Deskjet Pro 8100 Cartridge Problem

[Bardipper]

I use only HP cartridges in my 8100. The black ink cartridge works for a few prints, then a message "There is a problem with the printer or ink system. The black ink icon on the printer shows a blinking single square. I've turned it off, waited 60 seconds and tried again. Unplugged and replugged. Neither worked. I bought all new cartridges. Still the same problem. I can turn the printer off and on several times; reseat the cartridge and it'll work for a few more cycles. 

Any help would be appreciated. It's a great printer -- when it works.

Thanks

Richard

[Bardipper]

Posted my problem yesterday. It's critical that this problem is solved or I'll have to get another printer. I tried calling but it circles right back to here. Could someone please help? 

Thanks

[Bob_Headrick]

[In the title you say the printer is the Deskjet Pro 8100, but the tag shows it as the HP Officejet Pro 8100.  I assume your printer is actually the HP Officejet Pro 8100e.]

I would suggest you go to the web page here, select the + sign on the "Cartridges Missing or Damaged" section, then select type 2.  Go through the diagnostic steps in the section of the document there in order, starting with cleaning the electrical contacts on the cartridge.  When inspecting the printhead (if needed) use a flashlight and inspect the electrical contacts near the top of the printhead in the back, where the pins would mate with the four gold pads on the printer.  

[Bardipper]

Thanks for the help, Bob. It is the Officejet Pro 8100. Went through all the cleaning but still the same problem. Any other suggestions or should I try to find a repairman?

Richard

[Bob_Headrick]

OK, I would suggest the following additional troubleshooting steps:  turn on the printer and remove the cartridges and set them aside.  Look on the right side of the printhead assembly, there is a white lever.  Lift the lever which will release the printhead assembly.

Remove the printhead and carefully examine the electrical pins for the black cartridge.  Clean the pins with a alcohol-damped Q-Tip and make sure none of the pins are bent out of place.  It may help to use a magnifying light. 

Next examine the back of the printhead, there are a large number of gold contacts.  Clean these with a alcohol-damped Q-Tip.  Set the printhead aside.

Examine the pins in the printer and make sure none are bent out of position.  Clean these with an alcohol-damped Q-Tip.

Reassemble the printer - install the printhead in the printer, then lower the latch lever to lock the printhead in place.  Reinstall the cartridges.  Turn the printer off and back on and let the printer go through the startup.  

You may be able to print a test page as follows:  with the printer turned on press and hold the power button.  While holding the power button press and release the X button, then release the power button.

If the above has not resolved the issue your printer will likely require service or replacement.

[Bardipper]

I did the cleaning as you prescribed but still had the problem. Put the new black cartridge in and got the one-square blinking. Took it out and replaced it with one of the older ones, and it recognized the black cartridge. I printed out an image ok but got a message "Used or Counterfeit Cartridge Detected." As I said, these  cartridges are from Staples.

It'll work for a few cycles and then I'll get the blinking indicator again

Printed out a test sheet. It looks ok 

If I replace the printer, what is the closest to this Officejet?

Really appreciate the time you've taken to help. Infinitely better than HP's which is non-existent -- at least to me.

Richard

[Bob_Headrick]

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@Bardipper wrote:

[snip] If I replace the printer, what is the closest to this Officejet? [snip]

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Sorry we were not able to find a fix.  In general I like the HP Officejet Pro models thee best, but personally I usually go for the all-in-one devices like the Officejet Pro 8600 or 8700 models (been a while since I bought a new printer).

I should ask a few questions:

• About how many pages per month do you typically print?
• What type of printing - text, images, photo's, or ???  Mostly B&W or color?
• Do you just want a printer or would you like an all-in-one device?

[Nal_NR]

Hi @Bardipper,

Welcome to the HP Support Community. 

I'd be happy to help you! 

I understand that you are having issues with the ink system.

If you have performed all the steps from this document and still having issues, this could be a hardware issue. 

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

[Nal_NR]

Hi @Bardipper,

Welcome to the HP Support Community. 

I'd be happy to help you! 

I understand that you are having issues with the ink system.

If you have performed all the steps from this document and still having issues, this could be a hardware issue. 

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

[Bardipper]

Thanks for posting to this conversation. Bob's been very helpful and has taken me as far as he can go. If you've read the posts re the problem, It persists. I have used only HP cartridges, I've cleaned the contacts as Bob directed, but I still get the blinking black ink icon. I'm in Laguna Niguel CA, 92677. Can you refer me to a local repair shop or can you make further suggestions?

Thanks

Richard