Damages cartridge - how to fix?

[Eva117]

Hi, I have a HP Officejet Pro 8600 with error message from printer. One or more cartridges appear to be damaged. Remove them and replace with new cartridges. I have replaced the cartridge (Cyan), but message persists. What to do? Simple reset didn't help. I'm going crazy here as the printer is just out of warranty. Do I really have to buy a new printhead? 

[A_Gayathri]

Hi @Eva117,

Welcome to The HP Support Community.  

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

I understand you are getting the "damaged cartridge" error on the HP Officejet Pro 8600 can be caused by several factors, not necessarily requiring a new printhead. Here's a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot and potentially fix the issue:

1. Double-Check the Cartridge

• Use Genuine HP Cartridges: Ensure the replacement cartridge is a genuine HP product. Third-party cartridges can sometimes cause errors.
• Inspect the Cartridge: Look for any physical damage, leaks, or residue on the cartridge's copper contacts or plastic nozzles.
• Clean the Cartridge Contacts:
  • Turn off the printer.
  • Gently clean the copper contacts on the cartridge with a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with distilled water or isopropyl alcohol.
  • Let it dry completely before reinserting it.

2. Clean the Printhead Contacts

• Remove all cartridges.
• Open the printhead latch and carefully remove the printhead.
• Clean the electrical contacts on the printhead (do not touch the nozzles) with a lint-free cloth dampened with distilled water or isopropyl alcohol.
• Let it dry completely before reinstalling.

3. Reset the Printer

Perform a more comprehensive reset:

• Partial Reset:
  1. Turn off the printer and disconnect the power cord.
  2. Wait for 60 seconds, then reconnect the power cord.
  3. Turn the printer back on and check if the error persists.
• Full Reset:
  • Access the printer's Support Menu:
    1. Press the Back button four times on the printer's control panel to open the menu.
    2. Navigate to "Reset Menu" and choose Partial Reset or Full Reset.

4. Update the Printer Firmware

Sometimes, firmware issues cause cartridge errors. Update your printer's firmware:

• Download the latest firmware from the HP Support website and follow the instructions to install it.

5. Perform a Printhead Cleaning Cycle

• Use the printer's menu to perform a printhead cleaning. This can sometimes recalibrate the system and fix errors.

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day.

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