New HP5101 can't get the test page to print (seems to be flashing a color ink icon) but ink is full

[TinaHey]

Hi,

I just bought an HP5101 and can't get the alignment page to print. I have filled the ink tanks (Black,blue,magenta, and yellow).

There is an icon flashing in the mini window that seems to be implying that the color ink is low. But I just loaded it with fresh ink.  What am I missing? How do I get past this issue.  I do hear the print head moving back and forth and clicking from the printer, the the orange flashing exclamation point and no test page prints.

[Sneha_01]

Hi @TinaHey,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

It sounds like you're experiencing an issue with your new HP 5101 printer where it's indicating a problem with the color ink despite having recently filled the ink tanks. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the issue:

Verify Ink Levels: While you've recently filled the ink tanks, it's worth double-checking the ink levels to ensure that they are indeed full. Use the ink level indicator on the printer's control panel or the accompanying software on your computer to check the ink levels for each color cartridge.

Ensure Cartridges Are Installed Correctly: Make sure that the color ink cartridges are installed correctly in their respective slots. Ensure that they are securely seated and that you've removed any protective seals or tapes from the cartridges before installation.

Run Printhead Alignment: If the printer is indicating that there's an issue with the color ink, it's possible that the printhead alignment needs to be adjusted. Check the printer's manual or online documentation for instructions on how to run a printhead alignment process. This process will ensure that the printhead is properly aligned with the paper, which can help resolve printing issues.

Perform Printer Maintenance: Run a maintenance cycle on the printer to ensure that the printheads are clean and functioning properly. Most printers have a maintenance or cleaning function accessible through the printer's settings menu. Running this function can help clear any blockages or debris that may be affecting print quality.

Check for Firmware Updates: Ensure that your printer has the latest firmware installed. HP occasionally releases firmware updates to address issues with ink recognition and printing. Check for firmware updates through the printer's control panel menu or by visiting the HP support website.

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

[TinaHey · Accepted solution]

Hi Rachel,

Thanks for your response.  I do appreciate you taking the time to respond. However, I submitted this query a couple days ago. It was very frustrating not receiving a timely response. I did finally get my new printer to print by figuring out solutions on my own (finding solutions posted by other people who ran into similar problems).

Problem 1: Printer complained that the ink was low even though I had just filled the four ink tanks.

Solution: I had only filled each of the color tanks half way because I don’t print very often and was worried they might dry out.  However, the printer doesn’t seem to like this. Once I completely filled the color tanks to the top, the printer stopped complaining about low ink. 

Problem 2: Printer wouldn’t print the test page. Screen just hung with a spinning circle.

Solution: It turns out that there was another pop up screen behind the HP Smart app screen asking for the Wi-Fi password to be re-entered. Once I did that the test page printed.

Problem 3&4: After successfully printing the test page, the printer had an error code of “00” and was endlessly beeping. This “00” error code is about the print head. But when I opened the front panel the printer head carriage would always end up at the left side of the printer (problem 4).

Solution: To access the printer head carriage, after opening the front panel while the carriage is moving across the middle of the printer, unplug the printer.  This is a clumsy solution but shocking that the carriage doesn’t automatically stop in the center or have a button that can be pressed to get it to move to the center.  Once I was able to access the printer head cartridges, I took out and reinserted them to make sure they were seated properly. After doing that, plugging the printer back on, and closing the front panel, the printer stopped beeping and the error code went away.

 The printer finally was able to print.