Printer ink error

[christian12220]

Replaced one ink cartridge this morning that was needed in order to proceed with any further printing. Bought genuine color combination for my model (951).

Came home and replaced like I have done for years without issue. Got printer error asking me to walk through steps of off/on and if persisted contact HP.

Tried my own troubleshooting from recommendations on numerous boards ie. turning off /on only, unplug from wall and printer and certain number of seconds to wait. That same option with add'l holding down on/off button 15 seconds. Replacing heads when rebooting, etc. 

Did all of that to no avail. 

Left put old cartridge in and it all loaded as before but still showed low and would not let me proceed further with anything, ie cleaning heads, etc.

Replaced with new again and told me same error. 

Is there a way to get around this or is the life of this unit spent?

[Sneha_01]

Hi @christian12220 

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

It sounds like you're dealing with a persistent ink cartridge error that can be frustrating. If your printer is not accepting the new 951 cartridge and you're seeing the same error even after trying troubleshooting steps, don't worry—there are a few more things you can try to resolve this issue before considering replacing the printer.

Here are some steps you can take to try and get your printer working again:

1. Check the Cartridge and Printhead Contacts

• Remove the cartridge and inspect both the cartridge contacts (the small copper-colored squares) and the printhead contacts for any debris, dust, or ink build-up. Even tiny particles can cause the printer to think there’s an issue.
• Use a soft, lint-free cloth or cotton swab to gently clean these areas.

2. Reset the Printer (Hard Reset)

A hard reset can sometimes clear persistent errors, even if regular rebooting didn’t work.

• Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
• Wait at least 60 seconds to allow any internal processes to reset.
• Plug the printer back in and turn it on.
• Try printing a test page after it powers up.

3. Check for Ink Cartridge Compatibility

• Double-check that the 951 ink cartridge you purchased is genuine HP and compatible with your model. If you bought a third-party or refilled cartridge, it might not be recognized properly, even if it’s the correct model.
• If you purchased the cartridge online or from a third-party store, there’s also a chance it could be a counterfeit cartridge, which could trigger compatibility issues. Consider purchasing directly from HP or a reputable retailer.

4. Ensure the Printer Firmware is Up to Date

Sometimes, an outdated printer firmware can cause issues with recognizing new ink cartridges.

• Check for firmware updates on HP’s website or use the HP Smart app to update the firmware if needed.
• You can also try resetting the printer’s firmware via the settings menu if that’s an option.

5. Try a Carriage Reset

This process can sometimes clear stuck errors in the printhead area:

• Turn off the printer and unplug it.
• Wait 30 seconds, then open the printer cover and manually move the printhead to the center (if it’s not already there).
• Close the cover, plug the printer back in, and power it on.
• This may clear any issues related to the printhead.

I hope this helps.

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