Suspected printhead problem

[ChuckL3]

HO 8600 plus, 7-8 years old.  Started with cartridge error, then cartridge missing.  I replaced the cartridges, still had a problem.  Cleaned the printhead.  Didn’t help.  Is the printhead the problem?  

[Nal_NR]

Hi @ChuckL3,

Welcome to the HP Support Community. 

I'd be glad to help you! 

I understand how frustrating it can be when your printer stops working, especially after using it for so many years. Let's see if we can narrow down the issue and find a solution for your HP OfficeJet 8600 Plus.

 

• When you replaced the cartridges, did you check if the cartridges were compatible with your printer model, and were they properly installed?
• Are you seeing any specific error messages on the printer screen, or is the issue just the "cartridge missing" error?
• Have you noticed any other printing issues, like faint prints, smudging, or uneven colors, that could point to a different issue?

Let's try these steps. If you have already performed these steps, you may ignore them. 

Check for Proper Cartridge Installation:

• Ensure the new cartridges are installed correctly and seated properly. Sometimes the cartridges might not align properly, causing an error. Also, remove and reinstall them to ensure they make a firm connection.

Reset the Printer:

• Turn off the printer, unplug it from the power source, and wait for about 60 seconds. Plug it back in, and turn it on again. This can sometimes resolve temporary communication issues between the printer and cartridges.

Clean the Contacts Again:

• Even though you cleaned the printhead, the contacts inside the printer where the cartridges sit might also need cleaning. Turn off the printer and carefully clean the metal contacts both on the cartridges and inside the printer using a lint-free cloth and some distilled water.

Test with a Different Set of Cartridges:

• It’s possible that the new cartridges are defective. If you have a set of known good cartridges, try installing them to see if the issue persists. Alternatively, you can also try a different brand of compatible cartridges, as some third-party cartridges might cause issues.

Printhead Issue:

• If the above steps don’t resolve the issue, the printhead could indeed be the problem. Since your printer is 7-8 years old, the printhead may have worn out. You can try running a printhead cleaning cycle via the printer’s control panel or HP software on your computer. If that doesn’t work, you might need to replace the printhead.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance

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