"Cartridge Problem" After replacing Empty Cartridge

[LittleNut]

I have searched support and reseated cartridge, cleaning print head contacts and bought another new cartridge.  I tried partial resets.  When I got to reinitializing and issues with password problems I came here.

Any help/guidance would be much appreciated.

TIA,

-Tom

BACKGROUND

• Tried to print a dcument.
• Printer notified Cyan ink cartridge was empty. (It had showed low level lately.)
• I replaced it with a new HP951XL Cyan cartridge
• The printer responded about Genuine HP Ink Cartridge installed message.
• Printer went thru the normal movements and sounds when you install a new cartridge
• The level showed full
• Went ahead and printed the document.
• All was normal.

• I turned the power off to the printer.

• 4-5 days later powered up the printer.
• It connected to home WiFi
• Tried to print a document.
• Got the dreaded “Cartridge Problem” message and indicated the Cyan cartridge.
• Associated Messages about removing the cartridge and reseating.
• Didn’t help.
• New message about appears to be damaged.
• Removing, inspecting and reseating didn’t help.
• Started Googling the error messages. 
• Involved removing print head and cleaning contacts.
• Over repeated resets/settings changes the error messge turned to previously used cartridge and/or non HP cartridge.
• I had bought the new cartridge online so I figured matbe a problem with the cartridge.
• I went to the local office Depot and bought a new 951XL Cyan Cartridge and installed it.
• Got the genuine HP cartridge message and went through the normal process and printer went into standby.
• Several minutes later got the dreaded “Cartridge Problem” message and indicated the Cyan cartridge.  Indicated to remove and replace it.
• Removed cartridges print head, cleaned with isopropanol and dried as needed.
• Reinstalled everything.
• Still cartridge problem message with Cyan.
• I would like to salvage the printer I use infrequently.
• Any help would be much appreciated.
• It has the latest firmware.

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @LittleNut,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

I understand your HP printer is showing a persistent “Cartridge Problem” message with the Cyan 951XL cartridge, even after replacing it multiple times and cleaning the printhead. Let’s go through a few steps to check what could be causing this.

Confirm Cartridge Authenticity

Even if the printer initially recognizes the cartridge as genuine, some third‑party or remanufactured cartridges can trigger errors after a restart.

Double‑check that the cartridge packaging and chip markings match HP originals.

Clean Electrical Contacts Thoroughly

Use a lint‑free cloth slightly dampened with distilled water or isopropyl alcohol.

Clean both the cartridge contacts (small copper pads) and the printhead contacts, then let them dry fully before reinstalling.

Reseat All Cartridges Together

Remove all cartridges, then reseat them one by one in the correct order.

Sometimes reseating only one cartridge leaves the printhead misaligned.

Check Printhead Health

If the Cyan channel consistently fails, the issue may be with the printhead itself.

Remove the printhead and inspect for dried ink or damage around the Cyan port.

Update Firmware Again

Even if you have the latest firmware, reinstalling can refresh cartridge recognition.

Use HP Smart or HP’s support site to reload the firmware package.

Test with Another Color Slot

Swap the Cyan cartridge into another slot temporarily (if the printer allows).

If the error follows the cartridge, it’s a cartridge issue; if it stays with the Cyan slot, it’s a printhead issue.

I hope this helps.

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