Blinking light on hp 5550 Deskjet print

[raydobbs]

The print cartridge light is blinking and the power button light is on. I have checked the book and it shows it as cartridge problem. I have removed and replaced the cartridges but it’s still the same.

I had printed the first page of a doc and was printing the second page when this happened. The second page was the last piece of paper in the printer tray.

[SHThompson]

First determine which cartridge is causing the problem.

The 5550 will work in "Reserve Mode", that means it will work with just one cartridge installed.

First remove the color cartridge and see if it will run with just the black installed.

If it works the Color Cartridge is the probable cause, if not then:

Reinstall the color cartridge and remove the Black Cartridge, then retest.

After you determine which cartridge is the problem then gently clean the contacts on the cartridge and in the carriage using good quality paper towel lighly dampened with plain water, (distilled if available).

The ink is water based, so water is the best cleaner.

[raydobbs]

Well, I removed each cartridge in turn and the light went off after I removed the colour cartridge. I cleaned the ink contact as you suggested but when you said clean the carriage contacts did you mean the contacts within the carriage housing on the right because that looks a bit grubby.

[SHThompson]

Yes, clean the contacts in the carriage housing.

[raydobbs]

Now got the printer running but only on black. I cleaned the contact (like 3 veins) in the carriage housing  but when I replaced the colour cartridge in the printer the light came on again.

[raydobbs · Accepted solution]

Just wanted to say thank you for sorting out the problem with my printer even though I have only got black print. At least I won’t have to buy a new printer. 

[SHThompson]

It might just be a bad color cartridge, hopefully you can find an inexpensive one to buy for testing.

I noticed you marked your thank you post as the solution, think you might have meant to mark a different post.