I had a similar problem with a color cartridge for an Epson C80. Epson tech
support told me to rub a clean rubber pencil eraser on the electrical
contacts. That took care of the problem even though the contacts did not look
dirty and it was brand new. I have used the same technique on various other
contacts, and find it to cure a lot of misteries. Hope it works for you.
P.S. Epson owners manual says not to touch the contacts as they could become
damaged, but what do you have to lose?

Jay Merritt

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