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The HP OfficeJet Pro 8020 series printer displays a Printer Failure message with event code: 71.02.4a
The printer may stop printing and remain in an error state even after replacing the ink cartridges.
The issue may appear with one or more of the following symptoms:
Printer Failure is displayed.
Event Code 71.02.4A appears.
The printer does not print.
The error remains after installing new ink cartridges.
The ink-cartridge carriage may remain at the side of the printer.
The printer may subsequently display Ink Cartridges Not Communicating.
The printer may require the cartridges to be reinstalled before printing resumes.
Event Code 71.02.4A can be associated with a problem involving the printer's ink cartridge/printhead system or internal printer initialization.
A temporary printer state, cartridge communication problem, or cartridge/printhead initialization failure can prevent the printer from completing its startup process.
Troubleshooting steps
1: Remove the Ink Cartridges
Turn on the printer.
Open the ink-cartridge access door.
Wait for the carriage to stop moving.
Remove all ink cartridges.
Place the cartridges in a safe location with the electrical contacts facing upward.
Leave the printer's access area open while performing the power reset.
2: Perform a Power Reset
With the cartridges removed, disconnect the power cord from the rear of the printer.
Disconnect the other end of the power cord from the wall outlet.
Wait at least 60 seconds.
Reconnect the power cord directly to a wall outlet.
Connect the other end to the printer.
Turn on the printer.
Allow the printer to complete its startup process.
3: Allow the Printer to Fully Initialize
After turning the printer on:
Wait for the printer to finish starting up.
Do not immediately reinstall the cartridges.
Wait until the printer displays a message or completes its initialization process.
Once the printer is ready for the cartridges, proceed to the next step.
4: Reinstall the Ink Cartridges
Open the cartridge access area if necessary.
Install each cartridge into its corresponding color-coded slot.
Press each cartridge down until it is firmly seated.
Close the cartridge access door.
Follow any prompts displayed on the printer.
If prompted, allow the printer to perform cartridge initialization or alignment.
5: Print a Test Page
After the cartridges are reinstalled:
Wait until the printer returns to a ready state.
Print a printer status report or test page.
Verify that the printer completes the job.
If prompted to perform an alignment, complete the alignment process.
If the printer prints successfully, the error has been resolved.
If Error 71.02.4A Returns
If the error returns after reinstalling the cartridges:
Turn off the printer.
Disconnect the power cord.
Wait 60 seconds.
Reconnect the printer directly to a wall outlet.
Turn the printer on.
Check whether the error remains.
Verify that every cartridge is correctly seated.
Check the cartridges for visible damage or leaks.
Check the cartridge electrical contacts for contamination or debris.
If necessary, clean the cartridge and printhead electrical contacts according to HP's cleaning procedure.
Clean the Cartridge Electrical Contacts
If the error persists:
Open the cartridge access door.
Wait until the carriage stops moving.
Remove the affected cartridge.
Using a lint-free cloth, gently wipe the copper-colored electrical contacts on the cartridge.
Clean the corresponding electrical contacts in the printhead/carriage area.
Allow the contacts to dry completely.
Reinstall the cartridge.
Repeat for other cartridges if necessary.
Close the cartridge access door.
Restart the printer.
Test printing.
Avoid touching the ink nozzles or other sensitive areas unnecessarily.
Update the Printer Firmware
If the printer can be accessed sufficiently to perform a firmware update:
