HP Smart Tank 7301 Thinks it is Out of Ink but it is Not

[MeriLaw]

Has anyone had this happen?  Error Code E7 Black Ink low/out.  But it is not.  Went to fill up and only about 2" of ink drawn from the cartridge.  No gurgle sounds like when it really is out of ink.  Tried the "turn off/turn on" hard boot trick but did not reset.  The machine is about 18 months old.   Because it is now out of warranty is this a planned obselescence?

[Raj_05]

Hi @MeriLaw,

Welcome to HP Support Community.  

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

If your HP Smart Tank 7301 printer is displaying an error code E7 indicating that the black ink is low or out, but you are certain that the cartridge is not empty, it could be due to several reasons. Here are some steps you can follow to troubleshoot and resolve this issue.

• Check the Ink Level Indicator: First, double-check the ink level indicator on your printer's display or in the HP Smart app on your computer or mobile device. Make sure it's correctly displaying the ink levels for the black cartridge. If it still shows low ink when you believe it's not, proceed with the troubleshooting.
• Check the Cartridge: Remove the black ink cartridge and visually inspect it. Ensure there are no obstructions or tape covering the cartridge contacts or the vent. Sometimes, these obstructions can interfere with ink flow and cause inaccurate ink level readings.
• Clean the Cartridge Contacts: Use a lint-free cloth or a cotton swab lightly dampened with distilled water to clean the electrical contacts on both the cartridge and the printer. This can help improve the connection and communication between the cartridge and the printer.
• Reset the Printer: Turn off the printer, unplug it from the power source, and leave it unplugged for a few minutes. Then, plug it back in and turn it on. This can sometimes clear temporary errors.
• Update Firmware and Software: Ensure that your printer's firmware is up to date. Additionally, make sure you have the latest printer drivers and software installed on your computer or mobile device. Sometimes, software updates can resolve issues with ink level detection.
• Try a Different Cartridge: If you have another black ink cartridge that you believe is full, try installing it in the printer to see if the issue persists. This can help determine if the problem is with the cartridge itself or the printer.

I hope this helps. 
 

Take care and have a good day.

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Alden4
HP Support