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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printer Ink Cartridges & Print Quality
- Yellow Ink not being read. Error code.

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10-11-2024 07:11 PM
I replaced my empty yellow ink cartridge with an HP cartridge. I immediately received an error code: Printer Failure - There is a problem with the printer or ink system. I figured that the ink cartridge was bad, so I replaced that one as well with a new one. The printer won't read the yellow cartridge. It shows full on estimated ink levels, but there is a yellow exclamation point. I cleaned the printhead, but still getting the same error. Any ideas? I really like this printer. It has been great. I would like to continue using it. Thanks for any assistance.
10-14-2024 10:37 AM
Hi @Deb81
Welcome to HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.
If your printer is not reading the yellow ink cartridge and showing a printer failure error despite replacing it with a new HP cartridge, here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue:
1. Check Cartridge Installation
- Ensure that the yellow cartridge is installed correctly. Remove it and reinsert it, making sure it clicks into place securely.
2. Inspect the Cartridge and Contacts
- Check for Damage: Look for any physical damage on the cartridge or the contacts (the metal pins) on the cartridge and inside the printer.
- Clean Contacts: Use a soft, lint-free cloth or cotton swab lightly moistened with distilled water to clean the contacts on both the cartridge and the printer. Let them dry completely before reinstalling the cartridge.
3. Reset the Printer
- Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
- Wait for about 5 minutes, then plug it back in and turn it on.
4. Update Printer Firmware
- Sometimes, outdated firmware can cause issues with cartridge recognition. Check the HP support website for any available firmware updates for your printer model.
5. Run Printer Maintenance
- Use the printer's control panel or HP software on your computer to run any maintenance tasks, like print head cleaning or alignment.
6. Check for Software Issues
- Ensure that your printer software is up to date. You can check this through the HP Smart app or the HP Printer Assistant on your computer.
7. Try a Different Cartridge
- If possible, try using another new HP yellow cartridge. Sometimes even new cartridges can be defective.
8. Check for Errors in the Event Log
- If your printer has an event log or error history, check it to see if there are any specific errors related to the ink system that might provide more details.
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
Sneha_01- HP support