-
×InformationNeed Windows 11 help?Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
Windows 11 Support Center. -
-
×InformationNeed Windows 11 help?Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
Windows 11 Support Center. -
- HP Community
- Printers
- Printing Errors or Lights & Stuck Print Jobs
- HP Photosmart 6510 Missing or damaged printhead

Create an account on the HP Community to personalize your profile and ask a question
08-04-2023 08:26 AM - edited 08-04-2023 08:32 AM
My HP Photosmart 6510 has been showing a "Printhead damaged. Contact HP for support," message for several days. Have tried to clean the nozzles and remove excess ink. Is this able to be correct or is this printer done for? I've had it since 2012 but would love to have it working again, it's been a great printer. Cartridges are currently full ink level and just replaced. Has to be a nozzle or chip issue. Can this printhead not be replaced or cleaned on this model? Desperate to fix. Probably can't even replace this model anymore, but I don't like the newer, far too expensive models. Any info appreciated on where I go from here. Also, to save time, this step has been attempted several times, so this solution won't work:
Please follow the steps listed below to reset the printer.
1. With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the printer.
2. Unplug the power cord from the power source.
3. Wait 60 seconds.
4. Reconnect the power cord to a wall outlet and to the printer.
NOTE: HP recommends plugging the printer directly into a wall outlet.
5. Turn on the printer to complete the reset.
08-06-2023 11:20 PM
Hi @redfieldbjg,
Welcome to HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.
If you're encountering a "Missing or damaged printhead" error message on your HP Photosmart 6510 printer, it generally indicates an issue with the printhead unit itself. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the problem.
- Check the Printhead: Open the printer cover and make sure that the printhead is properly installed and seated in its carriage. Sometimes, it might just be slightly loose, causing the error message.
- Clean the Printhead Contacts: The printhead contacts could be dirty or have residue on them, preventing proper communication. Gently clean the contacts on both the printhead and the carriage with a lint-free cloth or a cotton swab dipped in distilled water. Make sure they're completely dry before reinserting the printhead.
- Restart the Printer: Turn off the printer, unplug it from the power source, and wait for a minute or two. Plug it back in and turn it on. Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary glitches.
- Update Firmware and Software: Ensure that your printer's firmware and drivers are up to date. Check the HP website for any available updates and follow their instructions to install them.
- Perform Printhead Cleaning: Your printer likely has an option in the settings to perform a printhead cleaning. This process can help clear any clogs or blockages that might be causing the error.
- Replace the Printhead: If none of the above steps work, it's possible that the printhead itself is indeed damaged. In such cases, you might need to replace the printhead unit. Check with HP's official support or authorized service centers to obtain a compatible replacement printhead.
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
HP Support Community Moderator