"Printer failure. There is a problem with the printer or ink system"

[rebeccard1]

Yesterday I installed a new ink cartridge and immediately started getting this error message: "Printer failure. There is a problem with the printer or ink system. Turn printer off, then on."

Things I have tried so far:

1. Turn printer off, then on. A few times yesterday and again today. 

2. Reset the printer without the ink cartridges as explained here: https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Printing-Errors-or-Lights-Stuck-Print-Jobs/There-is-a-problem-with-the...

3. Manually clean the printhead as explained here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTPASKLUzPc&t=5s . The only part I couldn't do was use the "clean printhead" function on the printer after manually cleaning, because I couldn't find it. Is "clean cartridges" the same thing?

4. Tried to reset the printer using the "hidden menu" as explained here: https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Printing-Errors-or-Lights-Stuck-Print-Jobs/There-is-a-problem-with-the... ...but when the error message is displayed there is no home button, and clicking on where the home button normally is accomplishes nothing.

Is there anything else to try or do I give up now? My printer is out of warranty so I don't think I have access to direct customer support from HP.

[Anand_Andy]

Hi @rebeccard1,

Welcome to the HP Support Community

I understand you are getting an error message Ink System Failure on your HP Printer. Not to worry I will help you to get a resolution to resolve the issue.

To assist better:

• Are you using genuine HP ink cartridges?
• Was there any recent update on the printer prior to the issue?
• Was there any paper jam or carriage jam issue on the printer recently?

While you respond to that, Let's perform a power drain: 

• With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the rear of the printer and also unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
• Remove USB cable, if present.
• Wait for 2-3 minutes, press and hold the power button on your printer for about 30 seconds to remove any additional charge.
• Now plug back the power cable straight to a wall outlet without any surge protector or an extension cord (This is important) and then plug back the power cord to the printer.
• Turn on the printer and wait till warm-up period finishes and the printer is idle

Update the printer firmware 

• Click here to download and install the latest printer firmware from your product
• Click here to know different methods of updating printer firmware.

If the issue persists, then please follow the steps mentioned in this document: HP OfficeJet Printers - 'Printer Failure' Error

If the issue still persists, I'm sending out a private message to assist you with the next course of action. 

Please check your Private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Community profile Next, to your profile Name, you should see a little blue envelope, please click on it or simply click on this link.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted. 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!