Remanufactured for Lexmark #4 18C1974 Black Ink Cartridge

Lexmark #4 18C1974 Black at a glance: a black ink cartridge with built-in printhead rated at about 200 pages. Remanufactured: an original Lexmark cartridge that has been cleaned, refilled and quality-tested. Fits the X2690, Z2390 and Z2490. Backed by our 1-year 100% satisfaction guarantee; orders placed by 4 PM ET (Mon–Fri) ship the same day from Long Island, NY.

Key Facts

What's in the Box

• 1 × Lexmark #4 18C1974 Black remanufactured ink cartridge — about 200 pages

Page yield is the manufacturer's rating for the matching original cartridge, measured at roughly 5% page coverage under ISO/IEC 24711 testing. Your results will vary with what you print.

Compatible Printers (3 models)

• Lexmark X2690
• Lexmark Z2390
• Lexmark Z2490

Don't mix these up: #4A is the non-return replacement; not #5 (color).

Not sure? Look up your exact model on our Find Ink by Printer page, or contact us and we'll confirm the right cartridge for you.

Part Numbers & Also Known As

This ink cartridge replaces or is also searched for as: 18C1974, Lexmark #4, Lexmark No 4

Installation & Troubleshooting

Installing: open the cartridge access door and wait for the carriage to stop. Lift or press the old cartridge out of its holder. Unwrap the new cartridge and peel the protective tape off the print nozzles, without touching the nozzles or the copper contacts. Push it into the holder until it snaps in, close the door, and print an alignment page if the printer asks.

"Cartridge not recognized" or an ink-level warning: take the cartridge out, wipe the contacts with a dry lint-free cloth, make sure all tape is off and reseat it until it clicks. If the printer warns that the ink level can't be detected, confirm the prompt to keep printing.

Streaks or missing colors: run the nozzle check and print-head cleaning from the printer's maintenance menu, then print a test page.

Still stuck? See our guide to fixing a cartridge that isn't recognized or contact us and we'll make it right.

Remanufactured vs. Compatible vs. Original

Original (OEM) supplies are new from the printer brand and cost the most. Remanufactured supplies, like this one, start as genuine original cartridges or tanks that are cleaned, refilled and tested, so they fit and communicate like the original at a fraction of the price. Compatible supplies are built new by a third party. Castle Ink sells remanufactured inkjet cartridges and compatible toner.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many pages does the Lexmark #4 18C1974 Black print?

About 200 pages, based on Lexmark's rating for the original 18C1974 at roughly 5% coverage.

Which printers does it fit?

X2690, Z2390 and Z2490. See the full list above, or check our Find Ink by Printer page.

Will this void my printer warranty?

No. Under the U.S. Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a manufacturer can't void your printer warranty just because you used a third-party or remanufactured supply. If a non-original supply directly caused damage, that specific repair might not be covered.

How long can I store it?

Store it sealed, at room temperature and out of direct sunlight, and use it within about 24 months for best results. Once opened, install it promptly.

When will my order ship?

Orders placed by 4 PM ET, Monday through Friday, ship the same business day from Long Island, NY, by USPS (2–5 business days). Expedited 1–2 day delivery is available at checkout, and shipping is free on orders over $50.