Printhead not found

[Akaill]

The printer keeps displaying a printhead not found error despite the printhead being inserted.  I have tried removing and reinserting the printhead, cleaning it, resetting the printer.  There is no visible damage to the printhead and it is new (5 months old).  The error started after we relocated the printer to a different table and now we cannot get it to work.  The printer will not allow us to run realignment or cleaning of the printhead because it thinks the black printhead is missing.  Do we need to purchase a new printhead - we are worried that even if we purchase a new one the problem could persist. 

[Garp_senchau]

Hi @Akaill,

Welcome to HP Support Community,

Thank you for posting your query; I’m here to help by guiding you through steps to resolve this issue

Ensure Proper Printhead Installation

• Double-check the printhead insertion: Sometimes the printhead can seem seated properly but is slightly out of place. Make sure it clicks securely into its slot.
• Inspect the contacts: Look at the electrical contacts on both the printhead and inside the printer. Ensure there is no dust, ink buildup, or debris that might prevent a good connection.

Check for Obstructions or Damage

• Clear any paper or debris: Make sure there is no paper jam or any debris blocking the printhead or the area around it.
• Check for misalignment: After the move, ensure that the printhead carriage is aligned correctly and not stuck. It might have shifted out of position during the relocation.

Reset the Printer (Hard Reset)

• Power off the printer: Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
• Wait 5-10 minutes: This will ensure all internal systems fully reset.
• Plug it back in and power on: This will reset any temporary software issues.

Check the Ink Cartridges

• Ensure the ink cartridges are properly installed and seated. Some printers might give errors if an ink cartridge is not properly detected, even if the printhead itself is properly installed.
• Make sure the ink cartridges are not expired or faulty.

[Garp_senchau]

Try a Different Printhead (if available)

• If you have access to another compatible printhead (even an older one or a friend's printer), try swapping it in to see if the error persists. This can help determine if the issue is with the printhead or something else in the printer.

Check for Software or Firmware Issues

• Update printer firmware: Sometimes an outdated firmware can cause errors. Check your printer manufacturer’s website for the latest firmware updates and install them.
• Reinstall printer drivers: If the printer is connected to a computer, try uninstalling and reinstalling the printer drivers to make sure there are no software issues affecting communication between the computer and the printer.

Examine the Printer’s Printhead Sensor

• If the printhead sensor is damaged or misaligned, the printer may fail to detect the printhead correctly. Unfortunately, this is harder to fix at home and may require professional service.

Check the Printer’s Internal Connections

• Look for any loose or disconnected cables inside the printer (particularly the ribbon cables or connectors related to the printhead sensor). A move could sometimes cause a cable to disconnect.

I hope these steps help resolve the issue

Please feel free to reply here if you have any questions or if you need further clarification on any of the steps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

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Regards,