Have a 2540 printer, installed new cartridges, reset, turned off/on. The amber light is blinking and

[lotodgs]

Have a 2540 printer, new cartridges have been replaced, reset several times. The amber light is blinking and will not allow to print copies,

[A_Gayathri]

Hi @lotodgs,

Welcome to The HP Support Community.  

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

I understand your HP Deskjet 2540 All-in-One Printer is showing a blinking amber light and not allowing you to print even after replacing the cartridges, there are several steps you can follow to troubleshoot and resolve the issue:
 

1. Check Cartridge Installation

Ensure that the new cartridges are installed correctly:

• Open the cartridge access door.
• Make sure the cartridges are seated properly in their slots.
• Check for any protective tape on the new cartridges and remove it if present.

2. Clean Cartridge Contacts

Sometimes, dirty contacts can cause issues. Clean the cartridge contacts carefully:

• Turn off the printer and unplug it.
• Remove the cartridges.
• Use a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with distilled water to gently wipe the copper-colored contacts on the cartridge and in the printer.
• Let the contacts dry completely before reinserting the cartridges.

3. Perform a Hard Reset

Resetting the printer can sometimes resolve the issue:

• Turn on the printer.
• With the printer powered on, disconnect the power cord from the back of the printer.
• Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
• Wait for 60 seconds.
• Plug the power cord back into the wall outlet and then into the printer.
• Turn on the printer if it does not turn on automatically.

4. Check for Error Messages

If there is an error message on the printer screen or computer, it can provide more details about the issue. Refer to the HP support website or manual to interpret the error code or message.

5. Update Printer Firmware and Software Update the firmware on an HP printer

Ensure that the printer firmware and software are up to date:

• Visit the HP support website.
• Enter your printer model and download the latest firmware and software updates.
• Install the updates on your computer and follow any on-screen instructions.

6. Check Ink Levels and Cartridge Compatibility

• Make sure that the new cartridges are compatible with your HP Deskjet 2540.
• Check the ink levels using the HP printer software on your computer.

7. Align the Printer

Sometimes the printer needs to be aligned after installing new cartridges:

• Open the HP printer software on your computer.
• Go to the maintenance or settings tab.
• Select the option to align the printer and follow the on-screen instructions.

8. Printer Self-Test

Run a self-test or diagnostic page:

• Load plain white paper into the input tray.
• On the printer control panel, press and hold the Cancel (X) button and the Start Copy Color button at the same time.
• Release both buttons. The printer should print a self-test page. Check if it prints correctly.

Refer to this document:  HP Deskjet 2540 All-in-One Printer series User manual 

 HP DeskJet 2540 Printers - Attention Light Blinks (Paper Jam)
HP Deskjet 2540, Ink Advantage 2545 Printers - Blinking Lights

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. 

[A_Gayathri]

Hi @lotodgs,

Welcome to The HP Support Community.  

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

I understand your HP Deskjet 2540 All-in-One Printer is showing a blinking amber light and not allowing you to print even after replacing the cartridges, there are several steps you can follow to troubleshoot and resolve the issue:
 

1. Check Cartridge Installation

Ensure that the new cartridges are installed correctly:

• Open the cartridge access door.
• Make sure the cartridges are seated properly in their slots.
• Check for any protective tape on the new cartridges and remove it if present.

2. Clean Cartridge Contacts

Sometimes, dirty contacts can cause issues. Clean the cartridge contacts carefully:

• Turn off the printer and unplug it.
• Remove the cartridges.
• Use a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with distilled water to gently wipe the copper-colored contacts on the cartridge and in the printer.
• Let the contacts dry completely before reinserting the cartridges.

3. Perform a Hard Reset

Resetting the printer can sometimes resolve the issue:

• Turn on the printer.
• With the printer powered on, disconnect the power cord from the back of the printer.
• Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
• Wait for 60 seconds.
• Plug the power cord back into the wall outlet and then into the printer.
• Turn on the printer if it does not turn on automatically.

4. Check for Error Messages

If there is an error message on the printer screen or computer, it can provide more details about the issue. Refer to the HP support website or manual to interpret the error code or message.

5. Update Printer Firmware and Software Update the firmware on an HP printer

Ensure that the printer firmware and software are up to date:

• Visit the HP support website.
• Enter your printer model and download the latest firmware and software updates.
• Install the updates on your computer and follow any on-screen instructions.

6. Check Ink Levels and Cartridge Compatibility

• Make sure that the new cartridges are compatible with your HP Deskjet 2540.
• Check the ink levels using the HP printer software on your computer.

7. Align the Printer

Sometimes the printer needs to be aligned after installing new cartridges:

• Open the HP printer software on your computer.
• Go to the maintenance or settings tab.
• Select the option to align the printer and follow the on-screen instructions.

8. Printer Self-Test

Run a self-test or diagnostic page:

• Load plain white paper into the input tray.
• On the printer control panel, press and hold the Cancel (X) button and the Start Copy Color button at the same time.
• Release both buttons. The printer should print a self-test page. Check if it prints correctly.

Refer to this document:  HP Deskjet 2540 All-in-One Printer series User manual 

 HP DeskJet 2540 Printers - Attention Light Blinks (Paper Jam)
HP Deskjet 2540, Ink Advantage 2545 Printers - Blinking Lights

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.