Do symptoms indicate a failed printhead that needs to be replaced?

[ProjGeekette]

I have been getting the error message after starting my printer:  "Printhead problem: The printhead appears to be missing, not detected, or incorrectly installed."

Diagnostic page indicates:

Print Head Calibration Confidence Level: 0

Photo Black cartridge is indicated as Non-HP (which it isn't). This cartridge has also recently gone empty.

I cleaned my printhead and contacts. I reset my printer 3 times using the prescribed unplug - replug method. The problem persists. Ink accumulates on the printhead (see photo), even though I haven't been able to print a page (except for diagnostic page).

Is this definitively a problem for which printhead replacement would be the solution?

Thanks -

[greenturtle · Accepted solution]

Hi,

Thanks for using the HP Forums.

Seems that the steps in the document has been performed and the issue still persist, likely that the printhead is defective.

https://support.hp.com/sg-en/document/c03054372

Thanks for choosing HP!

[ProjGeekette]

I went ahead and bought a new printhead, and that was the solution. Thanks for all of the replies in this forum!

[greenturtle]

Hi @ProjGeekette,

Glad to hear that your issue is resolved and all is working well now.

Have a nice day!