Can't remove ink cartridge No 58

[jkeinonen]

I'm just one more person who has inserted the wrong cartridge in the wrong slot and is now unable to remove it. :smileyindifferent: I didn't find an answer for my setup, so here are the specifics:

HP Officejet 5610

Wrong ink cartridge: 58

Wrong slot: the left one, meant for cartridge 22.

From other similar problems/solutions, I understand that I should use a tool, often a screwdrive or knife, and apply pressure in a certain area to be able to wiggle out the cartridge. I just need to know where with my setup.

(BTW: I think it's an engineering design mistake to have a standard three-colour cartridge on the left, and the black and photo cartridges on the right.  It is only human to believe that the photo cartridge would go to the same slot in which the three-colour cartridge goes to.)

[Bob_Headrick · Accepted solution]

Remove the other cartridge and look at the top of the cartridge, near the front there is a plastic ridge.  There is a corresponding ridge in the underside of the top of the latch. This is keyed, intended to keep the black/photo cartridges out of the color slot and vice versa.  If the cartridge is pressed into the wrong slot this ridge can get under and behind the plastic bar in the latch designed to prevent this.

To remove the cartridge get a table knife and gently slide it between the top of the cartridge and the underside of the latch.  Gently lift the knife to pry down the cartridge and release it.

[jkeinonen]

Thank you very much for your advice, Bob!

As I'm trying it only by tomorrow, may I ask if there is a difference if I try the knife technique when the cartridger is in the "locked", or the "unlocked" position?

Common sense tells me "unlocked", but my personal "common sense" already forced the cartridge in the wrong slot.

[Bob_Headrick]

I would suggest turning on the printer and then open the lid as if you were going to change the cartridge.  When the cartridges move to the position to change cartridges unplug the printer (without turning it off) just as an added precaution while poking around with the knife.

Be gentle as you pry the cartridge down a bit, you do not want to damage the carriage.

[jkeinonen]

I have accepted this as the right solution, and it is.

However, with knives and screwdrivers of our household, I did not manage to pry out the cartridge. It is stuck on the upper right side, and I just didn't want to break everything with the wrong tools. Instead, I bought a new printer and will carry the old one to a recycling center where they have better tools.