4155e can't communicate with cartridge

[Elgin_jim]

So, HP did a 'Sync" with my 4155e last night, and this morning my printer will not 'communicate' with my HP supplied Ink Cartridges (that worked fine yesterday), and both show as being full. Trouble shooting says to remove one cartridge as a time, and then unplug the printer, but Error remains. --- using HP Laptop and MacBook Pro.

[Sneha_01]

Hi @Elgin_jim,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

If your HP OfficeJet Pro 4155e printer is showing an error that it can't communicate with the ink cartridges after a recent sync, and troubleshooting steps haven't resolved the issue, you can try the following steps to address the problem:

1. Verify Cartridge Installation

Check Cartridge Installation:

• Open the cartridge access door and ensure that both cartridges are installed correctly. Remove them and reinstall them, making sure they click into place securely.

Inspect for Obstructions:

• Check the cartridge slots and the area inside the printer for any obstructions or debris that might prevent proper contact between the cartridges and the printer.

2. Clean Contacts

Clean Cartridge Contacts:

• Remove the cartridges and gently clean the contacts on the cartridges and inside the printer with a lint-free cloth. Avoid using any liquids.

Check for Damage:

• Inspect the contacts for any signs of damage. If the contacts are damaged, the cartridges may need to be replaced.

3. Perform a Printer Reset

• Power Reset:
  • Turn off the printer using the power button.
  • Unplug the power cord from the printer and from the electrical outlet.
  • Wait for about 60 seconds.
  • Plug the power cord back into the outlet and the printer.
  • Turn the printer back on and check if the error persists.

4. Update Printer Firmware

Check for Firmware Updates:

• Ensure your printer has the latest firmware. You can check for updates through the HP Smart app or HP's support website.

Update Firmware:

• If there is an update available, follow the instructions to update the firmware. This may resolve any issues related to the cartridges.

5. Test with Known Good Cartridges

• Try Different Cartridges:
  • If you have spare or new cartridges, try installing them to see if the error persists. This will help determine if the issue is with the cartridges or the printer.

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

[Elgin_jim]

Rachel571

Thank you for your suggested solution steps. Perhaps these steps might help some non-technical folks. I spent 22 years in Customer Service as a Product Support Engineer -> Service Manager -> Project Manager -> now retired.  All those steps with the exception of trying a new cartridge were listed in the trouble shooting section on line which I performed (although I found them after I performed all the basic steps).  After many attempts, I was able to get the printer to come online with the colour ink cartridge removed, so now at least I can use the scanner and print in black. 

I DID have a HP Instant Ink support contract which I cancelled yesterday, as I don't see any benefit of paying a monthly fee to HP, and then having to go out and purchase a new cartridge to replace the one HP sent me.  The annual fee + the purchase of a new set of cartridges equals the price of a new printer!  Now my only decision is to throw 'good money after bad' as they say, and buy new set of cartridges, or simply buy a different printer without all the firmware to make sure one only uses HP Ink.  It is not so much the money, as the principle. Thanks for your time you spent to try to help.

[Sneha_01 · Accepted solution]

Hi @Elgin_jim,

Thank you for your response.It sounds like you’ve put a lot of effort into troubleshooting the issue and have made some thoughtful decisions about your printer and support options. Your experience in customer service and technical support gives you a unique perspective on dealing with these kinds of problems. 

Given your situation, here are a few considerations to help you decide on the next steps:

Deciding on New Cartridges vs. New Printer:

Evaluate the Printer’s Overall Condition:

• Consider the age of the printer and its overall performance. If it's still relatively new and meets your needs otherwise, investing in a new set of cartridges might be worthwhile.

Assess Cost vs. Benefit:

• Compare the cost of new cartridges (and possibly additional maintenance) with the cost of a new printer. If the printer is older and you’re facing frequent issues, a new printer might offer better value and reliability.

Consider Printer Features:

• If you decide to purchase a new printer, think about what features are important to you. For instance, some printers offer more flexibility in terms of ink usage and compatibility.

Look for Printer Reviews:

• Research different printer models and read reviews to find one that has a good reputation for reliability and ease of use, without restrictive ink cartridge requirements.

Ink Costs:

• Some printers use standard or third-party ink cartridges, which might offer significant savings over proprietary options. Look into models that use more widely available or less expensive ink.

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

[Elgin_jim]

Hmmm Rachel571, I still can't determine if you are 'AI', or just 'I'. 

In any case, thanks for the cost/implications analysis. For the record, I did have to drive 2 hours to a Walmart to buy a pair of HP 67 Ink Cartridges, and indeed the new colour cartridge was accepted by the printer. Now my only question is why was I paying $9/mth to HP, just to be told the Instant Ink cartridge supplied by the HP service contract was indeed faulty. I didn't see where I could request a new cartridge, so your analysis is still sound. How to I get value for the money I spend...

I have a HP Laptop, a HP desktop, and a MacBook Pro, two HP Laser printers, along with the HP 4155e, and your analysis does suggest I re-examine my devotion to HP printers.

All that to say thank you for your excellent support, and persistence.

Have a great day. 

[Sneha_01]

Hi @Elgin_jim,

I can help you new cartridges from instant ink.

It seems like your HP printer is configured to work with HP Instant Ink. I will need a few additional details to help you with this.

I request you to share all the details in a private message. 

In order to access your private messages, click the private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Support Community profile, next to your profile Name.

To understand the issue and help you, please share the details listed below:

• Registered email address and the serial number of the printer.

Note: Do not share any of your personal information such as serial, phone number, email ID, etc.

Take care and have a great day ahead!

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.Take care and have a great day ahead!

Rachel571

HP Support