Cartridge problem

[Vic937]

HP Officejet Pro 8600 began showing error message after I replaced yellow cartridge: "Cartridge problem - One or more cartridges appear to be damaged."  I replaced the cartridge several times with genuine HP 951cartridges but error message continues despite cleaning metal contacts, shut down and restarts, etc.

[Raj_05]

Hi @Vic937,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

The cartridge problem you are experiencing with your HP Officejet Pro 8600 could stem from various issues. Here are some detailed steps to troubleshoot.

Check the Cartridge Installation:

• Ensure the yellow cartridge is fully seated in its slot.
• Double-check that there’s no tape or packaging left on the new cartridge.

Clean the Contacts Thoroughly:

• Power off the printer and unplug it.
• Remove all cartridges.
• Using a lint-free cloth and a bit of distilled water, gently clean the copper contacts on both the cartridge and the printer where they meet.
• Let everything dry for about 10 minutes before reinserting the cartridges.

Reset the Printer:

• With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the back of the printer.
• Unplug the power cord from the wall.
• Wait 60 seconds.
• Plug the power cord back into the wall and then reconnect it to the printer.
• Turn the printer back on and check if the error is resolved.

Try Another Cartridge Slot:

• Swap the yellow cartridge with a different color cartridge (if compatible), just for testing. If the error moves to the new color slot, the cartridge might be defective. If it stays in the yellow slot, it could indicate a printer issue.

Firmware Update:

• Check if your printer has any pending firmware updates. Sometimes cartridge errors can be fixed by updating the printer's firmware. You can visit the HP Support website to find firmware updates for your model.

Inspect for Hardware Issues:

• Inspect the cartridge slot for any visible debris or physical damage that could prevent proper contact with the cartridge.

Use HP's Diagnostic Tool:

• You can use the HP Print and Scan Doctor tool (for Windows) or the HP Smart app to diagnose the problem further.

Try a Full Printer Reset (if applicable):

• In some cases, a full printer reset (factory reset) can resolve persistent issues. Refer to your printer manual for steps to perform this reset, as it will reset the settings to default.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

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Alden4

HP Support