HP 8600 "Ink system failure" error message

[sashimu]

I'm getting the "ink system failure" error message, and haven't been able to clear it after following the recommended steps (reset; remove and reinsert cartridges; reseat printhead). According to the HP Support Assistant, all my firmware, etc. is up to date. I have a wireless connection to my PC.

There's another factor that may be related. At the beginning of June my ink levels were getting low so I ordered new cartridges from a third-party vendor on Amazon that I thought was providing genuine HP parts (though now I'm starting to wonder). When I put the new cartridges in, I got an error message saying they were incompatible. I then found out the the almost-empty cartridges in my printer were for use in the z20 zone, and they only worked because I put them in before ink cartridges were "regionalized." The new cartridges were zone 10s, now the correct ones for my region. I called HP and the agent did a regional reset over the phone and the new cartridges then worked fine, for about a month.

Now I'm suddenly getting the ink system failure message, after 8 years of good service, and I'm wondering if the new cartridges could be at least part of the cause?

[Kumar0307]

@sashimu, Welcome to the HP Support Community!

I understand you are not able to print due to this error. Make sure you have tried the steps from this document. 

If the issue persists, please reach out to the HP Support in your region regarding the service options for your printer as this could be an issue with the printhead of the printer.

If the printer is out of warranty, I suggest you upgrade the printer. You may visit Hp Store to check the available printers.

Keep me posted for any other assistance.

Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.

Click the “Kudos, Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Have a great day!

[sashimu]

Thanks for your reply. I have tried the steps from the link you provided, except for replacing the ink cartridges or the printhead.

 It seems odd that this problem started so soon after I replaced my ink cartridges. Can you advise whether the problem could be caused by using counterfeit cartridges from a third-party vendor? I am reluctant to spend $200 on cartridges directly from HP and then find that it does not solve my problem.

I can't get a new printhead from HP, and I can't find a source for a replacement printhead for this printer at a reasonable price.

I have tried contacting HP support for Canada, but my printer is out of warranty so I can't get a case number to allow me to speak with an agent. I've been very happy with this printer up til now and I hate to give up on it.

[Kumar0307]

@sashimu

I understand your concern, however as the printer is out of warranty, the only option is to upgrade it.

Keep us posted for any other assistance.