Problem with 8600 series printer or ink system

[maggy125]

Installed 3 new cartridges, yellow, cyan, and black, into my 8600 Air-print. "Problem with the printer or ink system" popped up. Found suggestions on HP site and tried 3 different ones without any solution. Went into System Preferences to printer supply levels and that  shows somewhat high levels of black and magenta and lower levels of cyan and yellow. And I cannot access the main screen of the printer.

[Sneha_01]

Hi @maggy125,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

It sounds like you're encountering a common issue with HP Officejet Pro 8600 series printers where the “Problem with the printer or ink system” error appears even after installing new ink cartridges. This error can be frustrating, but there are several troubleshooting steps you can try to resolve it:

Troubleshooting Steps for “Problem with the Printer or Ink System” Error

Check for Error Messages and Lights

• Printer Display: Look at the printer’s display panel for any additional error messages or warning lights. Sometimes these can provide more specific details about the problem.

Ensure Proper Installation of Ink Cartridges

• Reinstall Cartridges: Remove the ink cartridges and reinstall them, making sure they click into place properly. Ensure you are using genuine HP cartridges that are compatible with your printer model.
• Check for Protective Tape: Verify that any protective tape or plastic covering has been removed from the cartridges before installation.

Clean Ink Cartridge Contacts

• Turn Off Printer: Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
• Remove Cartridges: Carefully remove the ink cartridges.
• Clean Contacts: Use a lint-free cloth or cotton swab lightly dampened with distilled water to gently clean the copper-colored contacts on both the cartridges and the printer.
• Reinstall Cartridges: After cleaning, reinstall the cartridges and plug the printer back in.

Perform a Hard Reset

• Power Off: Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
• Wait: Wait for about 60 seconds.
• Power On: Plug the printer back in and turn it on.

Check for Firmware Updates

• Update Firmware: Make sure the printer’s firmware is up to date. You can check for updates via the HP Smart app or on the HP Support website.

Perform Printer Maintenance

• Clean Printheads: If accessible, perform a printhead cleaning from the printer’s maintenance menu.
• Align Printheads: If you can access the printer’s menu, try aligning the printheads.

Verify Ink Cartridge Compatibility

• Check Cartridge Compatibility: Ensure that the ink cartridges are specifically compatible with the Officejet Pro 8600 series. HP cartridges with the correct model numbers should be used.

Check for Printer Hardware Issues

• Inspect for Obstructions: Ensure there are no paper jams or obstructions inside the printer.
• Examine Printhead: Inspect the printhead for any signs of damage or wear.

Access Printer Settings via HP Smart App

• Use HP Smart App: If you can’t access the printer’s main screen, try using the HP Smart app to check the printer status and perform troubleshooting steps from your computer or mobile device.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

Rachel571

HP Support