Printhead communication

[Dan7710]

I have a smart tank 5100 and I have been getting the error “the indicated print head is not communicating with the printer, please replace.”  I have replaced it once already and still getting the error. I have 2 days left on my warranty and cannot connect with tech support for help! 

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Dan7710,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

I can completely understand the urgency; you’ve got only 2 days left on your warranty, and this error keeps popping up even after replacing the printhead. That’s incredibly stressful, especially when tech support feels out of reach. Let’s make sure you get this resolved quickly.

Why This Happens

The error “The indicated printhead is not communicating with the printer” usually means:

• The printhead contacts are dirty or misaligned.
• The printer’s carriage contacts are damaged.
• Firmware or hardware fault in the printhead system.

Since you’ve already replaced the printhead, the issue is likely with the printer’s internal contacts or logic board, not the printhead itself.

Immediate Steps to Try

1. Power Reset
   • Turn off the printer, unplug it for 60 seconds, then reconnect.
      
2. Clean Electrical Contacts
   • Remove the printhead.
   • Use a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with distilled water to clean: 
     • Gold contacts on the printhead.
     • Contacts inside the carriage.
   • Let dry for 5 minutes, then reinstall.
      
3. Update Firmware
   • Download the latest firmware: 👉 HP Smart Tank 5100 All-in-One Printer Series | HP® Support
      
4. Check for Error Persistence
   • If the error remains, this is a hardware failure.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

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Regards,

VikramTheGreat