No print even on test print cartridges say the ink is about a quater left in both

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.....

NOTE: You may also refer to this document for specific printer model 'Tap 41' diagnostic & 'Cartridge Error Bypass' step-by-step instructions: http://inkjet411.retailinkjet.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/HP-74-75-Problem-Resolution_v10.pdf

--- 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.


ERROR BYPASS OPTION (TEMPORARY ONLY):

NOTE: It is possible to 'temporarily' bypass the cartridge error message (for emergency printing purposes only), please refer to link above/below for video/documentation instructions: http://inkjet411.retailinkjet.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/HP-74-75-Problem-Resolution_v10.pdf

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.

------------------------

*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.

For additional printer diagnostics information please visit: http://inkjet411.com/?page_id=1813

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

---
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!

HP 74/75 Ink Refilling Services & Additional Cautions:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqnHRFpbo0w
---

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).

HP 74 Cartridges:
https://inkplicity.com/shop/?slug=advanced_search_result&keywords=HP%2074

HP 75 Cartridges:
https://inkplicity.com/shop/?slug=advanced_search_result&keywords=HP%2075

---
For any additional questions please contact us directly: [email protected]

-Thank you

Regarding your recent inquiry about the HP Photosmart C5280 printer which uses HP 74 & HP 75 cartridges, and error message ("Refer to Device Documentation") and inability to print, this type of error is normally associated to an electrical connection issue between the printer and the cartridge, or more likely, an internal micro-electronic failure inside one of the cartridges (please note is very rare for both ink cartridges to electrically fail at the same time....activate diagnostics below to confirm which cartridge is causing the error condition)....or refer to the Inkjet411 website and select you printer model (...the Inkjet411 site is primarily a self-service sitelet which provides over 85 technical videos and do-it-yourself printer remedies and corrections): http://inkjet411.com/

An electronic failure of the cartridge would be unrelated to the ink cartridge refill process; these same failures can (and frequently do!) occur with brand new ink cartridges and normally occur over time due to natural degradation of the internal micro-electronics.* To help identify the root cause, and to confirm which of the two ink cartridges is causing the failure condition, please run the 'Tap 41' cartridge's electrical diagnostic test below (refer to PROCEDURE C.)
NOTE 1: Your Photosmart printer model must have two (2) good ink cartridges installed to operate/print (unlike all HP Deskjet printer models which may operate using only one (1) ink cartridge).

IMPORTANT: First verify the age of the ink cartridge(s)....look at imprinted date on front of ink cartridge. If this 'warranty expiration date' has expired, then potential internal electrical cartridge failures can (and frequently do) occur due to prolonged internal corrosion of cartridge micro-circuits, etc.

NOTE 2: 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.....

NOTE: You may also refer to this document for specific printer model 'Tap 41' diagnostic & 'Cartridge Error Bypass' step-by-step instructions: http://inkjet411.retailinkjet.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/HP-74-75-Problem-Resolution_v10.pdf

--- 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.


ERROR BYPASS OPTION (TEMPORARY ONLY):

NOTE: It is possible to 'temporarily' bypass the cartridge error message (for emergency printing purposes only), please refer to link above/below for video/documentation instructions: http://inkjet411.retailinkjet.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/HP-74-75-Problem-Resolution_v10.pdf

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.

------------------------

* 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.

For additional HP printer diagnostics information please visit: http://inkjet411.com/?page_id=1813

Please let us know if you have any additional questions regarding procedures outlined above and/or questions relating to the provided technical information. If you are interested in the top 'refill friendly inkjet printer models', our suggested list is posted on-line and our Inkjet411 internal labs have verified there are no issues (in ink compatibility or color output) with all of these models: http://inkjet411.com/?page_id=3585

---
INK CARTRIDGE REFILL SERVICES:
Costco USA (464+ stores): http://www.costcoinkjetrefill.com
Costco Canada (62+ stores, more coming soon): http://www.ca.costcoinkjetrefill.com
Costco United Kingdom (7 stores):http://uk.costcoinkjetrefill.com/
Costco Mexico (35+ stores): http://es.costcoinkjetrefill.com/
Fry's Electronics (34 stores): http://www.frys.com/ads/page195
Best Buy Canada (13 stores): www.geeksquad.ca/inkrefill/
10 Major Universities in USA & Canada
Ink Cartridge Refill Store Map Locator: http://www.go2ris.com/

Alternatively, if you 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).
---

For any additional questions please contact us directly: [email protected]

-Thank you
Inkjet411 Team Member

Regarding your HP94 black ink cartridge error problem and inability to print to your HP PS 8450 printer, this type of problem is probably an internal micro-electronic failure inside the HP94 ink cartridge.

To determine which cartridge is causing the issue and/or to confirm an electrical problem with one of the ink cartridges (or possibly both), perform both the Internal Self-Test page along with the Pen Electrical tests (diagnostics) to evaluate the electrical condition of both ink cartridges....

Please first verify the age of the ink cartridge(s)....look at imprinted date on front (or back) of ink cartridge. If this 'warranty expiration date' has expired, then potential cartridge failures can occur due to internal corrosion, etc.

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 CANCEL and SAVE simultaneously (SAVE is the left-most button before POWER on/off.)
2. Using left/right arrow keys, navigate to 'pen electrical test'.
3. Select Enter to print test - evaluate nozzle test pattern.

-- If the printer prints the self test page then this demonstrates the printer is generally functional and that the problem is likely with one of the ink cartridges. Please note this is a 'forced' service test...the printer will attempt to print the test page whether the cartridges are good or bad. If the Self-Test page can be successfully printed but regular/normal printing cannot, then one of the ink cartridges is likely internally damaged. Remove and replace suspect cartridge to confirm.

C. Perform Cartridge Diagnostics tests using either C.1 or C.2 procedure below (varies by printer model):

C.1. Tap 41/43 Diagnostics Test:
1. To enter the Manufacturing Tests menu, press the 3 small, round buttons on the front panel simultaneously for >5secs: 'OK', 'CANCEL', & 'SELECT PHOTOS' (or 'Print Photos')
2. Using left/right arrow keys, navigate to Special Reports (or System Menu). Select Enter.
3. Navigate to 'print-mech button tap' menu.
4. Select Ok ('code = 0' will be displayed); click and hold Right Arrow until 'code = 41' (or attempt 'code = 43' if nothing prints using '41') is displayed.
5. Select Ok. Within one minute the Tap 41 (or 43) diagnostic test pattern should be initiated and print. Refer to video to help evaluate test pattern. Refer to 2nd video for guidance on how to read the diagnostic test pattern: http://inkjet411.com/?page_id=1741


NOTE 1: A good HP 93/95/97/99 color cartridge should display 600 good nozzles, while a good HP 92/94/96/98 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. For reference only, refer to the following HP Deskjet video which shows how to read the HP 93-97 ink cartridge diagnostic test print: http://inkjet411.com/?page_id=1741 (see 2nd video)

C.2. Pen Electrical / Error Bypass Procedure:
1. To enter the Manufacturing Tests menu, press the 3 small, round buttons on the front panel simultaneously for >5secs: 'OK', 'CANCEL', & 'SELECT PHOTOS' (or 'Print Photos')
2. Using left/right arrow keys, navigate to Reports Menu (or System Menu). Select 'pen electrical test'.
3. Select Level 1, 2, or 3. Enter to print test - evaluate nozzle electrical test print.


NOTE 2: Pen recovery level 1, 2 or 3 clears cartridge errors, unblocking the printer to permit you to print the TEST PAGE with the normal MENU / TOOLS /PRINT TEST PAGE choice to aid in printer evaluation.


NOTE 3: Cartridge Error Bypass Message (Emergency Printing only): The Pen Recovery Level 1 clears cartridge errors and permits you to print the TEST PAGE with the normal MENU / TOOLS / PRINT TEST PAGE choice.


For additional information on North American ink refill services at a major retailer near you (should you wish to save ~50% on ink costs), general printing problem resolutions or advanced HP printer diagnosis procedures (error bypass/printer reset methods, etc.), please visit Inkjet411:
http://www.inkjet411.com

you need to install all the print cartridges in the printer to work the sensors in the print cartridges are needed for the printer while if the empty cartridge is inserted ans not working you will have to buy anew one

There is no sensor that reads actual quantity of the ink in the printer. The measurements are based on calculations how many pages are printed and what has been printed after last ink cartridge replacement. Probably the printer has been tricked that there is a new ink cartridge, but there is the old one.
Often a small object can fall in the paper tray and go down the paper path, preventig paper from picking up and moving. Rotate the printer with the front side up and try with thin and long flat skrewdriver to rise the thin long rollers that hold the paper to the feed roller, one after another. These rollers are held there by springs. If someting is stuck behind them, it should fall down. I've found there coins, pensils, rullers, paper-clips and so on.

Chances are there's a build up of ink at the ink cartridge. It’s also possible that the ink cartridge is defective. Remove the black cartridge, grab a few cotton swabs. Drip a few drops of water onto the cotton swab and wipe the copper cartridge contacts.
Dampen a lint free cloth and wipe the bottom of the ink cartridge. (This will free up and remove any ink build-up). Re-assemble and print a test page. If this does not help use the printer’s software and run, "Clean the print heads". If using Win XP left click once on the Start button. Slide up to and left click on Printers and Faxes. Within the Printers and Faxes window right click once on the printer with a little black check mark next to it. From the pop-up list, left click once on "Properties".
Than left click once on Printing Preferences. Than, Left click once on Services. Clean the print heads here.

Hope you find this helpful!
Mike

Calibrate your new blank ink cartridge, have some nozzle check, cleaning check, and printer alignment. This are procedure that new ink cartridge will have to calibrate before you use. Epson printer are very sensitive when capable of changing ink cartridge. Unlink HP directly work without any print test because the cartridge head and ink join together, Epson with ink cartridge and the head separate.
Have some test on it at Printer Maintenance.
I'm sure 100% works on it.
Good luck!

Yes it will still print with black provided that your computer still detects the colored cartridge tanks.If you are certain that there is still some ink left on the colored ones, take them one by one and shake them hard as if you are trying to distribute the ink evenly. After that, you need to do a test print to utilize the colored inks.

Try to  print a test page first. To print a test page press and hold the bottons power and cancel together. The test page will show you the amount of ink left in the cartridges.  If the black ink color bar is not visible in  the, than it will mean that the ink is low or depleted. Try a new genuine HP ink cartridge. It should help you.