Maintenance Process Depletes Cartridge

[Baja1998]

HP7740 Maintenance only shows one depleted cartridge at a time.

Maintenance process depletes cartridges each time a cartridge is replaced.

So by the time I replace each cartridge the first cartridge I replaced is now depleted.

This is ridiculous as it creates an near endless cycle of replacement cartridges.

I just wasted $210.00!! If HP is listening, I want a complete new set of cartridges for the my 7740. 

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @Baja1998,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

I understand your HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 keeps depleting cartridges during maintenance, showing only one empty at a time, which leads to repeated replacements and significant ink loss. Let’s go through what’s happening and what you can do to reduce further waste.

Understand why maintenance uses ink
The maintenance process (printhead cleaning and ink system priming) uses ink from all installed cartridges, not just the one being replaced.
This is normal behavior on wide-format HP inkjet printers and is required to protect the printhead.

Why cartridges deplete one by one
When a single cartridge is replaced, the printer runs a partial ink system service.
Repeating this process for each cartridge causes earlier replacements to lose ink again during subsequent maintenance cycles.

Correct way to replace cartridges
If multiple cartridges are low or near empty, replace all affected cartridges in one session.
This allows the printer to run maintenance once, instead of repeatedly draining ink.

Check ink levels before replacing
Print an ink status report or check ink levels from the printer display or HP software.
Only replace cartridges that are truly empty or very close to empty.

Avoid unnecessary cleanings
Do not manually run printhead cleaning or maintenance unless print quality is actually degraded.
Repeated cleanings significantly increase ink consumption.

Power usage best practice
Always turn the printer off using the power button, not by unplugging it.
Improper shutdown forces the printer to re-prime the ink system, consuming additional ink.

Firmware and printer health check
Make sure the printer firmware is up to date.
Firmware updates can improve how maintenance cycles are managed and reduce excessive ink use.

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,

[Baja1998]

Can I turn the maintenance process off when replacing cartridges?

(Otherwise issue remains and a significant waste off money)

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @Baja1998,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

I understand you’re concerned about ongoing ink loss during cartridge replacement on your HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 and want to know if the maintenance process can be turned off. Let’s go through how this works.

Understand whether maintenance can be disabled
The maintenance process cannot be turned off or disabled.
It is built into the printer’s design to protect the printhead and ink system.

Why HP requires maintenance during cartridge changes
When a cartridge is replaced, the printer must prime and balance the ink system.
Skipping this process would risk air entering the printhead, causing permanent damage.

What happens if maintenance is interrupted
Interrupting or attempting to bypass maintenance can lead to clogs or printhead failure.
This would result in higher repair or replacement costs.

Best way to reduce repeated ink loss
If more than one cartridge is low, replace all low or near-empty cartridges at the same time.
This allows the printer to run maintenance once instead of multiple times.

Avoid proactive cartridge replacement
Only replace cartridges when the printer reports they are empty or very close to empty.
Replacing them too early increases total ink used during maintenance.

Avoid manual cleanings
Do not run printhead cleaning unless print quality is actually degraded.
Manual cleanings use significantly more ink than automatic maintenance.

Proper shutdown behavior
Always power the printer off using the power button.
Unplugging the printer forces extra priming the next time it powers on.
This behavior is normal and not an indication of a fault.

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,