Smart Tank Print Heads

[dreamin4ca]

I have a HP Smart Tank Plus 651 and I am getting a continuing "Cartridge Problem" on the color cartridge print head (this is an ecotank product, so its that type of print head). Of course this is 2-months (almost to the the date) out of  the 1-year warranty so there is no joy with HP help...which quite frankly I feel is now a joke like the rest of the crap products that are being shoved down our throats as consumers. I mean really...you can't make a printer that lasts more than a year or two without having problems (I already know they can...but why should they when we just eat **bleep** on this stuff all the time).

Anyway, am I just reserve to the fact that after very moderate printing over the last year that I have to buy a replacement print head?? I've tried the cleaning videos on youtube and nothing has worked. Any ideas?? Thank You.

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @dreamin4ca,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

I completely understand your frustration. It’s disheartening when a device you rely on gives you trouble, especially after investing time and effort. Let’s work through this step-by-step to get your HP Smart Tank Plus 651 working smoothly again:

What Your Printer Is "Saying"

The persistent “Cartridge Problem” error on the color printhead signals the printer isn’t detecting proper contact or priming with the color printhead. This happens if it's not seated correctly, ink levels are too low, or there's a sensor misread.

Step 1: Confirm Ink Levels & Seating

• Open the ink-tank compartment and ensure all color tanks are at least halfway full.
• Open the front cover to expose the printhead carriage.
• Press the blue latch to release the color printhead and remove it.
• Inspect it carefully: 
  • Make sure there’s no tape or protective plugs still on the contacts.
  • No dried ink or debris blocking contacts or nozzles.
• Reseat the printhead at a slight upward angle until it snaps firmly into place, then close all latches.

Step 2: Perform Printhead Cleaning & Alignment

1. On the printer screen, go to: Setup (gear icon) → Tools → Clean Printhead, and let it complete.
2. Once done, select Align Printhead from the same Tools menu.
   This ensures the printer primes ink lines properly and recognizes the color head.

Step 3: Full Power Reset

• With the printer on, unplug the power cord from the outlet.
• Wait at least 60 seconds, then plug it directly back into the wall (no surge protectors).
• Turn the printer on and check if the error clears.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

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Regards,

VikramTheGreat