HP 7005 Smart Tank print head error

[ijh85]

Hello, I have print head error message on HP Smart Tank 7005. The colour one is the main problem, but the black sometimes flashes as an error too.

I have tried everything, cleaning the contacts, pulling the power cord out, factory resetting the printer, I brought a new print head, nothing has worked. It's out of warranty but is only 18 months old and hasn't done s lot of printing really.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks

[Meghana_10]

Hi @ijh85,

Thank you for providing the detailed information. We understand how frustrating this is, especially since you've already replaced the color printhead, cleaned the contacts, performed a factory reset, and the printer is only about 18 months old with relatively light usage.
 

Because the error persists even with a new printhead, the issue is less likely to be the printhead itself and more likely related to the printer's electrical contacts, printhead carriage, firmware, or internal hardware. Let's go through the remaining HP-recommended troubleshooting steps.
 

1. Check for Printer Errors in the HP App

• Open the HP Smart app on your Windows or Mac computer and ensure the printer is connected.
• Review any error messages or diagnostic recommendations displayed in the app. These can provide additional information about whether the issue is related to the printhead, carriage, or printer hardware.
   

2. Verify the Printhead Installation

Even if you've already reinstalled the printheads, it's worth confirming they are seated correctly.

• Turn off the printer and unplug the power cord.
• Open the printhead access door.
• Remove both the black and color printheads.
• Inspect the electrical contacts on both the printheads and inside the carriage for ink residue, dust, or debris.
• Gently clean the contacts using a lint-free cloth lightly dampened with distilled water.
• Allow the contacts to dry completely.
• Reinstall each printhead firmly until it clicks securely into place.

This step ensures the printer can establish reliable electrical communication with the printheads.

3. Verify the Ink Supply

Confirm that:

• All ink tanks contain sufficient ink.
• The ink tubes are properly primed and free of visible air gaps, kinks, or blockages.

An interruption in ink delivery can sometimes contribute to printhead-related errors.

4. Perform a Hard Reset

A hard reset clears temporary hardware states that may not be removed by a standard restart.

• Leave the printer powered on.
• Disconnect the power cord from the rear of the printer and from the wall outlet.
• Wait at least 60 seconds.
• Reconnect the printer directly to a wall outlet, avoiding surge protectors or extension cords.
• Turn the printer back on and check whether the printhead error has cleared.

5. Run the Printhead Cleaning Utility

If the printer allows access to maintenance functions:

• Open the HP Smart app.
• Navigate to Printer Maintenance.
• Select Clean Printheads.
• Follow the on-screen instructions.

If necessary, repeat the cleaning process up to two additional times, as multiple cleaning cycles may be required to clear partially obstructed nozzles.
 

If the error is caused by a temporary communication issue, contaminated contacts, or a maintenance-related condition, the printer should recognize both printheads normally and return to a ready state.

However, because you've already installed a new genuine color printhead and the black printhead also intermittently reports an error, the problem may indicate an issue with the printhead carriage assembly or the printer's internal electronics rather than the printheads themselves.
 

If the error remains after completing the steps above, please let us know:

• Are you using genuine HP printheads?
• Does the printer display a specific error code, or is it only the flashing printhead icons?
• Did the issue begin after a firmware update, ink refill, or another event?

Have a great day!