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HP Recommended

I just bought my HP Smart Tank 580 today and its not working. An exclamation point and tricolor printhead is blinking. What do I do?

3 REPLIES 3
HP Recommended

Hi @rkde2110 

 

Welcome to the HP support community.
 

I understand you're experiencing an issue with your HP device, and I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. I'm here to help you today.

Here’s how you can troubleshoot and hopefully resolve the issue:

 

1. Check for Paper Jams

  • A paper jam or blockage inside the printer can sometimes cause the exclamation point to blink. Open the printer’s paper tray and carefully check for any paper stuck in the path.
  • Also, open the printer's front or rear access doors (where the printhead or cartridges are) to ensure there is no jam in that area.

2. Check and Reseat the Printhead

  • Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source to avoid any potential electrical issues.
  • Open the front access door of the printer to access the printhead and ink cartridges.
  • Remove the printhead and cartridges carefully:
    1. Pull the ink cartridges out one by one.
    2. Gently lift the printhead latch and remove the printhead.
  • Check for debris or ink clogs: Inspect the printhead for any visible blockages, dried ink, or dirt. You can use a lint-free cloth or a soft tissue to clean the printhead’s contacts and surrounding area gently.
  • Reseat the printhead: After cleaning, reinstall the printhead and cartridges, making sure they are securely placed.
  • Close the access door and plug the printer back in.

3. Ensure the Ink Cartridges Are Installed Correctly

  • Check that the ink cartridges are the correct ones for your printer and are properly seated in their respective slots.
  • Sometimes, the printer might not detect the cartridges if they are not seated fully or are installed incorrectly.

4. Check Ink Levels

  • If the ink levels are low, this could cause problems with the printhead. You can check the ink levels on the printer’s control panel or in the HP Smart app on your computer or mobile device.
  • If any cartridge is empty or nearly empty, try replacing it with a new one.

5. Reset the Printer

  • Hard Reset: Sometimes, a simple reset can clear errors.
    1. Turn off the printer and unplug it from the wall.
    2. Wait for about 1-2 minutes.
    3. Plug the printer back in and turn it on.
  • This can help reset the internal mechanisms and clear any temporary issues causing the error.

6. Perform a Printhead Alignment or Cleaning

  • If the printhead is clogged or misaligned, it can trigger errors. Check your printer's settings on the control panel or the HP Smart app to see if you can initiate a printhead cleaning or alignment process.
  • To clean the printhead, you can usually find this option in the printer settings under Maintenance or Tools.

7. Check for Firmware Updates

  • Outdated firmware can sometimes cause unexpected errors. Ensure your printer’s firmware is up to date by using the HP Smart app or visiting the HP support website.

8. Check for Error Codes in the HP Smart App

  • Open the HP Smart app on your phone or computer to see if any additional error codes or messages are displayed. The app might offer specific instructions or troubleshooting steps for the blinking exclamation point and printhead issue.

I hope this helps! Keep me posted.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.
 

-Regards
Raj-HP Support

Raj2111
I am an HP Employee

HP Recommended

had the same problem tried alll steps, even replaced new head but still error persist .

HP Recommended

Had the same issue, a new printhead solved it.

Probably, the original printhead had a defect, the initial calibration page printed too long and then a color printhead failure was indicated.

None of the steps for resetting, power on/off, remove/install etc. helped, only replacement with a new printhead.

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