Print head problem( no ink getting to head)

When the message "5100 / 5101 Printer error has occurred. Turn off power then back on again. If problem persists, see the manual." is displayed, the behavior of the print head holder is interrupted.
Do you see a jammed paper or foreign material?
Did you install the print head properly?
Please see the following for detail.
If the problem persists, contact the service center for repair. Cause 1. Is there a securing material for the holder inside the printer? Summary There may be a securing material for the holder inside the printer.
(This material must be removed before using the printer.)
Open the Top Cover, then remove the securing material for the holder. See Also Cause Summary [ With the securing material ]
[ Remove the securing material ]
Then, close the cover, and turn ON the printer again. See Also Cause 2. Is there a jammed paper or foreign material inside the printer? Summary Stop printing, then push the power button of the printer to turn OFF the printer.
Open the Top Cover of the printer; then,

• If there is a jammed paper or foreign material inside the printer, remove them.

See Also Cause Summary [ The printer with the Top Cover opened ]
( Paper jam )
After checking the above items, push the power button to turn ON the printer again.

CAUTION
When removing the jammed paper or foreign material, take extra care so that you do not touch the inner parts. Or, it may cause another printing problem.

See Also Cause 3. Is the ink tank properly installed? Summary If the ink tank is not properly installed, it interferes with the operation of the print head.
See the following images to get an idea of proper print head position. See Also Cause Summary [ When the ink tanks are not properly installed ]
The ink tank is not set firmly.
The ink lamp is not turned ON. See Also Cause Summary [ When the ink tanks are properly installed ]
The ink lamps are turned ON.

CAUTION
Always remember "Do not touch the Print Head Holder while it is moving."
Wait until the Print Head Holder automatically stops.
Do not even attempt to stop/move the Print Head Holder by holding it.

Canon PIXMA MX922

Had exactly the same issue - working fine until ink cartridge changed (kodak for kodak - not a copy). Then can only get 'print head error message'.
Multiple attempts to remove and re-install, power on/off etc. but can't shift the error message. New print head more expensive than a new printer!

You need to replace the print head. The ink is fine but your print head is no longer good.

Dear Diogo,

This error message occurs when the print head life is over. Every print head is designed with a specific life time (it is purely a mechanical device). Once the life time is over you will get this error message.

I recommend you to calibrate the print head, if you have that option in the software or front panel display(if any). Also, you can try using a new set of cartridges (if you printer is ink jet)

Thanks and regards,
Dr Tony.

Turn the printer off.
Disconnect the power-cord from the wall-outlet.
Reconnect the power.
Turn the printer on.
If you still get the same message, it's time to responsibly recycle the printer,
and buy a replacement -- maybe you can buy a new PIXMA that takes the same ink-cartridges???

Step one: Reset the printer
CAUTION: Do NOT perform any other type of reset on the printer before the ink initialization process has been completed.

1. Without turning the power off, remove the power cord from the back of the printer and from the wall socket.
2. Wait 30 seconds and reconnect the power cord to the printer and to the wall socket. Turn the unit on if it is not already turned on.
3. Check the printer for the error message. If the error message still displays, go to the next step.

Step two: Clean the cartridge contacts

1. Lift the top cover. Figure 1: Lifting the top cover
2. Locate the ink cartridge indicated in the error message. Squeeze the gray tab below the cartridge slot to release the latch and then lift the latch. Figure 2: Unlatching the cartridge 1 - Black cartridge 2 - Color cartridges
3. Remove the cartridge indicated in the error message. Figure 3: Removing the cartridge
4. Gather the following cleaning materials:
   • Distilled, filtered, or bottled water. Do not use tap water, alcohol, or platen cleaners.
   • Lint-free cloth or swab. Eyeglass wipes and coffee filters work well.
5. Lightly moisten the swab or cloth and squeeze out the excess moisture.
6. Holding the cartridge by its handle, wipe the copper contacts. Figure 4: Wiping the contacts 1 - Copper contacts
7. Replace the cartridge and then close the latch and the printer top cover.
8. Check the printer for the error message. If the error message still displays, go to the next step.
   NOTE: The printer may take up to 15 seconds to clear the error and recognize the cartridge after closing the cover.

Step three: Replace the cartridgeIf the error message still displays, replace the indicated cartridge with a new cartridge

Black printer ink in Kodak Printer may fail to be recognized by the printer. Most times an error message will be sent indicating that something is wrong with the black print cartridge. Sometimes the printer may accept to print with the black ink, but the printouts may have horizontal lines and very illegible letters. In such a case a manual cleaning of the print head should be carried out. In doing the manual cleaning, one should spray Windex heavily on paper towel and wipe off the surface of the print head.

The first step is to try resetting the printer. Turn the unit off, unplug the power cord and wait 30 seconds before reconnecting the power. Turn on the printer. If you still have the error message, you may need to clean the print head. http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?lc=en&dlc=en&cc=au&lang=en&product=3560275&docname=c01458034 has the details.
Remove all of the cartridges, lift the handle on the carriage until it stops. Lift the print head straight up. Once the print head is out, you need several lint-free cloths and distilled or bottled water. With a damp cloth, wipe the electrical contacts from bottom to top (do not go past the edge). Then wipe the edge between the ink nozzles and the electrical contacts - wipe away from the nozzles. Wipe the ramps on either side. Dry all three areas.

With a new damp cloth, wipe the contacts inside the printer from top to bottom until no ink remains on the contacts. Dry this area.

Reinstall the print head and lower the latch carefully. Reinstall the ink cartridges making sure that they snap into place.

Check if the error message repeats. If it does, try resetting the printer (power cord unplugging cycle). If you still get the error, the print head may need to be replaced. If a new print head is in and the error occurs, talk to HP support if the printer is under warranty. You'll have to decide if these last two steps are worthwhile if the printer is out of warranty.

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells

maybe need to replace a new cartridge or chick you ink if not empty
and din check inside your printer possible have a paper jump inside,,
or try to remove completely the printer driver using the (ad and remover program) how to this go to the start menu din control panel you can see the ad and remove program,, and click uninstall your printer driver and din restart your pc to take effect and din install gain,,


thank you i hope i can help you.. have a good day!!!!!!!!!

I had the same problem plus had problems with message indicating "alignment failed" and to monitor the blakc/yellow print head.  The print quality was very bad in black.  It seemed to print about 1.5 lines and then skip a line. When I replaced black and yellow it seemed to get better print quality was just as bad.  Finally called HP support. These are the steps they told me to do.

 

1. disconnect power

2. remove all ink cartridges

3. remove and clean contacts of both print heads

4. perform simultaneously the following press 6 and # on the keypad while at the same time plug in the power.

5.  --- the printer came on (black squares on the screen) and then shut off.

6. --- was told to power up the printer

7. Printer began checking device(took a long time)

8. Printer began aligning printer (took a long time)

9. Finally finished = Message on screen "Alignment Failed"

10. Still not printing and hours later.

11. They will be replacing printer

12. Then they hit you with that you should buy a set of inkjet cartidges from them at $109.96 -  warranty 2yr, works better, etc.

13. Sent to somebody else to arrange shipping new printer.

14. Free shipping 5-7 days - big deal -  placed my work (home office) on hold.

16.  Service help - listen when it follows the script, otherwise like talking to a door  (In India).

17. Finally get transfered to somebody else and he informs me that he is not authorize to give me a new printer, need to talk to somebody else who is not there.  Advises to call during business hours.  He said that he could request that I be called back but that it could take a 1.5 days to get back to me.

18. I am going to call tomorrow morning during business hours - wish me luck.

 

I don't know what is awaiting but IN The Future I will not talk to anybody from INDIA - they do not have authority and do not listen (but maybe they don't listen because they can't do anything about it).

 

Good Luck!!