Problem with OfficeJet Pro 8600 Plus printer

[NikkiRG10]

I have a fairly old but very good OfficeJet all in one printer which has always worked perfectly in the past. Following my latest (genuine HP) cartridge change, I got the error message Printer Failure: There is a problem with the printer or ink system. I have gone through all the steps recommended in the HP support articles, excluding the one involving lifting/dropping/wiggling the printer head as mine is not the type with a release catch, but to no avail. Also the serial number is not recognised on the official HP support site so I can't get into contact with anyone there.

Advice please? Really hoping this is not the end of the road - I've just spent over £100 on a new set of cartridges!

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @NikkiRG10,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

I understand how frustrating this is, especially after installing a new set of genuine HP cartridges and then immediately receiving a “Printer Failure: There is a problem with the printer or ink system” message.

Since you have already completed most of the recommended troubleshooting, including the steps that apply to the printhead, I would suggest not attempting to lift, drop, or force the printhead if your particular carriage does not have the applicable release/latch mechanism. HP's troubleshooting instructions only recommend reseating the printhead on models with a removable printhead and carriage latch.

Please try these final checks:

1. Perform a complete power reset

• Turn the printer on.
• Disconnect the power cord from the back of the printer.
• Disconnect it from the wall outlet.
• Wait at least 60 seconds.
• Connect the printer directly to a wall outlet.
• Reconnect the power cord and turn the printer on.
• Check whether the error returns. 

2. Check the new cartridges

• Since the problem appeared immediately after the cartridge replacement:
• Remove each cartridge.
• Check for any leakage, damage, or obstruction around the cartridge.
• Make sure each cartridge is installed in its correct color-coded position and is seated firmly.
• Reinstall the cartridges and allow the printer to complete its initialization.
• HP specifically recommends checking cartridges for leaks when this error occurs.

3. If the error remains

If the printer continues to report the same printer/ink-system failure after the reset and cartridge checks, the issue may be with the printhead or the printer's ink system, rather than the computer or printer driver. 

If possible, please provide the exact error message as displayed on the printer screen, including any error code, and a photo of the printer's display. That will help us determine the appropriate next step for the OfficeJet Pro 8600 Plus.

Best regards,
Kuroi_Kenshi

[NikkiRG10]

Thanks for your reply.

I’d already completed all the steps you mention but just went through them again. All of the HP print cartridges seem fine.

Unfortunately I still get the same message displayed on the printer. I have attached a photo.

i look forward to your further suggestions.

 

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @NikkiRG10,

Thank you for the update and for sharing the photo. I can see that the printer is still displaying “Printer Failure – There is a problem with the printer or ink system.”

Since you have already repeated the power reset and cartridge checks without any change, I would not recommend repeating those steps again.

For the HP OfficeJet Pro 8600 Plus, HP's troubleshooting for this specific “Printer Failure” message next focuses on checking the carriage path for obstructions.

Please try this:

• Leave the printer turned on.
• Disconnect the power cord from the rear of the printer.
• Open the cartridge access door.
• Check the entire carriage path for any small pieces of paper, labels, debris, or other obstructions.
• Carefully move the carriage from one side to the other and make sure it moves freely without resistance.
• Remove anything you find, reconnect the power cord, and turn the printer back on.

If the same printer failure message appears immediately afterward, please let us know. Since you have already confirmed that the cartridges are genuine and the standard troubleshooting has not resolved the issue, we can then determine the appropriate next option rather than having you repeat the same procedures.

Best regards,
Kuroi_Kenshi

[NikkiRG10]

Thanks for this latest suggestion. I can't find any loose obstructions after opening the cartridge door. However, I'm not sure how to manually move the carriage - presumably you mean the moving part that holds the print cartridges, which, when the power is on, slides across and presents itself when you open the door? I did reach it with my hand and gave it a gentle tug but it didn't move. I didn't want to force it: does it need a strong pressure?