E1 error message

[Craveking]

After every print job, if I try and print again, the printer starts, stops almost immediately, and the lights flash. I have to turn the printer off after each print job. Apparently its due to a cartridge not installed properly but if that were the case, how would I be able to print at all?

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Craveking 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! 

Thanks for posting your query! We're here to help you get back up and running.

It’s frustrating to deal with such interruptions, especially since the printer works initially! 

Even though it prints one job, the flashing lights and subsequent behavior might still be tied to a cartridge issue or another underlying problem. 

Let’s explore potential solutions:

1. Verify Cartridge Installation

• Although you’re able to print, one or both cartridges may not be seated fully or may not have solid contact with the printer.
• Open the cartridge door, remove both cartridges, and reinsert them carefully until you hear a click.
• Check for any debris or ink buildup on the cartridge contacts and gently clean them with a lint-free cloth and distilled water.

2. Check for Cartridge Compatibility

• Confirm that you’re using genuine HP cartridges compatible with the DeskJet Plus 4155. Non-HP or refilled cartridges can sometimes cause intermittent problems.
• Check the cartridge model numbers: HP 67 or HP 67XL.

3. Perform a Hard Reset

• Turn off the printer, unplug it from the power source, and wait for at least 60 seconds.
• Reconnect the printer and power it back on. This can sometimes clear temporary errors or miscommunications.

4. Clear the Printer Queue

• Ensure that the print queue on your computer is cleared before starting a new print job:
  • On Windows 10, go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers, right-click your printer, and select See what's printing.
  • Cancel all pending jobs.

5. Update Printer Firmware

• Outdated firmware can lead to strange issues. Visit the HP Support website to download and install the latest firmware for your DeskJet Plus 4155.

6. Run HP Print and Scan Doctor

• Download and run the HP Print and Scan Doctor tool. It can diagnose and fix cartridge and communication issues.

7. Check Power Supply

• Ensure that your printer is directly plugged into a wall outlet, not a power strip or surge protector. Inconsistent power delivery can lead to operational hiccups.

8. Reset the Printer to Factory Defaults

• If nothing works, reset the printer to its factory settings:
  • Press and hold the Cancel button and Wireless button on the printer for 10 seconds until the lights begin to flash.
  • Reconnect the printer to your network and try printing again.

If this solution hits the spot, please come back and click "Accepted Solution" to help others find the answer. And if you'd like to say thanks, select "Yes" on the bottom left of the public post, as that would make our day! 

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

[Craveking]

I took all these steps and nothing changed. I assume perhaps it's a bad cartridge. The workaround is to turn printer off and on after every print job or quickly cancel the print job if the lights start to flash quickly as I am printing.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Craveking 

It seems like you've done a thorough job of troubleshooting, but the issue persists—which must be frustrating.

Given your workaround and assumption, it’s quite likely that a faulty cartridge is the root cause. Here are a few focused steps you can try next:

Inspect Cartridges Closely:

• Remove both cartridges and check for visible damage, dried ink, or worn contacts.
• Clean the cartridge contacts gently with a lint-free cloth and distilled water.

Test with a New Cartridge:

• Replace the suspected faulty cartridge with a new, genuine HP cartridge. This could help resolve the flashing lights and printing interruptions.

Reset the Printer:

• Perform a hard reset by unplugging the printer from the power source for about 5 minutes before plugging it back in. Ensure the cartridges are properly installed before turning the printer back on.

Run a Diagnostic Report:

• If the printer has a built-in diagnostic tool, run it to identify potential issues with the cartridges or internal components.

Replacing the cartridge seems like the logical next step to ensure uninterrupted printing. If the problem persists even with a new cartridge, there could be a hardware malfunction that would require service. 

Let me know how it goes or if you need further assistance! 😊

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

[Craveking]

Thank you for the detailed follow up. I reviewed my cartridge history and I see my black cartridge was shipped 2 1/2 years ago. The color cartridge is less than a year old. I'm on Instant Ink and I've had 2 cartridges replaced in 4 years. And I agree with you that one or both cartridges are bad but I'm leaning towards the black. But now I'm wondering if my subscription even makes sense. Four years and two cartridges doesn't make too much sense if you're telling me I should go buy new cartridges to see if that works.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Craveking 

When you enroll in HP Instant Ink, you pay a monthly fee to print a defined number of pages per month and not on how many ink cartridges you used.

HP Instant Ink is a subscription service that sends ink before you need it based on your printing volume and ink levels. 

You might not receive ink cartridges every month. If you print many pages, you might receive multiple ink cartridges in a month.

After your first shipment, Instant Ink cartridges are sent as needed (not monthly) based on your ink or toner usage. Keep your printer connected to Wi-Fi, so your printer can tell us to send replacement cartridges before you need them.

Instant Ink cartridges have extra ink or toner, so they last longer, and shipments may not be frequent. Check ink or toner levels on your printer screen or with the HP Smart app.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Not to worry I'll do everything I can to help get this sorted for you. 😊

In order to locate your account, please provide either your registered email address or your Instant Ink account ID or the printer serial number in a private message, and I'll look into this. 

To access your private messages, simply click the private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Support Community profile, next to your profile name. 

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

Note: Do not share any of your personal information in public, such as serial number, phone number, email ID, etc.

[Craveking]

Sent. Thanks.

[Hawks_Eye · Accepted solution]

@Craveking 

Thanks for replying.

Let me check your account status and update you on the same.

Regards,

Hawks_Eye.

[Craveking]

I wanted to follow up on this issue. Hawks_Eye followed up with lots of suggestions and even sent replacement cartridges. Great follow up and customer service. I installed the new cartridges and had the same problem. I noticed when printing from the HP app, however, the blinking light problem went away. I removed the Microsoft printer driver and changed to HP Smart Printing in settings as the default device. Problem solved.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Craveking 

That’s fantastic to hear! 

It sounds like your troubleshooting efforts really paid off. Switching to HP Smart Printing as the default device was a great move—it’s amazing how a simple driver change can resolve a persistent issue like the E1 error and blinking light problem.

Thanks for following up and sharing your solution! This will definitely help others experiencing the same issue. If you ever run into any more printer quirks, I’m here to help. 🚀😊

Take care, and stay fantastic! 

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye