Alignment fails

[Londa1]

I have gone thru several steps to fix an alignment failed message and my printer not printing.

at first I got the message I needed new ink cartridges. 

   bought as usual genuine hp replacement cartidges

after replacing the cartridges

I got the message the printhead needed to be cleaned. I ran the clean printhead several times and it kept failing. Followed the directions for taking the printhead out and manually cleaning it.  Still failed to print.

Next step: bought a new HP genuine printhead. 

Installed new printhead with my barely used ink cartridges.

errors message i needed new ink cartridges.

today I once again bought new ink cartridges and installed in my new printhead.  

Still not printing, still getting the Alingment Failed message. 

Not sure what my next step should be.

[DavidSMP · Accepted solution]

@Londa1,

Good Day.  Thank you for posting your query in the HP community.  I read the post regarding issues with alignment.  it throws up alignment error messages.  I will be delighted to assist you here.

Superb description and commendable diagnosis of the issue before posting. Kudos to you for that. 🙂

To assist you with accurate information I would require more information regarding this:

• Did it occur after a recent power outage or surge?

For now, try these steps:

• Please perform a hard reset on the printer from this link: https://support.hp.com/us-en/product/hp-officejet-pro-8620-e-all-in-one-printer-series/5367611/model... by following instructions from the section “Step 1: Reset the printer

• Then from this link: https://support.hp.com/us-en/product/HP-Officejet-7500A-Wide-Format-e-All-in-One-Printer-series---E9...  perform all the relevant steps to try and resolve alignment unsuccessful errors if it has not been done by you already. Ignore the steps if it has been done.

This should do the trick as long as the printer’s hardware is not faulty.

• If it continues, please check this link: https://support.hp.com/in-en/document/c02286085 for further assistance. Now check for issue resolution. Perform these steps only if it has not been done. I also understand that you've replaced printheads and ink cartridges.

If the issue persists, then I will send you a private message to assist you with the next course of action. Please check your forum private message box next to the bell notification icon on the upper right-hand corner for a private message from me for further assistance.

Perform all these steps patiently as it is critical to resolving the issue. Good luck to you. I will keep a watch for your response.  Please note that I am not overloading you with steps but instead, giving you more information to work with.

We are as eager as you are to get the issue fixed. I request you to perform all these steps till the issue is fixed.

Let me know how it goes and you have a great day!

To simply say thanks, please click the "Thumbs Up" button to give me a Kudos to appreciate my efforts to help. If this helps, please mark this as “Accepted Solution” as it will help several others with the same issue to get it resolved without hassles.

Take care and have a blessed week ahead. 🙂

[Londa1]

Thank you your response. I was able to get my problem resolved.

While doing your recommended hard reset step of taking out the ink cartridges I noticed that on the right hand side of the printer where the print head normally sits was really dirty. I cleaned that area and found there was a little sponge pad. It had been pushed down and was all wrinkled up instead of lying flat. I removed it with tweezers, cleaned it, replaced it so it laid flat. I then followed the rest of your hard reset recommended steps.

Happy dance...it works!  Thank you!

[DavidSMP]

@Londa1,

It has been a fabulous experience working with you. 🙂 I thank you greatly for accepting this as a solution.  You've been simply amazing with your technical expertise and thanks again for giving me the privilege to share this platform with you. 🙂

I hope the unit works great and stays healthy for a long time.

To simply say thanks, please click the "Thumbs Up" button to give me a Kudos to appreciate my efforts to help.  

Please take care, stay healthy, keep smiling big and do have a blessed year ahead. 🙂

[splinternet]

This is a message for DavidSMP.   

Hi David, I'm in similar trouble with printhead alignment on my 8500a.   After years of trouble-free printing (home, not office, so light use only) about 6 months ago I started getting a colour missing and streaks.  I checked for low cartridges (all genuine HP) and levels were OK.  I went through the various built-in printhead cleaning procedures plus also removing and carefully cleaning them (and their housings) with cleaning alcohol and bud tips.  No difference.    I was loathe to buy new printheads because (a) I didn't know which one (or both?) needed replacing, and (b) as far as I can see, they cost over 60 GBP each, and for 120 GBP I could think about a new printer!   Instead I bought another 8500 off eBay for about 30 GBP, it works fine except the paper feed works only about 50% of the time,  so I thought I'd resurrect my own 8500a but swap the printheads over because these seem to be working well.   Fairly simple operation, but now my 8500a won't get past the "printheads misaligned" stage.  I've removed and re-installed them both, but it makes no difference.   I'm hoping there are some similar procedures to those you shared with Londa1 for his/her 7500a (or will the same work on the 8500a?).   Thanks in hope and anticipation, Guy.

[ReneeLise]

This video shows how to find the hidden support menu and turn off the alignments.  Good luck!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_i1JkQJRhBM