Ink Cartridge Problems - flashing lights

[Strange-engine]

Switched on printer for first time in 3 days and it wouldn't print. No error messages.

The black ink light was blinking but the cartridge has been installed and working for months.

I took it out, cleaned the contacts, heard the ink sloshing around and put it back. No change.

I did the thing where you pull the plug, wait a few minutes and switch it back on. No change.

I tried it a few more times. Now the black and yellow cartridge lights are blinking. But I didn't do anything to the yellow cartridge...

I took all of the cartridges out. All of the lights blinked.

I put them all back, one by one. The blue and magenta lights stopped blinking (curiously, the magenta light stopped blinking when I put the magenta cartridge in the wrong slot).

I have tried to update the firmware with the new version that allows competitor inks but the update repeatedly fails.

What is wrong? It's too easy to blame the (remanufactured) cartridges, and anyway, two of them are apparently fine. I have difficulty believing that there is much that can go wrong with them.

Could it be a fault on the carriage? Is there anything I can do other than spend a fortune on more cartridges?

The printer is 18 months old and this seems too early for faults and breakdowns.

[Strange-engine]

Thanks for that, but I think it's a US number? I am in the UK.

[Strange-engine]

The two replies I've had aren't showing online. Anyone know why?

Anyway - to whoeevr it was that sent me a link and recommended using skype, there's no mention of skype in that link. I'd prefer the online chat but don't know where to find it.

[Barachiel]

@Strange-engine

Good Day. A warm welcome to the HP community. 

I reviewed the case regarding issues with the printer. I will be delighted to assist you here.  

Superb description, brilliant troubleshooting and terrific observations made before posting. Kudos to you for that. 😉 

Follow the steps given below and update the printer's firmware from the printer itself.

Many HP printers released in 2010 and later support Web Services, cloud based printing services that include ePrint, printer apps, firmware updates, and content that you can print directly from the control panel. These printers can use a direct Internet connection to find and install updates.

NOTE: 

Supported printers must connect to a wireless or wired network with an active Internet connection to install updates. If the printer connects to the computer with a USB cable, this update method is not available. Continue to the method to download firmware from the HP website.

1. Navigate to the printer update feature. Menu names and icons vary by printer.

   • Printers with an ePrint button or icon: Touch or press the HP ePrint icon or button ( or ), touch or press Settings or Setupif necessary, then touch or press Product Update or Check Product Updates.

   • Printers with text-based menus: Select the Setup, Service, or Settings menu, select Preferences, Printer Maintenance, or Toolsif necessary, then select Web Services, Printer Update, or LaserJet Update.

2. If you are prompted to sign up or accept terms of service, follow any on-screen instructions to enable Web Services and setup automatic updates. This procedure sets up the printer's Internet connection so it can receive updates.

3. If the printer does not automatically start the update process, select Check for Updates or a similar menu to start the update.

Hope this helps. Let me know how it goes. 😉

[Strange-engine]

Thank you for your suggestions.

I have never set it up for wireless printing, it has always been connected with a USB cable.

I think I have just now successfully set up the wifi connection.

When I press the ePrint button, it flashes twice. Nothing happens on the computer screen and there is no screen on the printer.

I did log in to HP website to try and add this printer, but it asks for a Claim code, which I don't know.

I have opened some of the printer dialogue boxes but am unable to find anything that resembles 'web services' or 'updates'.

I did notice, when going through some of the options, that the computer is unable to establish a two-way dialogue with the printer. Or similar.

Did you give me generic advice? If it helps, the printer is an Officejet Pro 6230.

[Strange-engine]

Also, as the printer won't print (presumably because of the cartridge complaint), I can't find how tog et the claim code.

[Barachiel]

@Strange-engine

Thank you for the response.

I'm sending out a Private message with the required information's,

Good Luck. 🙂

[Strange-engine · Accepted solution]

So everyone, here's what happens when you have this problem:

You try to update drivers or firmware but things go wrong.

The get referred to someone that you're told can help you and they ask for information that isn't relevant and refuse to help further until you do.

You get referred to a 3rd person in you own country who can only speak during normal working hours, ie when you aren't at home.

They phone you without warning and you don't answer it because you weren't expecting the call and you don't recognise the number.

You send emails back that get ignored.

They phone you again and tell you that you need to speak to a technical expert. They can't tell you when that will be.

2 weeks after the original complaint, HP employee #4 phones you to say that you've probably damaged the printer using non-original cartridges (I call BS on that), so you need to buy HP cartridges or a new printer. And they won't do anything else because it's out of warranty (a laughably short time). He's clearly not an expert and reading from a script.

My summary: the printer is rubbish and the help is rubbish.

Don't buy HP (although, if you're reading this, it's probably too late. I feel your pain).

[Jeet_singh]

@Strange-engine,

After reviewing your post thoroughly, I understand you have exhausted all possible steps and unfortunately nothing has helped to resolve this issue.

In this scenario, I'm sending out a Private message with the information you need to get this sorted,

Please check your Private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Forums profile 

Next, to your profile Name, you should see a little blue envelope, please click on it 

Keep me posted,

that said, If the information I've provided was helpful, 

give us some reinforcement by clicking the solution and kudos buttons, 

that'll help us and others see that we've got the answers!

Good Luck.