Error 11 on HP LaserJet M234sdw (4D69E1)

[ywang9158]

I have an HP LaserJet M234 SDW printer connected to my Macbook Pro (2023 edition). Most recently, I used up the original cartridge that came with the printer.  After I replaced the cartridge that I received from HP instant ink service, the printer gives me an Error code 11. I thought the cartridge might broken during the shipment, so I put the old one back. Surprisingly, the printer gave me the same error code 11. The printer can't recognize any cartridge anymore. I immediately updated the firmware and software, but the error still showed up, and I could not print anything. I have followed all the tips from HP website that i can find, like disconnecting the power and connecting back after 2 mins, update the firmware, but the problem still exists.

Any advice is much appreciate. Thanks 

[Raj_05 · Accepted solution]

Hi @ywang9158,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

Error Code 11 on HP printers typically indicates an issue with the toner cartridge or its connection. Given that your printer is not recognizing any cartridge, here are a few additional steps you can try to resolve the issue.

• Check Cartridge Compatibility: Ensure that the replacement cartridge you received is compatible with your HP LaserJet M234sdw. Sometimes, incompatible cartridges can cause errors.
• Inspect the Cartridge: Examine both the old and new cartridges for any visible damage or defects. Check for any protective tape or seals that might still be on the cartridge.
• Clean the Contacts: Turn off the printer and unplug it. Open the toner cartridge area and gently clean the contact points on both the cartridge and inside the printer with a soft, dry cloth. Be careful not to touch any sensitive components.
• Reinstall the Cartridge: After cleaning, reinsert the cartridge carefully, ensuring it is seated properly. Sometimes a cartridge that is not fully seated can cause errors.
• Perform a Hard Reset: With the printer unplugged, press and hold the power button for 30 seconds. Then, plug the printer back in and power it on.
• Check for Firmware Issues: Ensure that the firmware update was completed successfully. Sometimes, a partial or failed update can cause issues. Recheck for any additional updates that may have been released since you last updated.
• Try a Different Cartridge: If possible, test with a new cartridge to see if the issue persists. This can help determine if the problem is with the cartridge itself or the printer.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Alden4

HP Support 

[ywang9158]

Hello Alden4

Thank you very much for your advice.

I purchased another cartridge from HP store on Amazon, the box looks different from what I received from instant ink and the model number is also different. The one I received from instant ink is W8007X, but the new ink I purchase from HP store on Amazon is W1340A. Not sure if this is what cause the ERROR 11, but when I installed the new ink into the printer, the same ERROR 11 showed again. So I followed your hard reset procedure and installed the new ink again. This time, the ERROR 11 cleared.

I did not try the HP instant ink cartridge after the hard reset, don't want to put my printer in danger again since I was out of printing support for couple of weeks. But my experence might be a good reference for other people in this community with same issue. 

Once again, Thank you so much for your help.

[ninja661]

When I put in the new cartridge had the same error and after resetting the printer and getting the printer to dump an information sheet & connected the printer to the internet it -heard the cartridge give a few cranks and error disappeared..  so, reseating the cartridge may help and hp recommends cleaning out the interior from paper dust/old toner.  Did this on my Brother printer and it’s like new again (my Brother printer has over 60,000 pages and still prints like the day it came out of the box and no problems unlike the M234sdwe.  Only reason I picked u the M234sdwe was it had a scanner, not for the nickel & diming HP support money grubbers.)