Printhead errors on HP Smart Tank 500, 600 printers

The printer might display an error if the printheads are not correctly installed.

1. Make sure the ink tanks are at least half full.

2. Make sure paper is loaded in the main tray, and then turn on the printer.

3. Open the front door, and then open the printhead access door.

   

4. Wait until the carriage stops moving before you continue.

5. Make sure the printhead carriage latch is closed.

   • If the printhead latch is closed, continue with these steps.

   • If the printhead latch is open, push down on the latch to close it, close the front door, and then try to print. If the error persists, continue with these steps.

6. Push down on the printhead latch to unlock it.

   

7. On the printhead with the error, press down to release it, pull it out of its slot, and then set it on a protective surface, such as a sheet of paper.

   

   CAUTION:

   To prevent ink from leaking or transferring, hold the printhead by the sides and keep it upright at all times.

8. Make sure the plugs on top of the printhead have been removed.

   

9. Make sure the tape from the printhead contacts has been removed.

   CAUTION:

   Do not touch the copper-colored contacts or the ink nozzles. Do not replace the protective tape on the contacts. Handling these parts can result in clogs, ink failure, and bad electrical connections.

   

10. Slide the printhead at a slight upward angle into its slot, and then push up on the printhead until it snaps into place.

    

11. Repeat these steps for the other printhead, only if indicated by the Printhead icon or error message.

12. Close the printhead latch by pushing it down until it locks into place.

    

13. Close the printhead access door, and then close the front door.

    

14. Align the printheads.

    • If your printer has a touchscreen control panel, follow the control panel prompts to print an Alignment Page, and then follow the instructions on the page to align the printheads.

    • If your printer does not have a touchscreen control panel, an A blinks on the control panel and an Alignment Page prints automatically. Follow the instructions on the page to align the printheads.

Reset the printer to recover from printer errors or failures.

1. With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the printer.

2. Unplug the power cord from the power source.

3. Wait 60 seconds.

4. Reconnect the power cord to a wall outlet and to the printer.

   Note:

   HP recommends plugging the printer directly into a wall outlet.

5. Turn on the printer to complete the reset.

If the previous steps did not resolve your issue, contact HP Customer Support for further assistance.

1. Go to HP Customer Support - Contact.

2. Enter your product serial number to view warranty status and to change your location, if necessary.

3. Select a support option. If you are in Asia Pacific, you will be directed to a local service center in your area.