How do I get PIXMA MX490 to use only black ink cartridge when color cartridge runs out?

[PVE]

I have a Canon Pixma MX490 printer. I never use the color cartridge, and it has now gone dry. The machine suddenly won't print at all, giving me the message that I must replace the color cartridge. I have changed the printing preferences to “Greyscale”, but it still won’t print. The little orange light on the printer is on permanently. How do I get the machine to accept the “Greyscale” instruction, and only print with the black cartridge?

[shadowsports]

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@bmunro wrote:

What are the steps for the pixma mp 560? ( i don't have a "Cartridge Settings button) win 10

I've gone through 4-5 sets of colour ink, never used up a black cartridge... and I never print in color!

Please help!

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Greetings,

This thread applies to a different printer model than yours.  Please start a new thread so your question can be answered with the correct information.   

[PVE]

Many thanks for all the advice. It worked perfectly when I held down the red "button" on the printer (above the orange flashing light showing that the ink cartridge was dry) and I held it down for quite a long time (it seemed longer than 10 seconds – perhaps 15 or longer). My printer is now working perfectly, printing with only the black cartridge, and I am very happy with the result.

[llaventhal]

I found this on your site and modified it a bit because of where my red button was located...BUT IT WORKED!!! It worked perfectly when I held down the red "button" on the printer (above the orange flashing light [in my case, below] showing that the ink cartridge was dry) and I held it down for quite a long time (it seemed longer than 10 seconds – perhaps 15 or longer). My printer is now working perfectly, printing with only the black cartridge, and I am very happy with the result. [SAME HERE!]

[Birdwatcher]

does canon make a printer that prints just black and white

[Patrick]

Hi Birdwatcher,

If you purchase a printer that uses a black ink cartridge and a color ink cartridge, you can sent the printer driver to only use the black ink cartridge.

This is not available with a printer that uses multiple ink tanks (one for each color).

For further assistance, please call Canon's Sales by dialing (800) 385 - 2155.

[Birdwatcher]

This is not strickly true. whilst you can tell your printer to use black ink only but when the colour gives up the ghost the printer will cease to work and you have to purchase a new ink cartridge to get the printer to work. You might ask if you have told the printer to use black ink only how does the colour ink run out, the simple answer is when the printer has been switched on or recovers from sleep mode the ink cartridges push a smal amout of ink through the jets to make sure the jets are clear so you get a print out, it will take some time but when the last residue of colour ink expires so does your printer.

Any comment on this Canon will be gratefully aknowleded by all

[Birdwatcher]

so the answer is no,i suppose i should do what you said and just let the colour run out like you said but next time i get a printer regardless of make i will get a black only, lets face normally how many times do you print a picture unless it's on photographic paper but hey thanks for taking the time out to reply.