Tri-color ink light flashing. Printer not detecting new HP 63 ink cartridge.

[Javier13]

Printer Serial number:[personal info removed]

Hello. My printer does not recognize a new color cartridge. I open the printer, wait for the cartridges to center themselves, replace the empty Tri-color cartridge and close it. After waiting, the orange light on the side starts flashing.  Whenever I try to print a document the computer gives me an error message.

I already 'reset' the printer (Disconnecting the cable, waiting 60 seconds, etc.).

I took out the new cartridge and re-inserted the old one to see if the flashing light persisted. The flashing orange light goes away and I can print normally (with lack of color because the cartridge is empty). I go back and forth between the old and new cartridge, with the same results as before. I compare both cartridges and see that the HP ink number (63) and model (F6U61A) are the same. 

[Jay_G24 · Accepted solution]

Hi @Javier13,

I'd like to help!

Try the below suggestions -

Reset the product

• With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the rear of the printer.
• Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
• Wait at least 60 seconds.
• Plug the power cord back into the wall outlet.
• Reconnect the power cord to the printer.
• Turn the printer on. HP recommends plugging the printer directly into a wall outlet.

Clean the electrical contacts

Remove the cartridge indicated by the error message, clean the electrical contacts, and then reinsert the cartridge in its color-coded slot.

1. Turn the printer on.

2. Open the door to access the cartridges.

3. Wait until the carriage stops moving before you continue.

4. Remove the cartridge indicated in the error message from its slot, holding it by its side.

      CAUTION: 

   Do not touch the copper-colored contacts or the ink nozzles. Touching these parts can result in clogs, ink failure, and bad electrical connections.

5. Remove any protective tape that still might be on the contacts.

      CAUTION: 

   Do not touch or try to remove the copper electrical strip.

   

6. Lightly dampen a lint-free cloth with distilled water, and then clean only the copper-colored contacts on the cartridge.

   

7. Lightly dampen a lint-free cloth with distilled water, and then clean the electrical contacts in the carriage, located inside the printer.

   

8. Wait 10 minutes for the contacts to dry.

9. Reinsert the cartridge.

   • Insert the black cartridge into the right slot.

   • Insert the tri-color cartridge into the left slot.

10. Repeat these steps for the other cartridge, if necessary.

11. Close the cartridge access door.

12. If the error persists, repeat the previous steps to clean the cartridge and carriage contacts a second time.

13. Check for the error message.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted. 

And, Welcome to the HP Support Community. 

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