I have the error message that it can not recognize the ink cartridge and it is blocking me from using the macine in any function. I have removed the ink cartrdige and it still says it cannot recognize (even though there is no cartridge to recognize).

HP Printer does not recognize new cartridges due to cartridge problems, cartridges missing or damaged, and a not compatible cartridge with the printer. Now we discuss each step by step how to fix these errors. ·Make sure installed ink cartridges are compatible with your printer ·Open the ink cartridge access door and remove the ink cartridge from the printer ·Clean the removed ink cartridge with a lint-free cloth. Read more steps to fix HP printer ink cartridge error.

Epson printer is out of cartridge or Epson printer won't recognize ink cartridge When you haven't properly installed cartridge, Outdated printer drivers and more. Follow the steps to fix the Epson printer out-of-cartridge issue:

·Remove and Reinstall the ink cartridge
·Clean the chip on the printer ink cartridge

Read the following steps to fix the Epson printer won't recognize ink cartridge

This error occurs when printer fails detecting ink level or printer assume that no ink in the cartridge. We cannot use print, copy,scan, and fax function before the problem fixed. It's recommended for you to replace ink cartridge. To continue using the printer without replacing the cartridge we must deactivate ink level detection function. Be aware that printing in this condition can damage the printer while sending fax or scan is not problem.


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This error occurs when printer fails detecting ink level or printer assume that no ink in the cartridge. We cannot use print, copy,scan, and fax function before the problem fixed. It's recommended for you to replace ink cartridge. To continue using the printer without replacing the cartridge we must deactivate ink level detection function. Be aware that printing in this condition can damage the printer while sending fax or scan is not problem.

This error occurs when printer fails detecting ink level or printer assume that no ink in the cartridge. We cannot use print, copy,scan, and fax function before the problem fixed. It's recommended for you to replace ink cartridge. To continue using the printer without replacing the cartridge we must deactivate ink level detection function. Be aware that printing in this condition can damage the printer while sending fax or scan is not problem.

Original source: http://ij-forum.blogspot.com/2008/12/error-message-check-ink-u162u163.html#ixzz2Cpr4Be1K
This error occurs when printer fails detecting ink level or printer assume that no ink in the cartridge. We cannot use print, copy,scan, and fax function before the problem fixed. It's recommended for you to replace ink cartridge. To continue using the printer without replacing the cartridge we must deactivate ink level detection function. Be aware that printing in this condition can damage the printer while sending fax or scan is not problem.

Original source: http://ij-forum.blogspot.com/2008/12/error-message-check-ink-u162u163.html#ixzz2Cpr4Be1K

yes, if no cartridge into printer, device will appear error message, but if have cartridge into printer, printer still appear message, it most likely your cartridge problems

Regards

Remove all ink tanks (printer is on), remove printer ink cartridge carrier head. clean head with alcohol wipes thoroughly, not contacts. Push in gently print cartridge pistons on cartridge carrier. Reseat print cartridge and ink tanks, replace any very low ink one's. turn off printer, unplug electrical, remove usb on printer and computer. plug all back in, turn on. Alarm and message should disappear. Clean and realign with software.

It could be that the cartridges are not inserted properly in the carrier or just needs cleaning. Try to remove both cartridges from the printer and manually clean the nozzles. You may refer to this article on How to Clean the Print Cartridge Nozzles and Contacts Manually. Then reinsert one cartridge first and close the cover. If no error appears, reinsert the other cartridge. Replace whichever cartridge is causing the error. You can also try the Clean Cartridge function on the printer by pressing the Setup button -> Maintenance -> Clean Cartridges. It will then print the clean nozzles test page. If error continues, replace the faulty cartridge.

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

E16 must be "Ink remaining unknown".Press and hold the "resume" button for 5 seconds.

First, are you absolutely sure you have the correct cartridges? Next, have you tried replacing the old cartridges that were originally there, or were they completely empty? Next thought is that your print heads might be dried up. Sometimes regular users can fix this with alcohol wipes depending on your specific model.

I had the u043 problem on the blue cartridge on my mp830.

I was using non-original replacement inks but re-using the chips from the originals - replacing the blue cartridge would cause it randomly work but i then noticed the chip holder was not centred so I realigned it and hey presto! the problem was solved first time.

:)