After a print cartridge is installed, one or both cartridge status lights begin to blink. The printer will not print. One of the following error messages displays on your computer screen:

• Print Cartridge Problem
• Incorrect Print Cartridge
• Incorrectly Installed Cartridge
• Print Cartridge Missing

If the message specifies a cartridge, go to the next step in this document.

If the message on the computer does not identify a particular cartridge, you need to determine the problem cartridge.

Identify which cartridge is causing the error by looking to see which cartridge status light is flashing. The Print cartridge status lights are located directly below the Cancel button and the Resume button on the printer control panel. The status light on the left represents the tri-color cartridge. The status light on the right represents the black cartridge. A flashing light indicates the cartridge needs attention.

Figure : Cartridge status lights

1. The left status light represents the tri-color cartridge.
2. The right status light represents the black cartridge.

  note:

If both lights blink, either both cartridges are the problem, or the printer cannot determine the problem cartridge.

When you have identified the problem cartridge, continue with the following solutions.

The print cartridge might not have full electrical contact with the product. Removing and reinstalling the cartridge might help.

  note:

HP cannot guarantee the quality of remanufactured or refilled cartridges. Use genuine HP cartridges for good print quality.

1. Make sure that the product is on.
2. Open the product cover and wait until the carriage is idle and silent.
3. Press down lightly on the end of the cartridge to release it.
4. Slide the cartridge out and inspect it.
   Figure : Removing the cartridge

   

     caution:

   Do not touch the copper electrical contacts or the ink nozzles.

   Figure : Electrical contacts and nozzles
   
   1. Copper electrical contacts
   2. Nozzles

   • Check the electrical contacts for debris.
   • Make sure that all the clear nozzle protective tape has been removed.

       caution:

     Do not attempt to remove the copper electrical strip.

     Figure : Removing the clear nozzle protective tape

     
   • Look at the number on the cartridge label and make sure that it is compatible with the product. To find a list of compatible cartridges, do the following:
     1. Go to HP SureSupply.
     2. Type your product number, and then press Enter.
        A list of compatible cartridges displays.
5. If the cartridge is compatible, reinstall it in the product:
   • The tri-color cartridge installs in the left carriage slot.
   • The black cartridge installs in the right carriage slot.
6. Push the cartridge into the slot until it snaps into place.

   Figure : Sliding the cartridge into the carriage

   Figure : Pushing the cartridge into place

7. Close the product cover.

If the issue continues, go to the next step.

1. Gather the following items to clean the ink cartridge and carriage:
   • Clean distilled water. Use bottled or filtered water if distilled water is not available. Tap water can contain contaminants that damage the ink cartridge.
   • Clean cotton swabs or any soft, lint-free material that will not stick to the ink cartridges (coffee filters work well).
   • Sheets of paper or a paper towel to rest the ink cartridge on during cleaning.
2. Open the ink cartridge access door and wait until the carriage is idle and silent.
3. Disconnect the power cord from the back of the printer.
4. Remove the ink cartridge and place it on a piece of paper with the nozzle plate facing up.

     note:

   Do not leave the ink cartridges outside of the printer for more than 30 minutes. If the ink cartridge is outside of the printer for too long, the ink can dry and clog the nozzles.

5. Dip a clean foam-rubber swab or lint-free cloth into distilled water, and then squeeze any excess water from it.
6. Clean only the copper-colored contacts
   Figure : Cleaning the contacts
   
   1. Copper-colored contacts
   2. Ink nozzles (do not clean)
7. Repeat these steps for the other ink cartridge.
8. Lightly moisten another cotton swab with distilled water, and then squeeze any excess water from the swab.
9. Use the swab to clean the electrical contacts in the carriage, located inside the printer on the carriage slots.
   Figure : The electrical contacts in the ink cartridge slots

   
10. Wait 10 minutes to allow the ink cartridge and carriage electrical contacts to dry.
11. Reinstall the ink cartridges.
12. Close the ink cartridge access door.
13. Reconnect the power cord to the back of the printer.
14. Press the Power button to turn on the printer.
15. Try to print a page.
16. If you are still unable to print, repeat these steps to clean and reseat the ink cartridges. Multiple cleanings might be necessary to restore printing.

If the issue continues, go to the next step.

If the issue persists, repeat the steps to reinstall and clean the cartridge.

If the issue continues, go to the next step.

1. Make sure the product is on.
2. Open the product cover and wait until the carriage is idle and silent.
3. Press down lightly on the end of the cartridge to release it.
4. Remove the cartridge from the slot.
   Figure : Removing the cartridge

   
5. Remove the new cartridge from its packaging.
6. Slide the cartridge into the slot until it snaps into place.
   • Tri-color cartridge is installed in the left carriage slot.
   • Black cartridge is installed in the right carriage slot.

   Figure : Sliding the cartridge into the carriage

   Figure : Pushing the cartridge into the slot

7. Close the product cover.
8. Try printing again.

If the issue continues, proceed to the next step.

  note:

If there is no replacement print cartridge, printouts can be taken in ink backup mode. Remove the problem cartridge and print with the remaining cartridge. If the tri-color cartridge is removed the printouts will be in grayscale and if the black or photo cartridge is removed the product prints slowly and the colors in the printouts might differ.

Service or replace your HP product if you completed all preceding steps.

To see if your product is still under warranty, go to the warranty check website http://www.support.hp.com/checkwarranty. Contact HP Support to schedule a repair or replacement. If you are in Asia Pacific, Contact HP Support to find a local service center in your area.

Repair fees might apply for out-of-warranty products.