printhead problem on smart tank 7602 printer

[littlebobby52]

my hp smart tank 7602 display printhead problem error message.  i have cleaned the area and replaced the printheads with new hp printheads.  the error message will noy go away and the printer does not print

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @littlebobby52 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

I understand how discouraging it feels to install new printheads, clean the area, and still see a printhead problem on the Smart Tank 7602. Thank you for already taking those steps. 

Let’s go through a complete, structured set of actions that usually clears this error.

1. Power reset the printer

A full reset helps clear false hardware errors.

• Turn the printer on
• Disconnect the power cable from the rear
• Wait for 60 seconds
• Plug it back in and turn it on again

Check if the error clears.

2. Reseat both printheads

Even new printheads may not make perfect contact on the first installation.

• Open the printhead access area
• Lift the latch and remove both printheads
• Inspect the copper contacts for any tape, dust, or moisture
• Reinsert the black printhead on the left and the tri‑color on the right
• Make sure each one clicks firmly into place
• Close the latch securely and close the access door

Wait for the printer to initialize.

3. Clean the printhead electrical contacts

If the contacts have even slight residue, the printer may not detect the printheads.

• Turn the printer off
• Remove both printheads
• Use a lint‑free cloth lightly dampened with distilled water
• Gently wipe the copper contacts on each printhead
• Wipe the matching contacts inside the carriage
• Allow everything to dry completely
• Reinstall the printheads and power the printer back on

4. Check for protective materials or obstructions

• Make sure no orange protective caps remain on the printheads
• Ensure no packing material is stuck inside the carriage
• Confirm the latch closes fully without resistance

5. Run the diagnostic from the HP App

Since HP Smart has been replaced by the HP App:

• Open the HP App on your Windows PC
• Select your Smart Tank 7602
• Go to the troubleshooting or maintenance section
• Run the printhead or hardware diagnostic

This helps the printer re‑read the printhead status.

6. Update the printer firmware

If the printer is running older firmware, it may not recognize new printheads correctly.

• On the printer’s control panel, open Settings
• Go to Printer Maintenance or Printer Update
• Install any available update

7. Check carriage movement and alignment latch

• Open the access door and confirm the carriage moves smoothly
• Ensure the latch that holds the printheads is not loose or partially open
• Verify the printhead alignment process starts automatically after installation

If the error still appears after all these steps, it generally means the printer is unable to read one of the printhead chips or the internal printhead system is not responding. 

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Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye