NOTE: “Empty” and “Low Ink” alerts are COMPLETELY NORMAL for HP 58 ink cartridges which have been refilled! While at first this may be an unusual workflow, it does allow print operations to proceed.   However, it is possible to reset the ink level monitor – refer to menu selections above for reset instructions.

 

 

3 Types of Alert Messages

– Information Alerts.  When a refilled ink cartridge is installed it is normal to receive alerts such as ‘non-genuine cartridge’ or ‘used color/black cartridge’. These may be bypassed by selecting ‘Dismiss’, ‘Ok’, or ‘Continue’.

– Nuisance Messages. After a refilled ink cartridge is detected it is normal to receive alerts such as ‘low on ink’, ‘counterfeit’, ‘used’, ‘refilled’, or ‘depleted’ cartridge. These may be bypassed by selecting ‘Dismiss’, ‘Ok’, or ‘Continue’.

– Severe Errors. When an ink cartridge has poor connectivity (between contacts and flex cable inside printer) or is suffering from marginal internal micro-electrical performance, you may observe error messages such as ‘incompatible cartridges’, ‘print cartridges error’, ‘cartridge missing or not detected’, ‘refer to documentation’, ‘cartridge in left/right slot is missing’, etc. In addition, the power light or exclamation light (Officejet models) may be blinking while the error message is displayed. In some cases, errors can be cleared by removing and cleaning the ink cartridges and printer flex cable contacts. If not, then it is suggested to run the ‘cartridge health Tap 41 diagnostics’ check or perform a cartridge error bypass (available on select printer models) to confirm that the ink cartridge is damaged.

– Cartridge Electrical Failures. Severe cartridge errors are primarily caused by an electrical breakdown at the cartridge’s nozzle plate. Ink penetration or corrosion into the nozzle plate will cause a failure of the tiny micro-electronics resulting in a variety of different error messages being displayed.

– Cartridge Diagnostics. The cartridge’s electrical health can be verified by running the ‘Tap 41 / 43′ diagnostics or printer’s self test print at the printer’s control panel (NOTE: service test feature not available on all printer models).

 

 

PRINTER TESTS / DIAGNOSTICS:

1. Clean cartridge/printer electrical contacts. Also inspect printer’s internal carriage flex cables for surface damage (i.e. burn marks) or an uneven contact surface (by which the cartridge’s rear electrical contacts mates with). https://www.inkjet411.com/?page_id=1519

 

2. Ensure cartridges are properly installed into carriage assembly – cartridge lid should firmly click and secure cartridge into place.

 

2. Perform either of the ‘B’ procedures below as steps vary by printer model:

 

B.1. Diagnostic Self-Test Page: [Select Printer Models with keypad]

1. Press the Setup Button located on the bottom center of the control panel, beneath the LED readout.
2. Press 2 to select “Print Reports”
3. Press 6 to select “Self-Test Report” on the number keypad
4. Examine the resulting self-test page that prints. There should be lines extending all the way across the page in black, yellow, cyan and magenta. A missing black line indicates a problem with the black or photo cartridge. Faded, streaked or missing lines in the other colors indicates a problem with the color ink cartridge. Refer to video at link below to help evaluate test pattern.

NOTE: Typically, following ink cartridge installation an ‘Alignment Page’ may be printed – refer to image at right.

– Providing the color cartridge is partially functioning, the diagnostic test print will be printed (this is a forced service print test which is mainly used for the evaluation of ink cartridge electrical health). A good HP 56 black cartridge should display 416 good nozzles (26×16 grid), while a good HP 57 color, or HP 58 photo color, ink cartridge should show 300 good nozzles (10×10 color grid). For reference, please refer to video at link below to help evaluate test pattern:  https://www.inkjet411.com/?page_id=2358

 

 

 

B.2.a.  PSC 1110 (HP 56, 57 ink cartridges) — Printer self-test:

1. Turn the printer on.
2. Press and hold down the Power button.
3. While holding down the Power button, open and shut the lid of the printer four times.
4. Release the Power button. The self-test prints.
5. Review test pattern; ensure all colors are firing. A missing horizontal line within the nozzle stair step pattern indicates a misfiring ink nozzle. Perform cartridge cleaning to correct.

 

– Providing the color cartridge is partially functioning, the diagnostic test print will be printed (this is a forced service print test which is mainly used for the evaluation of ink cartridge electrical health). A good HP 56 black cartridge should display 416 good nozzles (26×16 grid), while a good HP 57 color, or HP 58 photo color, ink cartridge should show 300 good nozzles (10×10 color grid). For reference, please refer to video at link below to help evaluate test pattern:  https://www.inkjet411.com/?page_id=2358

 

B.2.b.  PSC 1110 (HP 56, 57 ink cartridges) – Media Selection Problem:

The printer could have difficulty picking up label media

1. Change the printer’s print mode setting.
2. Change the printer’s paper type selection.
3. Use a different brand of label media.

 

B.3.a.  PSC 1200, 1310, 1315, 1340, 1350 Printer series (HP 27, 28, 56, 57 ink cartridges)

Self Test Report:

1. Load plain, white paper into the paper tray.
2. Press and hold the Cancel button, and then press the Start Copy Color button.
3. The product prints a self-test report.

Examine the resulting self-test page that prints. There should be lines extending all the way across the page in black, yellow, cyan and magenta. A missing black line indicates a problem with the black or photo cartridge. Faded, streaked or missing lines in the other colors indicates a problem with the color ink cartridge. Refer to video at link below to help evaluate test pattern. 

–Providing the color cartridge is partially functioning, the diagnostic test print will be printed (this is a forced service print test which is mainly used for the evaluation of ink cartridge electrical health). A good HP 56 black cartridge should display 416 good nozzles (26×16 grid), while a good HP 57 color, or HP 58 photo color, ink cartridge should show 300 good nozzles (10×10 color grid). For reference, please refer to video at link below to help evaluate test pattern:  https://www.inkjet411.com/?page_id=2358

 

B.3.b.  PSC 1200, 1310, 1315, 1340, 1350 Printer series (HP 27, 28, 56, 57 ink cartridges)

Self Test Report:

1. Load plain, white paper into the paper tray.
2. Press and hold the Cancel button, and then press the Start Copy Color button.
3. The product prints a self-test report.

Examine the resulting self-test page that prints. There should be lines extending all the way across the page in black, yellow, cyan and magenta. A missing black line indicates a problem with the black or photo cartridge. Faded, streaked or missing lines in the other colors indicates a problem with the color ink cartridge. Refer to video at link below to help evaluate test pattern.

 

–Providing the color cartridge is partially functioning, the diagnostic test print will be printed (this is a forced service print test which is mainly used for the evaluation of ink cartridge electrical health). A good HP 56 black cartridge should display 416 good nozzles (26×16 grid), while a good HP 57 color, or HP 58 photo color, ink cartridge should show 300 good nozzles (10×10 color grid). For reference, please refer to video at link below to help evaluate test pattern:  https://www.inkjet411.com/?page_id=2358

 

B.4. Photosmart 7960 (HP 56/57/58 ink cartridges)

Internal Test Print:

1. Ensure that the memory card has been removed from the memory card slot.
2. Make sure plain paper is loaded in the In Tray.
3. Press the Menu button.
4. Press the Up/Down arrow button to display the Tools menu. Then press the OK button.
5. Press the Down arrow button to highlight Print a Test Page. Then press the OK button.

If the self test page prints then this illustrates that the printer is functional and the problem is likely limited to either one of the ink cartridges. There should be lines extending across the page in black, yellow, cyan and magenta. A missing black line indicates a problem with the black or photo cartridge. Faded, streaked or missing lines in the other colors indicates a problem with the color ink cartridge.

– Providing the color cartridge is partially functioning, the diagnostic test print will be printed (this is a forced service print test which is mainly used for the evaluation of ink cartridge electrical health). A good HP 56 black cartridge should display 416 good nozzles (26×16 grid), while a good HP 57 color, or HP 58 photo color, ink cartridge should show 300 good nozzles (10×10 color grid). For reference, please refer to video at link below to help evaluate test pattern:  https://www.inkjet411.com/?page_id=2358

 

Cartridge Health Diagnostics Test (Pen Tests)

NOTE 1: Service Menu Access varies by printer model.

1. To enter the Manufacturing Tests menu, press the 3 small, round buttons on the front panel simultaneously for >5secs: ‘OK’, ‘CANCEL’, & ‘PRINTS’
2. Using left/right arrow keys, navigate to Special Reports (or System Menu). Select Enter.
3. Navigate to ‘print-mech button tap’ menu.
4. Select Ok (‘code = 0’ will be displayed); click and hold Right Arrow until ‘code = 41′ (or attempt ‘code = 43’ if nothing prints using ‘41’) is displayed.
5. Select Ok. Within one minute the Tap 41 (or 43) diagnostic test pattern should be initiated and print. Refer to video to help evaluate test pattern: https://www.inkjet411.com/?page_id=2358

NOTE 2: The Tap 41/43 test report will be printed using the black ink cartridge by default; if a blank page appears then remove the black ink cartridge from the printer and repeat steps; report will be printed using the Color cartridge. This can also help you isolate the problem to one of the ink cartridges. The ‘Current’ error message should state ‘None’, however if you any other message then either the ink cartridge is incorrectly seated in the carriage assembly or a severe cartridge error condition is present and the ink cartridge may need to be replaced.

 

To help determine which cartridge is causing the problem:

1. Open the cartridge access door.
2. Remove either cartridge (not both).
3. Close the cartridge access door.

— If the computer message is Print Cartridge Error , then the print cartridge that is still in the printer is the problem cartridge. If the computer message is NOT Print Cartridge Error (instead, it says that the cartridge you have removed is …Either missing, not detected, or incorrectly installed), then the cartridge you have removed is the problem cartridge.

 

B.5. HP PSC 2175xi, 2210, 2400, 2410, 2500 (HP 56 & 57 Ink Cartridges)

To help determine/confirm which cartridge is causing the problem:

1. Open the cartridge access door.
2. Remove either cartridge (not both).
3. Close the cartridge access door.

If the computer message is ‘Print Cartridge Error’, then the print cartridge that is still in the printer is the problem cartridge. If the computer message is NOT Print Cartridge Error (instead, it says that the cartridge you have removed is …Either missing, not detected, or incorrectly installed), then the cartridge you have removed is the problem cartridge.

 

B.5.a. Self Test Print:

1. From the front panel, press Setup, press 1, and then press 4.
2. Refer to test print sample at HP’s website to evaluate your test print. Inspect nozzle test pattern; missing bars or lines in the stair-step pattern represent an ink clog, a mis-firing nozzle or a damaged ink nozzle.

NOTE: A good HP 56 black cartridge should have 432 good nozzles, while a good HP 57/58 color ink cartridge should have 300 good nozzles.

http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?objectID=c00048607

 

B.5.b. Tap 41/43 Cartridge Diagnostics:

1. Press * and # keys at same time
2. Enter 124 (or 1234)
3. Using left/right arrow keys, navigate to either System Menu or Special Reports menu. Select Enter.
4. Select Ok, then click Right Arrow until the ‘print-mech button tap’ menu is displayed.
5. Select Ok (‘code = 0’ will be displayed); click and hold Right Arrow until ‘code = 43’ is displayed. Use the Left Arrow if you need to decrease numerical count.
6. Select Ok. The test page prints. NOTE: If the test page does not print, then try and enter ‘code = 41’.
7. Select Enter to print test print. REFERENCE VIDEO: https://www.inkjet411.com/?page_id=2358

-Providing the color cartridge is partially functioning, the diagnostic test print will be printed (this is a forced service print test which is mainly used for the evaluation of ink cartridge electrical health). A good HP 56 black cartridge should display 416 good nozzles (26×16 grid), while a good HP 57/58 color ink cartridge should show 300 good nozzles (10×10 color grid). For reference, please refer to video at link below to help evaluate test pattern. [NOTE: HP 56/57/58 cartridges function similarly across many different printer models]: https://www.inkjet411.com/?page_id=2358

 

B.6. HP Officejet J3680/4215/4315/5510/5610/5650/6100/6110 Printers (HP 56, 57 & 58 Ink Cartridges)

B.6.a. Perform Tap 43 test: [most Officejet printer models with keypads – MAY NOT APPLY TO J3680 MODEL…SEE B.7. BELOW]

1. Press * and # keys at same time.
2. Enter 1234 (or 124). The ‘Underware’ menu should be displayed.
3. Using left/right arrow keys, navigate to Special Reports/Reports Menu (……or ‘System Menu’ / ‘Information Menu’ if Reports Menu is not available). Select Enter.
4. Using left/right arrow keys, navigate to ‘Extended Self Test’.
5. Select Enter to print test print – evaluate test print. If excessive nozzles are missing from the stair step pattern, then perform cartridge cleaning to correct.
6. Using left/right arrow keys, navigate to ‘print-mech button tap’ menu.
7. Select Ok (‘code = 0’ will be displayed); click and hold Right Arrow until ‘code = 43’ is displayed. NOTE: enter ‘code = 41’ if ‘code =43’ does not activate the diagnostic print report.
8. Select Ok. Within one minute the Tap 43/41 diagnostic test pattern should be initiated and print. The test page prints.

NOTE: To watch video instructions, click here.

 

 

B.6.b. Print Diagnostic Self-Test Page (available on select HP printer models):

1. Press the Setup Button located on the bottom center of the control panel, beneath the LED readout.
2. Press 2 to select “Print Reports”
3. Press 6 to select “Self-Test Report” on the number keypad
4. Examine the resulting self-test page that prints. There should be lines extending all the way across the page in black, yellow, cyan and magenta. A missing black line indicates a problem with the black or photo cartridge. Faded, streaked or missing lines in the other colors indicates a problem with the color ink cartridge. Refer to video at link to help evaluate test pattern: https://www.inkjet411.com/?page_id=2358

B.7. HP Officejet 6100 Series, 6110xi Printer Models  (HP 56/57/58 ink cartridges)

Print Diagnostic Self-Test Page (i.e. Officejet 6100/6110 printers):  http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?cc=us&lc=en&dlc=en&docname=bpu00734

 

1. On the front panel of the product, press Menu (or Setup).
2. Press the Right Arrow until Print Reports displays, and then press Enter, Start, or OK.
3. Press the Right Arrow until Self-Test Report displays, and then press Enter, Start, or OK.

– Providing the color cartridge is partially functioning, the diagnostic test print will be printed (this is a forced service print test which is mainly used for the evaluation of ink cartridge electrical health). A good HP 21/27/56 black cartridge should display 416 good nozzles (26×16 grid), while a good HP 22/28/57/58 color ink cartridge should show 300 good nozzles (10×10 color grid). For reference, please refer to video at link below to help evaluate test pattern. [NOTE: HP 56/57/58 and HP21/22 cartridges are electrically similar]: https://www.inkjet411.com/?page_id=2358

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*Many cartridges eventually do encounter problems or failures, especially after their original ink is gone and they are re-used, and this is often unrelated to the refill process. The “Wrong Cartridge Type/Installed” / “Print cartridge is not compatible with this device” / “Cartridge Error” / “Print Cartridge Error” / ‘blinking lights” alert/error message is typically indicative of failed micro-electronics internal to the ink cartridge(s). Also note that it is common to have a marginally performing ink cartridge (which was performing ok before) in the adjacent slot (i.e. color), then when a marginally performing cartridge is installed into the other slot (i.e. black), both of the ink cartridge(s) then get flagged with electrical errors.

An electrical failure is quite rare with an ink cartridge that that has only been refilled once or twice. Severe cartridge errors are primarily caused by an electrical breakdown at the cartridge’s nozzle plate. Ink penetration or corrosion into the nozzle plate will cause a failure of the tiny micro-electronics resulting in a variety of different error messages being displayed – see bottom image at this page: https://www.inkjet411.com/?page_id=1216

 

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HP Nuisance Alert Messages

Following the installation of a refilled ink cartridge, nuisance or annoyance messages will typically be displayed after the initial ‘low ink’ or ‘non-genuine’ ink messages.

 

Common Error Messages

• Blinking cartridge lights on the printer
• A message that says “Check black/color cartridge” on your monitor or on the printer display
• A similar message that says “Remove and check the black/color cartridge”
• A printer window or toolbox appears that shows a message that a “Cartridge is not seated properly”
• “Replace your black/color cartridge” message
• “The cartridge has failed” message

 

Recommended Solutions

The contact between the ink cartridge and the printer must be clean for proper functioning.  If any dirt, ink or paper dust is on the contacts, the printer may indicate that the ink cartridge is bad.  To ensure a clean contact, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Remove and re-install the cartridge

Step 2: Clean the contacts on the printer and the ink cartridge

Ink Cartridge & Service Station Cleaning

 

 

Step 3: Run a self-test and/or re-set the printer. Refer to Printer Model page (if available) or HP Printer Diagnostics page from the selections above.

Support Documentation: HP 21-58 Problem Resolution (pdf)

 

Advanced Diagnostics

To view advanced diagnostics tests for your printer, click here:

HP Printer Diagnostics

 

 

Poor Print Quality or Missing Colors:

If any streaks or missing colors appear on prints, thoroughly clean the cartridge’s electrical contacts and printer’s flex driver cable surface. If the cartridge is clogged then a warm water flush may be necessary to recover all colors. Click here for instructions.

Ink Cartridge & Service Station Cleaning

 

 

NOTE 1: Replacing the ink cartridge is the best way to verify cartridge/printer performance.

NOTE 2: All integrated cartridges being repeatedly refilled eventually do fail.  Some cartridges/printers may encounter an unavoidable mechanical or electrical failure which is unrelated to refilling.  Check for physical damage on the cartridge.  Look at the print cartridge and see if there are any cracks, tears or missing elements.  Any one of these can cause a failure.  In these cases, you will need to purchase a new cartridge and start the refill process again after it has run out.

 

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CAUTION: Be advised, the use of compatible/clone cartridges (i.e. knockoffs sold thru the internet from overseas) are known to be problematic and may cause printer errors. We do NOT suggest refilling these types of ink cartridges…..refilling of original/genuine ink cartridges is only suggested!

 

 

Supported HP Printer Models:

Color Copier 410 , Deskjet F4135 , Deskjet F4140 , Deskjet F4150 , Deskjet F4172 , Deskjet F4180 , Deskjet F4185 , Deskjet 450 , Deskjet 450cbi , Deskjet 450ci , Deskjet 450wbt , Deskjet 5150 , Deskjet 5150w , Deskjet 5550 , Deskjet 5650 , Deskjet 5650w , Deskjet 5850 , Deskjet 5850w , Deskjet 9650 , Deskjet 9670 , Deskjet 9680 , OfficeJet 4110 , OfficeJet 4110v , OfficeJet 4110xi , OfficeJet 4215 , OfficeJet 4215v , OfficeJet 4215xi , OfficeJet 5505 , OfficeJet 5510 , OfficeJet 5510v , OfficeJet 5510xi , OfficeJet 6105 , OfficeJet 6110 , OfficeJet 6110v , OfficeJet 6110xi , PhotoSmart PSC 2410v , PhotoSmart 100 , PhotoSmart 130 , PhotoSmart 145 , PhotoSmart 145v , PhotoSmart 145xi , PhotoSmart 230 , PhotoSmart 230v , PhotoSmart 230xi , PhotoSmart 245 , PhotoSmart 245v , PhotoSmart 245xi , PhotoSmart 7150 , PhotoSmart 7260 , PhotoSmart 7260v , PhotoSmart 7260w , PhotoSmart 7350 , PhotoSmart 7350v , PhotoSmart 7350w , PhotoSmart 7450 , PhotoSmart 7450v , PhotoSmart 7450xi , PhotoSmart 7550 , PhotoSmart 7550v , PhotoSmart 7550w , PhotoSmart 7660 , PhotoSmart 7660v , PhotoSmart 7660w , PhotoSmart 7755 , PhotoSmart 7760 , PhotoSmart 7760v , PhotoSmart 7760w , PhotoSmart 7960 , PhotoSmart 7960w , PSC 1110 , PSC 1209 , PSC 1210 , PSC 1210L , PSC 1210v , PSC 1210xi , PSC 1310 , PSC 1311 , PSC 1312 , PSC 1315 , PSC 1315v , PSC 1315xi , PSC 1317 , PSC 1318 , PSC 1350 , PSC 1350v , PSC 1350xi , PSC 2100 , PSC 2110 , PSC 2110v , PSC 2110xi , PSC 2170 , PSC 2175 , PSC 2175v , PSC 2175xi , PSC 2200 , PSC 2210 , PSC 2210v , PSC 2210xi , PSC 2410 , PSC 2410v , PSC 2410xi , PSC 2510 , PSC 2510xi