Printer Failure error

[Quebaby]

I have an HP Officejet Pro 8600 that has been a workhorse since I bought it about 10 years ago.  After searching for any help for a Print Error I finally figured out that the error telling me that there was a printer or ink failure, I found a reference to a solution that worked - the new HP 951 ink cartridge I bought at Office Max/Depot was causing the error.  When I removed it and put in the old, depleted cartridge, it now works and is telling me that the cartridge is low and needs to be replaced, but the error has cleared.  I reinstalled the new one and am getting the error again.  This cartridge was one of a 3-pack and was manufactured in Malaysia.  Other than that, it is the same ink that I have used for the entire time I've had the printer.  

No help at all on the HP Support page.  No reference to this causing the issue.  Lots of help to use troubleshooters, update drivers, etc, but don't ask for a replacement cartridge.  You will just get crickets...

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Quebaby,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

I can imagine how frustrating that must feel, especially after 10 years of reliable service from your OfficeJet Pro 8600, only to have a brand-new cartridge trigger an error. You’ve done excellent detective work, narrowing it down to the cartridge itself.

Here’s what’s likely happening and what you can do:

Why This Happens

• HP cartridges have embedded chips that communicate with the printer. If the chip is damaged, misaligned, or not recognized, the printer throws a “Printer or Ink System Failure” error.
• Even genuine HP cartridges can occasionally have manufacturing defects or chip issues, especially if they’ve been stored for a long time or exposed to extreme temperatures.

Steps to Confirm & Fix

1. Clean the Cartridge Contacts
   • Power off the printer.
   • Remove the cartridge and gently wipe the copper contacts with a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with distilled water.
   • Let it dry, reinstall, and restart the printer.
      
2. Reset the Printer
   • With the printer on, unplug the power cord.
   • Wait 60 seconds, then plug it back in and power on.
      
3. Try Another Cartridge from the Same Pack
   • If the second cartridge works, the first one is defective.
      
4. Check Cartridge Authenticity
   • Scan the QR code or visit HP Cartridge Authentication to verify it’s genuine.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

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Regards,

VikramTheGreat