Printer failure, no error code

[Lulu624]

Printer failure, no error code.  Tried troubleshooting tips; resetting did not work and cleaning copper on ink cartridges, did not work either.   Printer 3 yrs old so out of warranty.   This printer is in a vacation home and  I remove the cartridges over the winter.  Is that a problem?  Is there anything else to try or do I need a new printer?  Tried to submit contact HP form 3 times to no avail....website could use improvement.

[Bob_Headrick · Accepted solution]

Removing the cartridges to store the printer for the winter is a major problem - this will cause the non-replaceable printhead to dry out, likely leaving clogged ink residue.  In the future if you have a printer with separate ink supplies and printheads (like the Officejet 6600) the cartrdiges should not ever be removed from the printer for more than thirty minutes at a time, and the printer should never be powered down with the cartridges removed.

The following might help recover the printhead (maybe 10% chance).  Turn on the printer, remove the print cartrdiges and drip hot water onto the screens on the printhead where the ink cartridges would connect.  I would put about 3-5 drops in each screen.  Let this sit for a few minutes, then replace the print cartridges.  Run three cleaning cycles in quick succession from the front panel or toolbox.  Is there any ink at all on the page?  If so let the printer sit overnight, then repeat the process.

[Lulu624]

Even though it is not what I wanted to hear,  thank you.  Looks like I have nothing to lose by trying to restore the printhead.  Wish I had known that my efforts to save $$ on ink was likely to harm the printer.   Will let you know if it works.  I am anything but adept at this stuff!

[Lulu624]

Bob, thanks to you I have hope.  I did as you suggested, though had a tough time gauging 3 to 5 drops.   I ran 3 cleaning cycles ... all colors are coming through, although the magenta not quite as well.  I will do as you suggest and turn the printer off until tomorrow and repeat the process.  Perhaps printhead dryout wasn't complete.  I promise to never, ever do this kind of a bonehead play again!

[Bob_Headrick]

Glad to hear you are getting the colors to mostly print - if they print at all it is probable that things will recover.  Does black print as well?  

[Lulu624]

Yes, the black looks good!

[Lulu624]

I cannot thank you enough for your help.  My printer is back and I could not have done it without your expert advice.   Thank you!

[Bob_Headrick]

I am glad things are working.  I really did not expect such good results.