I have a printhead problem, how do i fix it

[Lisa146]

how do I fix a printhead problem?

[praveen196]

@Lisa146 Welcome to HP Community!

I understand that you are facing issues with the printhead.

Please perform the hard reset and check.

1. Turn the printer on, if it is not already on. 

2. Wait until the printer is idle and silent before you continue. 

3. With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the rear of the printer. 

4. Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet. 

5. Wait at least 60 seconds. 

6. Plug the power cord back into the wall outlet. 

7. Reconnect the power cord to the rear of the printer. 

8. Turn on the printer, if it does not automatically turn on. 

9. Wait until the printer is idle and silent before you proceed

If the issue still persists, please perform the below steps.

Step 1: Update the printer firmware

Updating the printer firmware might resolve printhead problems. Go to Updating or Upgrading Printer Firmware for more information.

Step 2: Check the carriage for a printhead latch

Look at the carriage to see if it has a latch. The carriage is the part inside the printer that holds the printhead and cartridges. If the carriage does not have a latch (fixed printhead), then the only option is to service the printer.

1. Open the door to access the cartridges.

2. Wait until the carriage stops moving before you continue.

3. Look at the right side of the carriage to see if the carriage has a printhead latch (a handle that can be raised, which allows the printhead to be removed).

   • If your carriage has a printhead latch, continue to the next step.

   • If your carriage does not have a printhead latch (fixed printhead), skip to Service the printer. If the printhead is fixed, then there are no additional troubleshooting steps available.

Example of a carriage with a printhead latch

Example of a carriage without a printhead latch

Step 3: Reseat the printhead up to three times

You might need to reseat the printhead up to three times.

1. With the printer turned on, unplug the power cord from the rear of the printer.

2. Lift the carriage latch, slightly lift the printhead, lower the printhead back into the carriage, wiggle the printhead left and right, and then lower the carriage latch to lock the printhead into place.

   

3. Close the cartridge access door.

4. Reconnect the power cord to the rear of the printer.

5. Wait for the printer to start, and then look for the error.

   • If the error message persists, repeat the steps to reseat the printhead up to three times.

   • If the error no longer displays, you are done.

If you still have the same issue, you need to replace the printhead.

Keep us posted,

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