Print cartridge missing or not detected?
i have a HP photosmart C4200 all in one printer. i've already tried cleaning the contacts on the cartridge with a wet swab and it didn't help. first it was able to print. but the paper wasn't aligned. later i found something the size of a memory stick was at the bottom of the paper tray inside the printer.
the black ink cartridge is detected fine but the tri color isn't being read. what else can i do to try and fix this problem?
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
I have discovered the answer to the missing cartridge problem. This only occurs on USED (or inserted and removed many times) cartridges. Its likely the case if an installed BRAND NEW cartridge works fine.
The gold flashed contact pads on the cartridge are very thin and repeated insertions causes the printer contact prongs to wear a hole in the center of the pad. Eventually this hole gets large enough to cause a continuity problem cleaning alone won't help.
I took a flat blade jewelers screwdriver with a blade width slightly wider than the pads and layed the blade side flat across the contact. Then pushing down hard with the flat side, dragged the blade end across the contacts- from all four directions. You can feel "bumps" as you go across the pads. Repeat until the "bumps" are gone and the dragging action feels "smooth".
What this is doing is forcing the ridges around the holes back into the holes. Since doing this, I've NOT had a single missing cartridge message!
This will allow you to get some extra life from those worn cartridges.
A hard reset usually does the trick for most customers to get the cartridges recognizing and working right away:
1. Remove the problem cartridge
2. Turn the printer off
3. Unplug the power cord for 1-2 minutes
4. Clean the contact points (the copper-colored area containing gold connection dots) on the cartridge while you wait with rubbing alcohol (I use plain water) and a Q-tip
5. Plug the printer back in
6. Turn the printer on and wait for a message prompting you to install the cartridge
7. Then install and try printing a test page
Try a replacement original colour cartridge.
Is the "memory stick" part of the printer?
If so, there may be other foreign articles in the printer.
why not go on hps web site and ask them what you have found and ask their advice on their help and support page