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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printing Errors or Lights & Stuck Print Jobs
- "Cartridge holder" spare part?

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06-09-2018 09:59 AM
I have this printer. It was sitting unused for a few years, and now I need it. So, I bought new cartridges for it, but it turns out that the printer is missing some parts.
It is a part that holds the two cartridges in. At least I think that is the only part missing.
Can you please take a look at these photographs, and tell me three things?
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DPrWA5bjJQMT8kautJE6S0rVJc9ZDTAM?usp=sharing
1. What is the name and part number for that part that is missing (so I can searh it online to buy it)?
2. Is that the only part that is missing?
3. Based on the photographs, is printer in OK condition (meaning, will it work/print ok after installing missing part)?
Solved! Go to Solution.
Accepted Solutions
06-09-2018 12:06 PM
The cartridge holder is likely over to the left. It is not something that would have become disconnected (unless the printer was extensively dismantled). Based on the condition of the service area it appears the printer has not had excessive use.
I would suggest you turn on the printer, then open the door to access the cartridges. At this point the cartridges should move to the right so you can access them. See the video here:
I am not an employee of HP, I am a volunteer posting here on my own time.
If your problem is solved please click the "Accept as Solution" button
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06-09-2018 12:06 PM
The cartridge holder is likely over to the left. It is not something that would have become disconnected (unless the printer was extensively dismantled). Based on the condition of the service area it appears the printer has not had excessive use.
I would suggest you turn on the printer, then open the door to access the cartridges. At this point the cartridges should move to the right so you can access them. See the video here:
I am not an employee of HP, I am a volunteer posting here on my own time.
If your problem is solved please click the "Accept as Solution" button
If my answer was helpful please click "Yes" to the "Was this post helpful" question.
06-09-2018 12:37 PM - edited 06-09-2018 12:39 PM
Ah, thank you so much!
The holder is hidden all the way to the left, so I did not see it. And it did not even crossed my mind to turn it on.
It was years the last time I used it for printing. I only used it for scanning since then.
I have installed the replacement cartridges (not original). Of course, printer refuses to use them. "Check the ink cartridge" LED flashes...
06-09-2018 12:50 PM
The troubleshooting steps in the document here may help resolve the cartridge error on your Photosmart c3180 printer.
I am not an employee of HP, I am a volunteer posting here on my own time.
If your problem is solved please click the "Accept as Solution" button
If my answer was helpful please click "Yes" to the "Was this post helpful" question.