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What happens if you try cleaning the heads not the standard once, but at least four times in a row without doing anything else in between, please? Don't try a test, don't switch off; just run the cleaning routine at least four times in straight row. (Sorry that might use a lot of ink)
Some, particularly smaller printers don't really like being left more than two or three weeks without printing and it could help to print even just a small test image every fortnight or so. (Again, sorry that uses ink)
Hi Robbie I was busy printing 3 posters and with the 3rd one the carriage just started going from left to right - on and on and on without printing anything. I did the job cancel. Tried a couple of other commands and it all worked except for the printing?Hi Robbie I was busy printing 3 posters and with the 3rd one the carriage just started going from left to right - on and on and on without printing anything. I did the job cancel. Tried a couple of other commands and it all worked except for the printing?
Oh, that's worse. You can see my last was a generic suggestion, and I don't know that model but if there's no ink spillage, that sounds like either the particular job or the printer's firmware is corrupted.Oh, that's worse. You can see my last was a generic suggestion, and I don't know that model but if there's no ink spillage, that sounds like either the particular job or the printer's firmware is corrupted.
If it behaves the same with different work from a different app, I'd go to HP's support site and check for firmware updatingIf it behaves the same with different work from a different app, I'd go to HP's support site and check for firmware updating
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More that likely the refilled ink cartridges are faulty and should be replaced. While some folks have pretty good luck with refilled cartridges, it is generally better to stick with the new ones.
As to the problem with old cartridges, keep in mind that the estimated ink levels are just that - estimates. However, if your printer has an option for cleaning the cartridges, try that before chunking them. Take them out, put them back in, and run the cleaning process. Sometimes the nozzles can get clogged up and running the cleaning process will clear them up. ( DO NOT TRY TO CLEAN THE CARTRIDGES MANUALLY!)
If none of this helps, you will more than likely just need to get some new cartridges. - Graye
Either the print head for black is faulty, or the wiring to the black print head on carriage are broken. Try also cleaning the metal sensor to the black cartridge inside the ink carriage.
I have had the same problem It is the print head not the cartridge If your printer is still under warranty have the printhead(s) replaced if not Open the unit where the print heads are and hold the OK button for 5 seconds. The Print head carriage will move to the left
Carefully remove the KY (Black & Yellow) Print head with a cotton swab and alcohol clean the contacts and replace the printhead. If this does not work remove the printhead and then with a spray bottle spray the nozzle area on the bottom (DO NOT TOUCH THE NOZZLES AS THEY WILL BE DESTROYED) HP techs have told me this will void any warranty so act accordingly I use a printhead cleaning solution available from most any online ink supplier
Replace the printhead after it has dried out (less than a minute). The printer will then go through an alignment cycle and should print I had to do this several times before the print head performed as it should
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These types of severe HP 74 black or HP 75 color ink cartridge errors (i.e. refer to documentation / incompatible cartridges, print cartridge(s) problem, etc.) typically indicate the internal micro electronics of the respective HP 74 black or HP 75 color cartridge are damaged. The cartridges electrical wire runs at rear and lower side of the ink cartridge, are very delicate and are somewhat susceptible to ink attack over time, which can lead to premature failures. In addition, the older the cartridge the higher the chance of an internal micro electronics failure. I suggest you first run a Tap 41 diagnostic test to check cartridges electrical health (this is a special forced service test, refer to video so you understand how to read the print out). You may also bypass the error (temporarily) on most models which use HP 74/75 cartridges.
NOTE: Unfortunately, alignment pages and internal self test prints will usually print Ok even if the cartridge is internally electrically damaged. Do not use these test pages as a proxy for determining whether a cartridge is good or bad, only the 'Tap 41/43' diagnostic test report can yield this information.
CONTACT CLEANING / SERVICE TEST DIAGNOSTICS:
A. Ensure BOTH carriage/flex cables and BOTH ink cartridge contacts are thoroughly clean before proceeding: http://inkjet411.com/?page_id=1519
B. Print Self Test Page:
1. Press and hold the CANCEL button.
2. Press the COLOR COPY button. Release both buttons.
3. The self test page should print. The printed pattern will verify printer is generally functional
--- The self test page is a 'forced' test print whether the ink cartridges are good or bad. Inspect color bars to verify proper nozzle/jetting health. If normal/regular printing is still not permitted then the problem is with either one, or both, of the ink cartridges. Activate Tap 41 test to confirm which cartridge is causing the issue.
C. Validate the cartridge's electrical health by running the 'Tap 41' diagnostics test. Refer to video procedure or .pdf document at the following links on how to activate and read the service test report: http://inkjet411.com/?page_id=536
1. Load Letter/A4-size paper into paper feed tray.
2. If any lights are blinking, first press Cancel to attempt to clear.
3. Press and HOLD the Cancel button, press Ok button once.
4. At 'Mfg Commands' menu, click Right Arrow once until 'uiaux service' menu is displayed.
5. At 'uiaux service' menu, click the Right Arrow until Special Reports menu is displayed.
6. Select Ok, then click Right Arrow until the 'print-mech button tap' menu is displayed.
7. Select Ok (Code = 0 will be displayed); click and hold Right Arrow until 'code = 41' is displayed. Use the Left Arrow if you need to decrease numerical count.
8. Select Ok. Within one minute the Tap 41 diagnostic test report should be initiated and print (whether ink cartridges are good or not, i.e. this is a forced print test). See following 4 paragraphs (or video) on how to interpret diagnostic report.....
--- Providing the color cartridge is partially functioning the Tap 41 diagnostic test print will be printed (this is a forced service print test which is mainly used for the evaluation of ink cartridge electrical health). A good HP 75/75XL color cartridge should display 600 good nozzles, while a good HP 74/74XL black ink cartridge should show 672 good nozzles. If the results yield anything different then the ink cartridge is likely damaged and will need to be replaced. Refer to video on how to read the printout.
---- If the printer attempts to print the diagnostic test pattern (1 page) then the printer is generally considered operational and functional, if nothing is printed, but the printer attempts to print the pattern, then the tri-color ink cartridge is either empty, clogged or severely electrically damaged (black ink cartridge is not used). You can remove the tri-color cartridge, reactivate the tap 41 test and the printer will print the diagnostic test print in black ink.
You can also test general printer performance by running the 'Tap 10' diagnostic test, use same procedure above and enter "code = 10". Both the 'Tap 41' and 'Tap 10' tests are 'forced print tests' - the printer will make every attempt to print the pattern whether the ink cartridges are good or bad...the patterns should be utilized to diagnose cartridge health. If 'regular' printing is still not possible then one or both of the ink cartridges is damaged.
However, if the cartridge is determined to be electrically damaged, largely dependent on the 'Tap 41' diagnostic test results, the cartridge will eventually need to be replaced with a new one. With a marginally performing ink cartridge, this typically results in allowing 1 entire print job to be printed at a time. If this does not permit any print operations then the cartridge has severe internal electrical damage and will need to be replaced.
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*Many cartridges eventually do encounter problems or failures, especially after their original ink is gone and they are re-used, and this is often unrelated to the refill process. The "Incompatible Print Cartridge(s)" / "Print Cartridge(s) Problem" / "Refer to printer documentation" / "Cartridge Error: Cartridge must be replaced" / "Cartridge in left/right slot is not intended for use in this printer" / "Now printing alignment page" error messages are typically indicative of failed micro-electronics internal to the ink cartridge(s). Also note that it is common to have a marginally performing ink cartridge (which was performing ok before) in the adjacent slot (i.e. color), then when a marginally performing cartridge is installed into the other slot (i.e. black), both of the ink cartridge(s) then get flagged with electrical errors. Running the 'Tap 41' cartridge health diagnostics test will confirm the active electrical state of both cartridges.
NOTE: If you are interested in the top 'refill friendly inkjet printer models', our suggested list is posted on-line and our internal labs have verified there are no issues (with ink compatibility or color output/richness) with all of these models: http://inkjet411.com/?page_id=3585
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CAUTION: Be advised, the use of compatible/clone cartridges (i.e. sold thru the internet from overseas) are known to be problematic and may cause printer errors. We do NOT suggest refilling these types of ink cartridges.....refilling of HP 74/75 original/genuine ink cartridges is only suggested!
If you ever need to purchase a new HP 74/75 ink cartridge(s), we suggest you try a remanufactured ink cartridge from http://www.inkplicity.com/ as their ink cartridges typically have the lowest cost in the USA, have a high reliability rating and provide a 1-year warranty and free shipping over $20 (products available to US residents only).
If the ink cartridge in the printer is 6 months old, it maybe dried out and would need to be replaced with a new cartridge. When buying new cartridges from places like Walmart, Target etc. check the dates on the packages before buying. Sometimes the cartridges will set in the store too long and dry out.
Most likely you have low in reserves. Check the ink levels for the printer in the printer settings menu. if ink is low, there is your problem.
If you know your ink is full, how long have you had those cartridges in the printer. if the ink is more than a few months old, then it is most likely drying up. this could mean the whole cartridge is shot, or that the print head is gummed up with dry ink. try running the print head cleaning tool in the printer settings.
There is a chip on your cartridge that communicates with the printer to estimate how much ink is left in the cartridge. When the chip thinks the cartridge is empty it will refuse to print any more pages no matter how much ink is left in the cartridge. These cartridges are only estimated to print "up to 840 4" x 6" photos, or 80 13" x 19" photos." If it showed half full yesterday and then you put through a large print job it is very likely the cartridge is empty. In any case once the chip thinks it's empty the cartridge needs to be replaced.
try to clean the print heads of the ink cartridges. you can do it in the HP solution center. you can run it through all 3 tests so you make sure its clean. if it doesnt work after that, your ink cartidge level might be off, because i hear they never work half the time anyways. i would buy new ink if the cleaning the heads does not work. good luck!
My color has not worked well in the past few months. Now I get the message Unable to Print, Use Troubleshooting and rountine maintenance chapter in user's manual. I've tried everything it told me. I've removed all ink cartridges and left them upright (they are ALL brand new) and cleaned all the ink ports. I've cleaned the machine several times. It's told me there's no ink cartrige, I've replaced them, turned the machine off and on, unlplugged, etc. Then go to print and I get the same message again and it won't print. The machine is almost 2 years old and has worked fine until about 6 months ago when the magenta stopped working all together. Now this. Any help? Thanks.
More that likely the refilled ink cartridges are faulty and should be replaced. While some folks have pretty good luck with refilled cartridges, it is generally better to stick with the new ones.
As to the problem with old cartridges, keep in mind that the estimated ink levels are just that - estimates. However, if your printer has an option for cleaning the cartridges, try that before chunking them. Take them out, put them back in, and run the cleaning process. Sometimes the nozzles can get clogged up and running the cleaning process will clear them up. ( DO NOT TRY TO CLEAN THE CARTRIDGES MANUALLY!)
If none of this helps, you will more than likely just need to get some new cartridges. - Graye
my CX4800 has done the same thing. I ran the utilities dozens of times, replaced every cartridge and it feeds papers the print head moves like it's printing but nothing is imaged on the paper.
Searching the web is my last chance to fix it before i toss this 18 month old printer and never buy an epson again.
First check that printer is not set to print B&W. Open an application to print a page, for example Word. Chose print command from the file menu on top bar , the print window will open. In the print window press the 'properties' button, and check tha printer is set for color printing.t
Once you are sure printer settings are not in B&W, read the following. Even if it shows color at 75, the printer color level may had not been reset since the cartridge had been replaced, in this case the cartridge may be empty. If the cartridge is not empty it still can be faulty (eg. ink insid is dry). In either case replace color cartridge with new original one.
If after you replace the cartridge it still does not print colors, then color head is faulty, at this point consider having the printer repaired by a technician.
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