How to resolve Printhead Missing message

[Shirleydp99]

When I was unable to print, I checked HP Smart for my HP Smart Tank 6000 printer status; "Printhead Missing".

I followed the steps listed under Help & Support. I removed the effected (Black) printhead and used a lint-free cloth, wiped the contacts. Unplugged my printer & restarted without success. All suggestions for next steps are appreciated.

[Jerry_57]

Hi @Shirleydp99,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.

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

I hear that your HP Smart Tank 6000 Printer is having a printhead issue.

I hear that for an HP Smart Tank 6000, if “Printhead Missing” continues after cleaning the black printhead contacts and restarting, HP recommends these next steps:
 

Next steps to try:

Check which printhead is causing the error:
 

• If the message says the Black printhead is not communicating, the black printhead is the source. On non-touchscreen models, the Attention light and Black printhead icon blink.
   
• If both printhead icons blink, check both printheads.

Reinstall and inspect the black printhead:
 

• Open the ink access door and wait for the carriage to stop.
   
• Make sure the printhead cover is fully closed. If it was open, close it, shut the access door, and try printing again.
   
• Press the blue button to open the printhead cover.
   
• Remove the black printhead and confirm:
  
  
  • The plug on top has been removed.
     
  • The protective tape on the contacts has been removed.
     
• Reinsert the printhead firmly until it snaps into place.

Clean both sets of electrical contacts again:
 

• Use a dry swab or lint-free cloth.
   
• Clean:
  
  
  • the printhead contacts
     
  • the matching contacts inside the printer
     
• HP cautions against touching the copper-coloured contacts or ink nozzles directly.

Close everything and align the printheads:
 

• Close the printhead cover.
   
• Close the ink access door.
   
• Follow the prompts to print and complete the Alignment Page.

Reset the printer:
 

• Turn off the printer.
   
• Unplug the power cord from the printer and the wall outlet.
   
• Wait 60 seconds.
   
• Plug it directly into a wall outlet, then turn it back on.

I hope this will help.

 

Take care and have a good day.

[Shirleydp99 · Accepted solution]

The black printhead was causing the error. I cleaned the printhead contacts as you described, without success. I unplugged the printer for about a hour.
When I reconnected the printer, I did not receive the print head error. I successfully printed several pages before receiving the printhead missing error once again. I tried but was unable to install the firmware update while I had the Printhead Missing error. I unplugged the printer from both the printer & the outlet overnight (I was very frustrated and had to walk away!)

When I reconnected in the morning, there was no printhead missing error. I installed the Firmware update and have been able to print successfully.

[Jerry_57]

I’m glad to hear the firmware update brought your printer back to life.