printhead appears to be missing, not-detected, or incorrectly installed

[ncbenter]

The message on my printer screen reads: printhead appears to be missing, not-detected, or incorrectly installed.

I have followed all the recommended steps, 3 times, but it does not respond. Plus the message (when turning on the printer, does not show the main screen (with all the icons)

I downloaded  OJ8600_1315-1 to update the drivers (its in my download folder); but I  do not think it is installed because I did not see the figure 3, in the install window example.

My wireless icon on the printer is not lit, which may be why the installation isn't complete. actually the wireless icon is not on the printer screen but to the left of the screen.
I can still use the printer's scan functions, so I know the wireless printer is talking to my wireless pc. All of my ink cartridges are full and I would hate to loose the $$$ spent on them, if I need to get a new printer.  

The printer was purchased from HP Home Store on 6/11/2012, with a 2-year warranty (which has expired). I am old and not very computer savvy. Hope someone can help. Thank you

[sandytechy20]

@ncbenter

Welcome to the HP Forums. I would be happy to help you with your HP Officejet Pro 8600 printer. I understand that you are getting printhead appears to be missing error message and you have already done some preliminary troubleshooting. 

Don't worry though as I have a few steps to determine the issue and find a solution as well,

• Reset the printer.
• Unseat the printhead.
• Remove the ink cartridges, and then check the error message.
• Clean the ink cartridges, and then check the error message.
• Update the printer firmware.

Click here and follow troubleshooting steps mentioned in the document to fix this issue.

Let me know if that works.

Cheers.

[ncbenter]

• Reset the printer.   Done. message reads Ink system failure; problem with printer or  ink system.  I clicked  the OK button. message reads "printhead appears to be missing, not-detected, or incorrectly installed"
• Unseat the printhead. Done, same message.
• Remove the ink cartridges, and then check the error message. Done.  same message. Then I removed the cartridge tray (because the tutorial, on the printer's screen, showed it). Smudges of ink were  on the tray's bottom, on either side of a red band. I gently wiped it clean.
• Clean the ink cartridges, and then check the error message. I wiped down  cartridges with a dry tissue and inserted them back into the tray. message was the same. 
• Update the printer firmware. I was able to download the firmware to my download folder; the installation got as far as Select the printer you wish to update. None were listed; I clicked refresh, but nothing appeared.
• What Now?

[sandytechy20]

@ncbenter

Thanks for the reply.

Superb job on trying the different steps to isolate the issue.

This seems to be a hardware issue.

I request you to contact HP Phone support for further assistance on this.

Cheers.