printer is not working says there is a problem with the printer or the ink delivery system

[lili170]

i have an hp t120 24" wide format printer and it displays this message there is a problem with the printer or the ink delivery system . i have replaced the service station  an has new remanufactured ink cartridge's installed, 

don't know what to do to clear this message i just bought this printer used , thanks 

[Qsaifoddin]

Hi @lili170 

On the DesignJet T120, the message “There is a problem with the printer or the ink delivery system” usually points to a blockage or communication failure in the ink path. Since you already replaced the service station, here are the most common things to check next:

---

1. Ink Cartridge Compatibility

The T120 is very strict about ink quality and chip communication.
If you are using remanufactured or third-party cartridges, the printer may reject them even if they are new. This error is extremely common with non-HP chips.

If possible, try testing with original HP 711 cartridges to confirm whether the printhead can initialize correctly.

---

2. Reseat All Ink Cartridges

Remove all four cartridges → wait 10 seconds → reinstall them firmly until they click.
A poor electrical contact can trigger this system error.

---

3. Power Reset

Turn the printer OFF → unplug from the wall → wait 60 seconds → plug back in.
This clears temporary ink system initialization faults.

---

4. Printhead / Ink Path Check

The T120 uses a replaceable HP 711 printhead.
If the printhead is clogged, has dried ink, or was sitting unused before you bought the printer, the system may fail during ink delivery checks.

If the printer reaches the printhead alignment or cleaning screen, try running a cleaning cycle.

---

5. Firmware Update

If you can reach the Home screen:
Menu → Setup → Firmware Update.
New firmware sometimes improves cartridge chip recognition.

---

6. If the error appears immediately at startup

This usually means:

• a faulty cartridge chip,

• an incompatible remanufactured cartridge, or

• a failing printhead assembly.

Testing with genuine HP inks is the fastest way to isolate the cause.