My brand new DeskJet 4255e is saying the new ink cartridge is empty

[NikitiaM]

Just opened and set up my new Deskjet 4255e and the brand new freshly unpackaged black in cartridge says its empty. Its actually full as I can rub my finger on the dispenser and ink is coming out. Its the same weight as the color cartridge too. I tried rubbing the copper contacts and dampening them. I turned off the printer to reset it as some have suggested on the web, but still reading empty. Any suggestions? Could it be a defective ink cartridge? 

[A_Gayathri]

Hi @NikitiaM,

Welcome to The HP Support Community.  

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

I understand you are facing an issue with your HP DeskJet 4255e printer may be encountering an issue with the black ink cartridge, even though it appears physically full. There are several potential causes and solutions to try:
 

Steps to Troubleshoot:

Check for Protective Tape: Ensure you removed the protective tape from the copper contacts on the cartridge. If the tape is still there, it can prevent the printer from reading the ink levels correctly.

Inspect the Cartridge and Contacts: Even though you've already wiped the contacts, ensure there's no residue or damage on the cartridge's copper contacts. Use a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with water or alcohol to clean the contacts again, as debris could interfere with communication between the cartridge and the printer.

Clean the Printer Contacts: Sometimes, the contacts in the printer where the cartridge is inserted can be dirty or misaligned. Power off the printer, unplug it and carefully inspect and clean these contacts with a lint-free cloth.

Hard Reset the Printer: Perform a hard reset of the printer to refresh its systems:

• With the printer turned on, unplug the power cord from the printer.
• Wait 60 seconds.
• Plug the power cord back in and turn on the printer.

Use HP Smart App: Try using the HP Smart app to check ink levels. Sometimes, the app can provide additional information or a more accurate status than the printer’s display. HP printer setup (HP Smart app)

Update Firmware: Ensure your printer has the latest firmware installed. You can check for updates via the HP Smart app or the HP website. Update the firmware on an HP printer

Try Another Black Cartridge: If you have a spare or a new black cartridge, try replacing the current one to see if the issue is specific to the cartridge. Sometimes, even brand-new cartridges can be defective.
 

Refer to this document: HP DeskJet 4255e All-in-One Printer User manual

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day.

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