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- HP Community
- Printers
- Mobile Printing & Cloud Printing
- Clean printhead but printer status busy

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11-25-2023 01:29 AM
I have an HP Smart Tank 5105. I recently moved the printer while on its side, I had an ink leakage. The cartridge icon is flashing with a yellow exclamation mark, I can't activate the Clean Printhead function under Alignment & Maintenance as the Printer status shows as Busy.
11-27-2023 01:58 PM
Hi @Eti3nneF,
Welcome to HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.
It seems like the ink leakage may have caused some issues with the printer. Here are some steps you can try to resolve the problem.
- Turn off the Printer: Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source. This will ensure your safety and prevent any further damage.
- Remove and Clean the Printheads: If possible, remove the printheads (cartridges) and clean them. Use a lint-free cloth and distilled water. Gently wipe away any excess ink. Be careful not to touch the nozzles or other sensitive parts. Allow the printheads to air-dry before reinstalling them.
- Check for Ink Residue: Make sure there is no ink residue inside the printer. Clean any spilled ink carefully. You can use a lint-free cloth or cotton swabs for this purpose.
- Reset the Printer: After cleaning, plug the printer back in and turn it on. Try to perform a reset if your printer has that option. Refer to your printer's manual for instructions on how to reset it.
- Check Cartridge Status: Ensure that the cartridges are correctly installed, and there are no obstructions. Make sure that they are securely in place.
- Check Paper Path: Ensure that there are no paper jams or other obstructions in the paper path. Open the printer and check for any bits of paper or foreign objects.
- Printer Status: If the printer status still shows as Busy, it's possible that there is an internal issue. Try turning off the printer, unplugging it, and leaving it unplugged for a few minutes before plugging it back in and turning it on.
I hope this helps.
Take care and have a good day.
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Alden4
HP Support
HP Support Community Moderator