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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printing Errors or Lights & Stuck Print Jobs
- Printhead error

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10-18-2026 11:43 AM
I have an HP 5000 with a print head error. I have cleaned the print head. I have changed the print head. I have looked for paper jams and have found none. I have tried powering off and on. I have tried suggestions that involve holding down various buttons. Nothing works. I still have the flashing "!".
10-19-2026 01:06 PM
Hello @Mich-B, Welcome to the HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query.
I completely understand how unsettling this feels. Your HP Smart Tank 5000 suddenly stops mid‑routine with a Printhead Error. I appreciate that you have purchased a new printhead and still you see that error message. I would request you to please follow the steps:
Check the printheads
- The printer might display an error if the printheads are not correctly installed.
- Make sure the ink tanks are at least half full and paper is loaded in the input tray.
- Turn on the printer.
- Close the output tray extender if it is open.
Open the front door.
Wait until the carriage moves to the center and stops.
- Make sure the printhead carriage latch is closed.
- If the printhead latch is closed, continue with these steps.
- If the printhead latch is open, push down on the latch to close it, close the front door, and then try to print. If the error persists, continue with these steps.
- Press and release the blue latch to open the printhead cover.
Remove the printhead, that caused the error and then set it aside on a protected surface.
CAUTION: To prevent ink from leaking, hold the printhead by the sides and keep the printhead upright at all times.
Make sure the plug on top of the printhead has been removed.
I'm an HP Employee.
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10-19-2026 01:07 PM
Make sure the tape from the printhead contacts has been removed.
CAUTION: Do not touch the copper-colored contacts or the ink nozzle. Do not replace the protective tape on the contact. Handling these parts can result in clogs, ink failure, and bad electrical connections.
Slide the printhead into its slot, and then gently push at a slight upward angle until it snaps into place.
Repeat these steps for the other printhead, only if indicated by the Printhead icon.
Close the printhead cover.
Close the front door.
If your printer has a scanner, align the printheads.
An A blinks on the control panel and an Alignment page prints automatically. Follow the instructions on the page to scan it and align the printheads.
Reset the printer
- Reset the printer to recover from printer errors or failures.
- Press the power button to turn off the printer. If the printer does not turn off, disconnect the power cord from the printer.
- Unplug the power cord from the power source.
- Wait 60 seconds.
- Connect the power cord directly to a wall outlet and to the printer.
- Turn on the printer to complete the reset.
For more guidance : https://support.hp.com/au-en/product/troubleshooting/hp-smart-tank-5100-all-in-one-printer-series/mo...
Take care and have an amazing day!
I'm an HP Employee.
If this reply helped resolve your issue, please select the Accept as Solution as it helps others in the community quickly find the answer they’re looking for.
And if you found this reply helpful, clicking Yes below is a great way to let us know we’re providing the support you need, as it encourages us to keep improving and sharing helpful guidance.