General Printer Error with no code on OfficeJet 8600 pro

[1889CC]

I am getting a General Printer Error on my OfficeJet 8600 Plus.  It is not giving me an error code.  Just says to unplug it and start it again, and to contact HP if the problem persists.

Where do I go from here?

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @1889CC,

Welcome to the HP Support Community! 

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding your OfficeJet 8600 Plus giving you that vague "General Printer Error" message!

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

Try these steps:

Try This First (Hard Reset)

Power off the printer with the power button.

While it’s off, unplug the power cable from both the printer and wall outlet.

Wait 60 seconds (important).

Plug it back in directly to a wall outlet (no surge protectors).

Turn the printer on.

Did it start without the error? If yes, yay! If not, go ahead with the next steps:

Remove & Reinsert Ink Cartridges

Power off the printer again.

Open the cartridge access door.

Carefully remove all ink cartridges.

Check for ink leakage or gunk—gently clean contacts with a lint-free cloth slightly dampened (not soaked) with distilled water.

Reinsert all cartridges one by one.

Close the door and power it back on.

Check for Internal Jam or Carriage Stuck

With the printer off, manually slide the printhead carriage (if it’s stuck to one side).

Open the rear access door and look for paper bits or obstructions.

Gently blow some air (even from your mouth if needed, or a can of air) to dislodge dust or debris.

 

Update Firmware (if you get it to boot)

Kindly refer to this link to update your printer firmware.

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,

[1889CC]

I went through all the steps except updating the firmware.  With this error message, I am not able to access any menus.  But the printer has been working fine for a long time.  This message is new.

There still is no error code, but the full message says, "Printer Failure"  "There is a problem with the printer or ink system.  Turn printer off, then on.  If problem persists, contact HP."

The yellow ink cartridge was not original HP, so today I got a new HP yellow cartridge.  It has not made any difference.  Interestingly, HP Smart thinks the yellow ink is low, basically out.

I did find a lot of ink below where the cartridges "sleep", on the right side.  I don't see that it is interfacing at all with the cartridge carrier though.

Thoughts?

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @1889CC,

Thanks for giving me such a clear update. You’re doing everything right, and I know this must be frustrating as hell, especially when there's no code and the printer is acting shady.

Let's try a few more steps:

Printhead Cleaning (Manually)

If there's ink pooled where the cartridges sleep, it could be gunking up the printhead’s sensor or parking pad.

Do this carefully:

Unplug printer and open the cartridge door.

Remove all ink cartridges.

Carefully lift the latch and remove the printhead (it’s the whole carriage, not just the cartridges).

Use a lint-free cloth lightly dampened with distilled water or isopropyl alcohol.

Gently clean:

The gold contacts on the printhead

The cartridge contact pads

The area where ink has leaked (right side under the cartridge resting zone)

If you have a syringe or dropper, flushing warm water through the nozzles from the underside can help too,  but only if you're comfortable doing it.

Let it dry completely (wait 20–30 minutes), reinsert everything, and restart the printer.

Check the printhead gasket pad.

That spongey-looking pad under the cartridges (where they “sleep”) is the ink absorber pad. If it’s oversaturated, it can trigger this kind of error.

You can try:

Blotting it gently with a dry paper towel to soak up excess ink.

Clean around it without pressing down hard.

Replace the Printhead (if all else fails)

If you’ve cleaned the printhead and you’re still getting the same message:

The printhead may be failing (common after years of use or when ink leaks happen).

You can get a replacement HP printhead (HP 950/951 compatible) from:

HP’s official parts store

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,