Fatal Error: Not Reading Cartridge and Won't let me get to Main Screen to reset. Any suggestions?

[Chelle9000]

I  am getting a FATAL ERROR screen after a failed Blue Cartridge Install--it won't read the installed new cartridge AND it won't give me the Menu screen for more than 1 second so I can't reset this. Any other way to reset? Since it is in FATAL ERROR mode, it won't stay online either. Am I screwed? I love this printer...

[Max3Aj]

@Chelle9000, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you. 
I'm sorry to hear about the trouble you're having with your HP Officejet Pro 8610. Here are a few steps you can try to resolve the issue:

Semi-Full Reset:

• Open the printer door and remove one of the ink cartridges.
• Close the lid and press the home button on the screen.
• Press where the back button would be four times to access the hidden support menu.
• Scroll down to the reset menu and select "Semi-Full Reset".
• Wait for the printer to shut down and turn it back on.
• Follow the instructions on the screen to set up the printer and calibrate the ink.

Power Cycle:

• Turn off the printer and disconnect the power cord from the back of the printer.
• Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
• Wait for at least 60 seconds.
• Reconnect the power cord to the printer and the wall outlet.
• Turn on the printer and check if the error persists.

Check Ink Cartridges:

• Ensure that the ink cartridges are properly installed and compatible with your printer.
• Clean the electrical contacts on the ink cartridges and the carriage inside the printer using a lint-free cloth lightly moistened with distilled water

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! 

Max3Aj

HP Support 

[Chelle9000]

Thanks for sending this. I was able to get to a menu finally with your instructions but it didn't do any good--error came back.

Thanks anyway!

[Max3Aj]

@Chelle9000, You're welcome — and thanks for the update, even if it’s not the result we were hoping for 😓

If you’ve already tried the Semi-Full Reset and it keeps boot-looping back into the Fatal Error, then unfortunately it sounds like either:

the cartridge chip caused a firmware lock, or

the printhead or logic board itself is corrupted beyond what a soft reset can fix.

That said, a couple last-ditch options still exist if you're up for it:

Printhead Hard Reset

If it's a printhead fault (pretty common on the 8610 series), you can try:

1. Unplug the printer.
2. Open the printer and gently remove the entire printhead assembly (lift the latch under the cartridges).
3. Clean the copper contacts on the back of the printhead with a soft cloth.
4. Reinsert, close everything, and plug back in.

Sometimes reseating the printhead resets a hardware lock.

Full Disassembly → Battery Pull

On the logic board inside the printer, there’s a CR2032 coin battery or capacitor that holds firmware states. Disconnecting it for ~5 mins hard-resets everything, including fatal errors.

• You’ll need to disassemble the printer, remove the top panel, and locate the logic board.
• Remove the battery (if present), or unplug the printer’s power and logic board cable from the power supply for 10 minutes.
• Reassemble and try booting again.
  
  We suggest you please visit the nearest HP authorized service center for this, they will assist you. Kindly follow this link to locate the nearest HP service center: https://support.hp.com/us-en/help/service-center

(Enter the city name or pincode) 

I hope this helps!

If my response resolves your issue, please click “Accepted Solution” to help others find the answer. Also, don’t forget to click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up” button to say thanks!

Take care and have a great day.

Max3Aj

HP Support