Problem with print head for HP Officejet Pro 6960

[Michael1072]

Hello,

Since yesterday, my 4-year-old Officejet Pro 6970 has been displaying the error message "Problem with the print head."

This error occurred in the middle of a print job and has not gone away since.

I have already unplugged the power cord a few times and also removed the ink cartridges, but nothing helped!

I also updated the firmware yesterday, without any success!

I have only used original HP Instant Ink cartridges from the beginning.

Can I throw the printer away now? Please advice on how best to fix the issue.

[Sneha_01]

Hi @Michael1072  

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

I'm sorry to hear you're experiencing issues with your HP OfficeJet Pro 6960. The "Problem with the print head" error can be frustrating, but there are several steps you can try before considering replacing the printer:

1. Check for Ink Cartridge Issues:

• Reinstall Cartridges: Remove the ink cartridges and inspect them for any damage. Reinstall them, ensuring they click into place securely.
• Check Expiry Dates: Ensure the cartridges are still within their usable dates, even if they are original HP Instant Ink.

2. Clean the Print Head:

• Manual Cleaning: If the print head is accessible, gently clean it with a lint-free cloth dampened with distilled water or a small amount of isopropyl alcohol. Make sure the nozzles are not clogged.

3. Perform a Print Head Alignment:

• Go to the printer’s settings menu and find the option to align the print head. This can sometimes help resolve issues related to alignment errors.

4. Run the Print Head Cleaning Utility:

• If your printer has a built-in cleaning utility, access it through the control panel or the HP Smart app. Run the cleaning cycle and then try printing again.

5. Reset the Printer:

• With the printer turned on, unplug it from the power source. Wait for about 60 seconds, then plug it back in and turn it on.

6. Check for Firmware Updates:

• Since you mentioned updating the firmware, double-check if there are any new updates available. Sometimes, an additional update can resolve lingering issues.

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