Error on Officejet 8600

[JimClark1]

My Officejet 8600 returned an error saying "There is a problem with the printer or ink system".  It told me to turn it off and back on, I did, same result.  This happened right after I replaced an empty ink cartridge.  Normally I'd just buy a new printer but I've got about $300 worth of ink on hand for this printer so I hope it's not just dead.  Maybe it needs a new printhead?

If it is dead, what can I do with all this ink?

[A_Gayathri]

Hi @JimClark1,

Welcome to The HP Support Community.  

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

I understand your HP Officejet Pro 8600 Plus is experiencing a common issue related to the ink system, which could potentially involve the printhead. Since you have a significant investment in ink, I'll walk you through some troubleshooting steps that could help resolve the issue before considering replacement.

Troubleshooting Steps

Power Cycle the Printer:

• Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
• Wait for at least 60 seconds before plugging it back in.
• Turn the printer on and see if the error persists.

Check for Cartridge and Printhead Issues:

• Remove and Reinsert the Cartridges: Open the ink cartridge access door and remove the cartridges. Ensure they're genuine HP cartridges and properly seated. Reinsert them firmly.
• Clean the Printhead:
  • Remove the printhead and clean the electrical contacts using a lint-free cloth and distilled water. Ensure the contacts are dry before reinstalling.
  • Reinstall the printhead and ink cartridges.
• Replace the Printhead: If cleaning doesn't help, the printhead may need to be replaced. You can find replacement printheads online or at authorized retailers.

Perform a Semi-Full Reset:

• Turn off the printer and disconnect the power cord.
• Hold down the "OK" and "Cancel" buttons simultaneously while plugging the printer back in. This will initiate a semi-full reset, which can resolve some persistent errors.

Update the Firmware: Update the firmware on an HP printer 

• Ensure the printer's firmware is up to date by checking HP's website. Sometimes outdated firmware can cause ink system issues.

If these steps don’t resolve the issue, the printhead might need replacing
 

Refer to this document: HP Officejet Pro 8600 Plus e-All-in-One Printer series - N911

HP OfficeJet Printers - 'Printer Failure' Error   There is a problem with the printer or ink system....

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.