HP SMART TANK 550/551/555 Printhead Errors

[printerbroken22]

Looking for help with my HP Smart Tank Plus 551 printer. I keep getting a tri-colour printhead error. I've replaced the printhead (thanks HP for making that really simple *sarcasm*) and topped up all the ink and the flashing icon remains.

The printer is only 3 years old and supplies and support seem to have vanished. Anyone have any insights or resolved this issue?

Thanks

[Raj_05]

Hi @printerbroken22,

Welcome to HP Support Community.  

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

I'm sorry to hear that you're experiencing issues with your HP Smart Tank Plus 555 printer. A persistent tri-color printhead error can be frustrating, but there are several steps you can take to try and resolve the issue.

• Restart the Printer: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary issues. Turn off your printer, unplug it from the power source, wait for about 30 seconds, and then plug it back in. Turn the printer on and check if the error message persists.
• Check Printhead Contacts: Ensure that the contacts on the printhead and in the printer are clean and free from any dirt or debris. Use a lint-free cloth or cotton swab with a bit of distilled water to gently clean the contacts.
• Update Firmware: Make sure your printer has the latest firmware installed. Visit the HP website and look for firmware updates for your specific printer model. Download and install any available updates.
• Perform a Printhead Reset: Some HP printers allow you to reset the printhead. Refer to your printer's user manual for instructions on how to do this.
• Check for Obstructions: Inspect the printer for any obstructions or foreign objects that might be preventing the printhead from moving properly.
• Run Printhead Cleaning Utility: Most HP printers have a built-in printhead cleaning utility. Access this utility through your printer's control panel or printer software on your computer. Run a printhead cleaning cycle to remove any dried ink or clogs.
• Check for Leaking Ink: Ensure that there are no ink leaks in the printhead area. Leaking ink can damage the printhead and cause errors. If you find any leaks, clean them up and replace any damaged parts.

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 

[printerbroken22]

Thank you for the reply!

I've tried everything suggested. I cannot clean heads from the app because of the cartridge error. I've unplugged/reset/replaced and cleaned without luck.

I seem to be running the latest firmware version as well. Perhaps it was the firmware update that has messed things up, as it seems to have come out in Aug.

[Raj_05]

Hi @printerbroken22,

Thank you for your response, 

Due to limited support, I would request you contact our HP Support and our Support Engineers should be able to sort this out. HP Support can be reached by clicking on the following link.

https://www.hp.com/contacthp/

Please feel free to contact us here anytime you need any further assistance.

Have a great day!

Alden4
HP Support 

[printerbroken22]

Apparently my 3 year old machine doesn't qualify for support. What if your firmware bricked my printer because it was working fine until around the same time the update came out. Ive tried two print heads and the error remains. Both heads are clear and laying ink just fine when removed from the machine and dabbed on cloth/paper.

[Nal_NR]

Hi @printerbroken22,

Thank you for posting back. 

To get the answer to this question, we have limited support boundaries in the support community as of now.
I would request you reach out to our phone support.

For that to happen, we will give you additional instructions/information via Private Message.

Please check your inbox on the forums page for the private message.

If the information I've provided was helpful, give us some reinforcement by clicking the Accepted Solution button, that'll help us and others see that we've got the answers!