E error code and ink lights are flashing

Unhappy90210 · ‎09-13-2025

Hi, I'm trying to fix my 93 year old grandfather's printer (HP Deskjet F4180). It is throwing an E error and the ink lights are blinking. You can still print from the computer, but none of the buttons to scan etc. are working (other than the power button. I have tried changing the ink cartridges, cleaning the contacts, pressing and holding the black scan button and the cancel button at the same time and then pressing the power on button. None of there solutions worked. I am unable to use the online live HP chat as it won't recognize the printer serial number - not impressed. If there is a solution I haven't tried, please let me know!

Kuroi_Kenshi · ‎09-16-2025

Hi @Unhappy90210,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

I understand your HP Deskjet F4180 is showing an E error code with blinking ink lights, and while printing still works, buttons like scan are unresponsive. Let’s go through a few steps to troubleshoot this.

1. Power Cycle the Printer

Turn off the printer and unplug it from the wall outlet.

Wait 60 seconds and plug it back in.

Power on and check if the error persists.

2. Inspect Cartridges

Remove both black and color cartridges.

Check for protective tape left on the cartridge contacts or any visible damage.

Reinsert them firmly, ensuring they click into place.

3. Clean Cartridge Contacts Again

Use a lint-free cloth or cotton swab slightly dampened with distilled water.

Clean the gold contacts on both the cartridges and inside the carriage.

Dry completely before reinserting cartridges.

4. Reset the Printer

With the printer powered on, press and hold the Cancel button (X) for 10–15 seconds, then release.

Some older Deskjet models may need a hard reset: unplug the printer for 1–2 minutes, press and hold Power button for 30 seconds, then reconnect and power on.

5. Check for Carriage or Mechanical Issues

Open the scanner lid and observe the carriage movement when powering on.

Make sure the carriage moves freely and nothing is stuck or obstructed.

6. Scan Function Workaround

If printing works but scanning does not, try:

Use a USB connection instead of wireless.

Scan directly from the HP software on your computer rather than the printer buttons.

7. Firmware / Driver Check (If Available)

Check HP support for Deskjet F4180 drivers or software updates.

Sometimes installing the full-feature software package restores button functionality.

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,

I'm an HP Employee.

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Unhappy90210 · ‎10-03-2025

None of the troubleshooting ideas made a difference to the error code. I'm afraid there is no change.

Max3Aj · ‎10-07-2025

@Unhappy90210, Thank you for your response.
@Kuroi_Kenshi is away at the moment.

I'm sending a private message to assist you with the next action.

Please check your Private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Community profile Next, to your profile Name, you should see a little blue envelope, please click on it or simply click on this link.

I hope this helps! Keep me posted.

Max3Aj

HP Support