Alignment fails

[AlwynP]

I have tried resetting the printer but it still comes up with message alignment failed.  Every time I try to print it starts the alignment procedure although it completes the print job satisfactorily.  Apart from the time consuming aspec this wastes a lot of ink.

[JeanJAB]

Hi AlwynP,

I'm sorry the alignment failed message keeps coming up on your printer. 

When you reset the printer did you disconnect the plug from the back of the printer while the power was still on?

Please follow the steps in this document and try that procedure one more time:

http://support.hp.com/us-en/product/HP-Officejet-Pro-8500A-e-All-in-One-Printer-series---A910/408386...

If that does not correct the problem you may need to replace the printhead.  This same document describes how to do that as well. 

Jean

[AlwynP]

Thanks.  I have tried resetting unplugging as described and plugging back in while holding down 3 and  # keys simultaneously.

[JeanJAB]

AlwynP,

Since resetting the printer does not fix the problem - the next step is to replace the printhead. 

Is your printer in warranty? 

Jean

[AlwynP]

I s it possible for me to send you an attachment showing the alignment printout which would appear to be perfect? No its not in warranty. We have Mac OSX El Capitan.

[JeanJAB · Accepted solution]

Hi Alwyn,

When you reply to a post there is an attachment option below your text window.  You can scan the alignment and save it to your hard drive and then browse to where you saved it to attach it to your post.

However, I don't really need to see it. 

I think the error you are getting is telling you a printhead is failing. 

I don't know of how to stop the error from occurring other than to clean the printhead Step 5 in this document:

http://support.hp.com/us-en/product/HP-Officejet-Pro-8500A-e-All-in-One-Printer-series---A910/408386...

If that does not correct the alignment failed error you can check to see if your printer has a replaceble printhead.  Step 6 in the document.  

Jean 

[RogerTx]

I have this same "Alignment Failure" problem this week on my HPOfficeJet Pro 8500 (910A).  I have replaced both printheads with new ones ($120+).  I am running under Windows 10.  I have gone through ALL the recommended diagnostics and test prints.  Each time I try to print a document an alignment starts and prints only a few color characters across the top the page and the rest of the page is blank (unlike the print diagnostic page I am accustomed to seeing).  After the alignment finishes (1-2 minutes), my document prints normally.  

My printer is out of warranty (purchased March 2011) but the print heads are brand new.  I also replaced 2 ink cartridges ($60) earlier this week and both are nearly empty.   I have not been doing very much printing but the printer has been doing lots of alignments.   Can I get Customer Service help?  My only other option is buy a completely new printer and the reason I bought this one was to be able to replace parts when they failed.   

[JeanJAB]

Hi RogerTx,

I'm sorry to hear you are having alignment issues with your printer. 

I realize you are out of warranty with your printer - but there should be some support for the printheads you purchased.

I do recommend you contact HP Customer Support  to see what they can do for you.

I hope that if you explain your situation they will credit you for the prinheads or give you a discount on a printer exchange.

I am not sure what options they can give you - but I feel it is worth contacting them to find out. 

Go to this link:  https://support.hp.com/us-en/contact-hp/product/HP-Officejet-Pro-8500A-e-All-in-One-Printer-series--...

Scroll down to find the contact HP Template.  Fill this out and you will be given contact options. 

Best of luck,

Jean

[RogerTx]

Thanks for the tips, Jean! 

-RogerTx

[Rebecca23]

My printer does exactly the same thing -- sits in printer alignment after nearly every print job for 1-2 minutes, arrives at its own conclusion "alignment failed" and then prints out the test page with only the top of the typical test page.  At least it prints what I need it to print - but if I need to print documents in rapid succession it makes it slow going and frustrating.

I've tried the diagnostics, gotten a new driver, installed it, didn't help.  It's still functional but annoying that it wastes time, paper and ink with every alignment page.   More recently, it is now pushing a blank page with the alignment test page.  There has to be a solution somewhere, as I google it again today, but I really have zero interest in calling a help desk, sitting on hold and trying to work through on the phone for an hour (as Jean from HP recommends - will she sit on hold and do that for Roger and I?).   HP --  Answer??