HP 8600 Plus - Problem w/ Printer / Ink System

[NeedAFix911]

My 8600 Plus required cyan ink replacement. Spent $100 for a multi color ink purchase 30 minutes ago. It accepted ink and then required Yellow also. It accepted that also congratulating me on using HP Ink. Went to print a payroll check and received the "There is a problem with the printer or ink system. Turn printer off, then on. If problem persists, contact HP."

I followed the instructions and it did not work. I also tried turning it off and on and still didn't work. It's obviously a problem with the new ink cartriges since it was working perfectly. Please advise as I don't think they will let me exchange the ink after its opened right?

[Max3Aj]

@NeedAFix911, 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 frustrating experience with your HP Officejet Pro 8600 Plus after installing new ink cartridges. You're absolutely right to expect smooth operation after using genuine HP ink, and I’ll help you troubleshoot this step-by-step.

Issue: "There is a problem with the printer or ink system"

This error typically relates to:

• Ink cartridge recognition issues
• Clogged printhead
• Electrical contact problems
• Firmware glitches

Recommended Steps to Resolve

Power Reset

You’ve already tried this, but let’s do a full reset:

• Turn off the printer.
• Unplug the power cord from both the printer and the wall outlet.
• Wait 60 seconds.
• Plug it back in directly to a wall outlet (avoid surge protectors).
• Turn the printer back on.

Reseat All Ink Cartridges

Sometimes the contacts don’t align perfectly:

• Open the ink cartridge access door.
• Remove all cartridges, even the ones not recently replaced.
• Inspect for any ink buildup or debris on the copper contacts.
• Reinsert each cartridge firmly until it clicks into place.

Clean Ink Cartridge Contacts

Use a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with distilled water:

• Gently wipe the copper-colored contacts on the cartridges.
• Also clean the corresponding contacts inside the printer.
• Let everything dry for 5 minutes before reinserting.

Update Printer Firmware

Outdated firmware can cause ink system errors:

• Visit the Official HP® Support
• Download and install the latest firmware update.

Run Printhead Cleaning

If the printer powers on:

• On the printer’s control panel, go to:
  • Setup > Tools > Clean Printhead
• This can resolve ink flow issues. 

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. Select "Yes" on the bottom left to say “Thanks” for helping! 

Max3Aj

HP Support