Printer Cartridge Failure with Two New Cartridges

[Dave0736]

I received a notification that my black Inc cartridge was out of ink.  Had not previously received the nominal “the ink level in your black ink cartridge is getting low” message.  I replaced the cartridge with a new HP 950XL cartridge that said ”Warranty ends: 2404/06”.  The printer attempted to load the print head (12 “burps”), and then returned  the Cartridge Problem message: “One or more cartridges appear to be damaged.”, the letter K inside a circle, and “Remove them and replace with new cartridges.” I replaced this new cartridge with another HP 950 cartridge that said “Warranty ends:  2026/01.  The exact same thing happened as with the first new cartridge.  I reset all of the ink cartridges.  I tried resetting the printer by unplugging it overnight.  I have loosened and “wiggled” and reset the entire print head three times.   All to no avail.  When I use the printer’s control panel to check the ink level, all three color cartridges respond as expected.  However, both of the new cartridges respond with an X in a red circle and the Installed Cartridge field is blank “—".  Interestingly, the initial black ink cartridge that ran out of ink shows the Installed Cartridge field as “950XL Z10 Black”.  When the printer attempted to load this cartridge, the same thing happened as when the first new cartridge was loaded and the Cartridge Problem message was returned.  Should I consider trying a third black ink cartridge? What are my next steps?  Thanks, Dave

[Sneha_01]

Hi @Dave0736,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

When dealing with printer cartridge issues, especially with new cartridges, follow these troubleshooting steps to resolve the problem:

1. Verify Cartridge Compatibility

Ensure that the cartridges you're using are compatible with your printer model. The HP 950XL cartridges should be compatible with printers that use the 950 series, but it’s good to double-check.

2. Inspect Cartridge Contacts

Remove and Reinstall Cartridges:

• Remove the cartridges and check the electrical contacts on both the cartridge and the printer. Clean them gently with a soft, dry cloth if they appear dirty or have residue.

Reinstall Carefully:

• Reinstall the cartridges, ensuring they are seated properly and click into place.

3. Inspect the Print Head

Clean the Print Head:

• Gently clean the print head with a lint-free cloth slightly moistened with distilled water. Be careful not to damage the print head.

Check for Obstructions:

• Make sure there are no obstructions in the print head area and that the print head moves freely.

4. Check for Firmware Updates

1. Update Firmware:
   • Visit the HP support website and download the latest firmware for your printer model. Sometimes, firmware updates can resolve cartridge recognition issues.

5. Perform Printer Reset

1. Reset the Printer:
   • With the printer powered on, unplug it from the power source. Wait for about 60 seconds before plugging it back in. This can sometimes clear errors related to the cartridge.

6. Try a Third Cartridge

1. Replace with Another New Cartridge:
   • If the problem persists, try using another new black cartridge. There is a possibility that both new cartridges you tried were defective, though it’s less likely.

7. Check Printer Settings and Status

1. Printer Display and Software:
   • Check the printer display for any error messages or instructions. Ensure your printer settings are correct and that no settings are preventing cartridge recognition.

8. Verify Ink Levels

1. Ink Level Check:
   • Use the printer’s control panel or HP software on your computer to check ink levels. Ensure the software is up-to-date and properly communicates with your printer.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

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

Rachel571

HP Support