you say you have used these cartridges to print before - does that mean that you have inserted them in the printer then removed them?

If so, the ink may have dried up around the point of transfer from cartridge to printer. Iso alcohol can clean up printing ink, so I'd be giving this a go. I've also had success with a 15c diabetic syringe filled with iso alcohol squirted into the printer ink jets. It's a bit messy but cleans up readily and after several clean-up prints, brought back to life an old brother printer that hadn't been used for years. Good luck.

[FBaggins]

3. Recent firmware "upgrade"?

These often have little to do with actual functionality and more to do with blocking non-OEM cartridges from working.

If so… you may be able to downgrade to a previous version