HP Photosmart 7520 printhead error

[Suhbat]

So I bought a HP Photosmart 7520 about 3 or so months ago and about 2 weeks ago I got an error saying that there is a print cartridge error. I could get out of it and print fine but it progressively got worse until whenever I turn the printer on it says that there is a printhead error and it wont budge from there. It will connects to the wifi network because the blue light turns solid and makes the noise, but I cant seem to get rid to the error message. HELP! I contacted HP and they said that there was no printer problem and rather that it was  a problem with my computer and I had to get it fixed. Now getting it fixed will cost me more than it will take me to buy a new printer. I mean I've bought an older photosmart and that didn't break due to software glitching butbecause it fell of my desk.

TO fix it I was considering reinstalling windows and going through the trouble of installing everything again or should I change my SSID for my wireless network. Will that do me any good?

I really need help and I dont want to have to buy a new printer, I'vehad decent luck with HP products but after 2 months, its pretty sad. I really might switch over to cannon, but I did like the nifty things this printer could do.

[VisionAiry]

I will glaldy do my best to assist you with the printhead problem but if your printer is in warranty I STRONGLY suggest getting a second opinion.  In all of my time here and experience, including college, and the military, the printhead performance has nothing to do with your computer.  To test this further, you could remove all cords but the power cord and do a stand-alone copy and you would not be able to with that error message. So, no do not do the above suggestions please.  Try my link below instead.

--'Missing or Failed Printhead' Message Displays on the Control Panel--

I am really sorry to hear about your experience.  This is clearly a problem with the printhead and is covered in your warranty.  Call back in to HP technical support.  If you decide you do not want to call however, I understand, and therefore, try the steps or at least confirm you have done these steps outlined in my above document and I will offer a few more suggestions.

[Suhbat]

I already followed the HP steps on cleaning the printhead, and no dice, still the same message.

[VisionAiry · Accepted solution]

I do not recommend using any non-conventional steps to clean the printhead because then you would not be eligible for a replacement if you are still in warranty.  I will offer this link as a last-resort but it may not actually fix the problem you are having: "black ink not working."

I think if you call into Tech Support at a different time during the day, you will have better luck at reaching a real professional. If not, let me know and I will send you a link on where to buy a new printhead for this printer. The link in my previous post includes the same steps a phone agent will have to follow to confirm a replacement so do be aware you may have to repeat those steps.

Are you in warranty still?

[LESLY1]

My black ink won't print.  I've changed the cartridge several times but to no avail.  Is it the printhead?  Would it be worth it to buy a new printhead?   It is not under warranty any longer.

[VisionAiry]

Depending on how much money you intend to spend, here is a link on how to replace the printhead

-- Check the HP Part Store for Pricing --

I mean if I had changed all the ink cartridges and running the printhead cleaning utility in the printer's menu under Tools didn't help, I would have already convinced myself I was going to buy another printer if I messed this up by trying to fix it versus buying a new printhead, but that's just me.

--Here's a page with some suggestions on how to fix it manually-- Just make sure you have the right kind of printhead to try it with.

I had a heck of a time fixing my printhead but it worked.  First I tried the method suggested in which you soak it in warm water and leave it sitting over night but 2 days later it was still wet and dripping ink everywhere. So I did exactly what they said not to do and used rubbing alcohol on the tips of cotton swabs (Q-tips) to dry out the printheads then I put the ink in it and ink went everywhere so I got mad and set the printhead outside to dry and it finally did and it worked.  But this took me hours and I was frustrated and already said either I fix it or buy a new one becuase the price of a printhead for my printer was the same as a cheap one at the store.

Sorry for the delayed response.  Have a great day!

[bergonza]

My printer's warranty is long over.  I did the "unconventional" cleaning of the printer head and now it works perfect.  There was such a HUGE build up of black ink.  Washed it all away, let it dry and I'm good to go.