HP 3545 incompatible ink cartridge

[Firefly242]

I have been using my HP 3545 for several years and never had any issue replacing an ink cartridge. However, after my last change of the ink cartridge the printer says it is incompatible.

The model to be used for this printer is 678. I bought the correct model. The only difference is that this time the packaging says "for sale only in Philippines". Previously it did not say that.

The printer was bought in the Philippines. Latest FW is installed. Region is set to the Philippines.

Do I need to perform a region reset? 

Thank you.

Regards,

Firefly242

[Jay_G24]

Hi @Firefly242,

I'd like to help!

I understand your facing a cartridge issue.

Try the below steps to resolve the error -

Reset the printer

Reset the printer to recover from printer errors or failures.

1. If your printer has a rechargeable battery, remove it.

2. With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the printer.

3. Unplug the power cord from the power source.

4. Wait 60 seconds.

5. Reconnect the power cord to a wall outlet and to the printer.

   NOTE: 

   HP recommends plugging the printer directly into a wall outlet.

6. Turn on the printer to complete the reset.

Clean the ink cartridge and carriage electrical contacts

Remove any debris or buildup from the contacts on the cartridges and in the carriage.

1. Open the door or lid to the cartridge access area. Wait until the carriage stops moving before continuing.

2. Remove the cartridge indicated in the error message from the carriage.

   • Carriages with cartridge latches: Open the latch, and then pull the cartridge up and out of the slot.

     

   • Carriages without cartridge latches: Gently press down on the cartridge to release it, and then pull it out of the slot.

     

3. Holding the cartridge by the sides, remove any protective tape that still might be on the contacts.

   CAUTION: 

   Do not touch the ink nozzles or the copper-colored electrical strip. Touching or trying to remove these parts can result in clogs, ink failure, and bad electrical connections.

   

4. Lightly dampen a lint-free cloth with distilled water, and then wipe the copper-colored contacts on the cartridge.

   

5. Lightly dampen a lint-free cloth or swab with distilled water, and then clean the electrical contacts in the carriage.

   

6. Wait 10 minutes for the contacts to dry, and then reinsert the cartridge into its color-coded slot.

7. Repeat these steps for the other cartridge if it was indicated in the error message.

8. Close the door or lid to the cartridge access area.

   If the error persists, clean the cartridge and carriage contacts a second time.

Try the single-cartridge mode

The printer you own can work in single-cartridge mode, wherein the printer will be able to print with one cartridge in the printer. Which will help us identify if its a cartridge issue or a printhead issue

To try single-cartridge mode follow the below steps:

• remove the black ink from the printer, leave the color in and try printing
• then remove the color ink and, insert the black  in and try printing

Hope this helps! Keep me posted. 

And, Welcome to the HP Support Community. 

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

[Firefly242]

Hi,

sadly, none of these suggestions work.

This is clearly an issue with the new cartridges that HP issues.

When I reinserted the old empty cartridge it is immediately recognized.

When I insert the new cartridge it reports incompatible.

Only face this issue with the new cartridge that is marked for sale in Philippines only. This is a HP genuine cartridge.

Did not face this over last years.

HP changed something with their cartridges and now your customers are suffering from it.

Please let me know how I can use my printer again as this is impacting my work.

Thank you.

[Jay_G24]

As this is a cartridge issue, I’d recommend you contact HP Phone Support in your region for replacement options.

Follow the instructions below to reach them:

1) Click on this link - https://support.hp.com/us-en/contact-hp

2) Select your product type below.

3) Enter the serial of your device. 

4) Select the country from the drop-down. 

5) Select the chat or get phone number options based on your preferences. 

6)Fill the web-form and proceed further.

If you are having trouble navigating through the above options, it's most likely because the device is out of warranty. If yes? please send me a private message with the region you are contacting us from. Check next to your profile name, you should see a little blue envelope, please click on it.  

Hope this helps!

[Firefly242]

Sent you a PM

[Firefly242]

I would like to update all about the progress on this case.

1 month later and still have not heard back from Philippines HP support.

Their support line number is not in service. No other way to reach them

Had some private PM's with Jay_G24. He did his best to help and get the local team involved, but even he is lied at by local HP support staff. As per local team they tried call me but could not reach me. They left voice mails according to them.

I have no missed calls and no voice mails is activated.

So, I have figured out HP support strategy:

Buy their  printer (good for HP as they earn money).

When you run run out of ink spend money on an original HP cartridge (good for HP as they earn money).

Printer does not recognize the new cartridge (bad for client as printer is useless).

Try to HP support but they can't be reach or reply back and do not care about you. (bad for client as problem can't be resolved, good for HP as they don't need to spend money on support staff)

Solution:

Buy a new printer from a competitor.

Spread the word to stay away from HP printer.

Nice support strategy. 

[Firefly242]

Next update in this interesting saga.

Surprisingly got a call from HP a few hours after my last update in this post.

The person confirmed that they should have kept me updated on the status of the case. She promised to give me an update during the day.

Sadly 5 days later I have not heard anything again.

 Great job HP!!!!!

[Firefly242]

1 week later and still not a peep from HP.

Congrats HP on your not existing support and proofing that you are only after your customers money.

Support???? what is that???? No, because this will cost HP money internally.