Possible to clean ink cartridge contacts after a ink leak?

[Miriam6]

I've just started reusing a printer which I bought about 8 years ago (!). It wasn't working, so I assumed the cartridges needed to be replaced (this was what the computer said in the error message). 

I just put in new HP cartridges and the printer still wasn't working. When I took the cartridges out, the colour one was covered in ink, and after checking inside the printer, there was leaked ink all over the contacts at the back of the ink cartridge holder.

I know I can just scrap this printer and buy a new one, but I really like to get maximum value out of stuff like this - repair, reduce, reuse, recycle!

Thank you for any suggestions you have.

[Betty0610]

@Miriam6

Welcome to the HP Support Community.

Clean the electrical contacts

Remove the cartridge indicated by the error message, clean the electrical contacts, and then reinsert the cartridge in its color-coded slot.

1. Turn the printer on.

2. Open the door to access the cartridges.

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

4. Remove the cartridge indicated in the error message from its slot, holding it by its side.

      CAUTION: 

   Do not touch the copper-colored contacts or the ink nozzles. Touching these parts can result in clogs, ink failure, and bad electrical connections.

5. Remove any protective tape that still might be on the contacts.

      CAUTION: 

   Do not touch or try to remove the copper electrical strip.

   

6. Lightly dampen a lint-free cloth with distilled water, and then clean only the copper-colored contacts on the cartridge.

   

7. Lightly dampen a lint-free cloth with distilled water, and then clean the electrical contacts in the carriage, located inside the printer.

   

8. Wait 10 minutes for the contacts to dry.

9. Reinsert the cartridge.

   • Insert the black cartridge into the right slot.

   • Insert the tri-color cartridge into the left slot.

10. Repeat these steps for the other cartridge, if necessary.

11. Close the cartridge access door.

If the issue persists, please perform the remaining steps from this document: https://support.hp.com/in-en/product/hp-deskjet-1000-printer-series-j110/4066042/document/c05365403

Let me know if this helps.

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Thanks!

Have a great day!