After diligently watching this, and appreciating the care taken not to distract me from the mission, I think this person could teach me how to remove my own appendix if needed. Tomorrow, god willing, (grandkids are coming for spring break), I will rewatch, read all the comments, and attempt this fix on my 2013 8600. It makes total sense. My current predicament was replacing the cyan cartridge, I got this error, but if I put the old presumably empty one back in, it works. So a connection issue for sure.
I didn’t have as many car horns or cell phone ringers to help me as you did; but I followed you to a tee and now my 8600 is working again. Fantastic video tutorial. Thank you so much!
As others have said, the vid is slow moving; but it definitely does show the process. I took the time and patiently followed all that was done and at the end restored my printhead to full function. Thanks for the vid. As to tools, you will need a #10 Torx driver and a very tiny hex bit (not sure of the size, but I had one on hand. I used alcohol to clean things up a bit along with the paper towel and the eraser was sufficient to clean the contacts. For the springs, I used a nail stone to buff the ends. Worked great! BTW, make sure and set the head on a couple of sheets of absorbent toweling to catch any leaks from the bottom.
So, the views are telling me that as of June 2021, almost 142k people had issues with this printer. That seems like a lot. At least I'm not alone in my fight with this printer.
This suspense thriller deserves a RUclips video award simply because of the danger factor, as it was apparently filmed in the median strip of a major highway. Thanks for the video. This process worked for me, and my HP8600 is back online! I was about to toss it in the trash bin.
Now THAT was a real hands-on tutorial, and very helpful. I got a similar printer error message and a stalled printer. Everyone I consulted -- from HP help sites to local repair technicians -- all said that buying a new computer was the best thing to do. [HP doesn't make the OfficeJet Pro 8600 anymore.] I had already bought some extra toner cartridges, and I went out and bought a new printer. It is still boxed up. This how-to video may save me money if I can repair my 8600 , and return the new one I bought. Thank you for taking the time to do this. I do need some tools, however, like that tweezer that you removed the tiny springs, with and that eraser looking wedge used to clean the contact surfaces. All in all, this video is an gives excellent instruction on how to possibly fix my beautiful OfficeJet 8600. It's too young to die! Note: video is a little long on the pauses, but that's OK.
For the most part, Mark described the hex screws needing a #10 torx for large screws AND the small ones needed a T7H small torx bit. I didn't have an INK (white) eraser (a bit more abrasive than the regular pink rubber eraser. The contacts internally with springs (I slightly used a gum eraser to touch up both ends of the springs which wasn't a bit dirty) were a bit "burnished/darkened" by the springs contact over 8 years. I used alcohol to get it started on the contacts, but it did just a little to erase the burnishment. I didn't have a "nail stone as Mark did to buff the ends, so I used a fine emery board to buff the contacts a bit carefully. Piecing it back together and inserting it, it began its operation to "align the printer" after it spit out a page showing the alignment ink results, I was back at the home page - up and running again. A new Printer head would also have fixed the issue but trying this worked. 8-) Thanks to "How to Fix".
BAD ASS love it! no audio and was perfect!!!! you helped me fix my printer that has kicked ass for over 10 years Best printer I ever owned. I was so bummed when I thought it was dead. You helped me FIX IT!
I have a printer just like yours with the same problem. I follow your instructions and that was it! Fixed! Thank you so much! Great video! You just saved an new printer! Thank you again!
Our HP Officejet 8600 was getting the same error. I was excited when I watched this video. Taking it apart was a piece of cake and I'd hoped I'd gotten the contacts clean enough. HOWEVER... as I was scraping off the ends of those tiny, little springs one of them decided to escape and went flying. I've searched and searched, but it is SO SMALL! Word of advice - make sure you're in a place where if the parts decide to launch, they won't get away far! :) I'll be heading out tomorrow to buy a new printer...
About 10 minutes in and knowing that I might actually be able to fix my printer instead of launching it of my patio ledge, makes this video oddly satisfying to watch ... WITH the slow pace and traffic noises in the background. Back to the video :)
Great video and I recommend reading the comments below before starting the cleaning procedure. I did the shaking the ink cartridge thing someone mentioned and found it was the issue giving the error. I had already started the cleaning process and stopped halfway through. Save yourself some time and read the comments below first!
I cannot thank you enough. Works now perfectly, did everything you did, just as you did. But I followed up by blotting the springs, and wiped the contacts with 91 percent rubbing alcohol. Just to make sure the oil from my hands didn't cause a contact problem. Thank you so much! I thought I had bought an unfixable printer, just needed a 'lil cleaning and guidance.
Can you clarify? I did this with my fingers and it didn't work. You dunked the springs in iso etoh and used a cloth to wipe the inside or outside gold squares (attached to the green thing)?
@@elizabethbarrett1709 well I went along with the video and first I used a regular pencil eraser on the gold contacts that are attached to the green silicone board, erased over it real good for a while just like in his video, making sure not to press too hard though because you can actually damage those contacts if you put too much pressure on it. After I wiped the contacts off gently with the paper towel, and then put some 91% alcohol on a paper towel and wiped it down again, all of the gold contacts. I also took the little springs in that video and very gently sanded, rubbing on a piece of sandpaper, both ends of the springs, this helps it make contact with fresh metal just by scuffing it up. But you have to be careful cuz the springs are small and delicate and you can't bend them out of shape, if you do they won't make contact again -if they don't retain basically the exact same shape they're in now, tedious, delicate procedure. After I was done sanding the springs, since I was holding them with my fingers and this is about a half hour into the process now I knew there was oil from my fingers on the springs, so I dipped them in 91% alcohol (you need it to be a high concentration so it evaporates quickly) and let them completely, completely dry on a paper towel 100% dry. Put everything back together making sure the springs were not leaning up or down when I put them back against the board, they have a tendency to lean one way or the other I realized so you have to make sure they're going to hit those contacts straight on. Gently put back in the power ribbon, which is a feat in itself to make sure that it didn't get bent and was all lined up perfectly, and it worked. Maybe it was luck, but I used to build computers back in the early 2000s so I was used to this tedious work on small contacts on silicone boards. Let me know if I missed anything or you have any more questions
@sethy3500 thank you so much for you lengthy comment. You clarified a lot. I think your comment deserves to be posted in the description of that video. I haven't started the journey yet, but I'm hopeful my printer will work once more. I replaced the inkhead onced before. I wish I knew back then that there are other options if you want to save maney.
TY!!!! did the trick!!!! Follow step by step. Only hiccup was finding an allen key small enough to fit the tiny screws in the back. Had to (carefully) use needle nose pliers. Gonna havta invest in an IT toolkit
My printer had no yellow ink so this printer wouldn't even let me SCAN ANY DOCUMENTS TO A USB!!! Instead of telling me no yellow ink, it decided the whole printer was messed up. Glad it was an easy fix, but the state of modern printers with their terrible pricing models, drivers, and diagnostics is disappointing.
Great (except all the ads). This worked for me. I additionally rinsed the printhead and let it dry overnight to unclog. Worked like a charm. Thanks Dude!!!
I guess that would work. I used an alcohol dipped paper towel to GENTLY clean the print ports, then dried it thoroughly. Once back online, I ran the regular cleaning/aligning tools to verify all was well.
Great video, this worked perfectly for my HP OfficeJet 8620. Just a small drop of ink had leaked onto one of the springs inside the carrier and could not make contact with the circuit board. Cleaned it up and works perfect!
Thank you for this video...not only did I learn about how to take apart the printer head and clean all the contacts with confidence after watching your video, but also learned that sometimes ink cartridges go bad or are defective. I had to replace to half full cartridges as well and combined got my printer back to life again. Much appreciation for your tutorial!!!!
Very tiny bit...I used it from the Mastercraft electrical kit I bought from Canadian Tire. It's one of those tiny her heads. Not sure the number as my kit is unorganized. Lol
Thank you for the great tutorial video! Unfortunately, your solution didn't work for me exactly as shown, but it was still very helpful. I managed to fix the issue by soldering the contacts on the back together as you demonstrated. Alternatively, you can bridge them with wire and tape. Works fine for me now! Best regards!
Thanks for this - it turned out that one of my ink cartridges was completely dry. This was the only cartridge that was a 3rd party one as well, so that may be why this happened rather than the printer just telling me I was out of ink.
This saved me. Got printer error message, turns out 2 cartridges were dry, don't know why there was no message to replace cartridges. I don't know why it won't print black and white when a color is out. I am so glad I checked this video and comments before I looked for printer repair shops. Now I know how to take apart and clean if there are any more problems.
years ago HP printers allowed you to select black only so could print with a depleted color cartridge; recent models (probably over 5 years now) they got smart & wirelessly communicate with printer to not allow any printing when a color cartridge runs out: the more they make up buy refill cartridges the more they make.....am sure whoever at the company thought that trick up got a nice raise and/or bonus as they are reaping in the dough....but now have unhappy consumers who feel are being taken advantage of......cuz we are!!!
I followed every step in this video and it worked, the ink system error message is gone BUT now there is a message one of the cartridges (doesn't say which color) is damaged and so it must be replaced. The printer shows all three color cartridges as empty (and I think they are actually empty) so I guess I will just buy all three color cartridges and replace them all but the black ink one. At least my printer seems to be working again. Thanks and regards from Mexico.
Thanks for this in-depth step-by-step. After reinserting the print carriage I was able to see what the real error was behind the generic "printer failure" error, a damaged cartridge chip.
This is not worked for me , but I fixed in another way In My case Cyan ink tank on head is totally drained & full of Air bubbles there. but noticed every time when we push the ink cartridge towards head small amount of ink Pumping to the head ink reservoir(the ink level sensor placed there ) .... So i keep giving a pulse Pumping on the ink cartridge and pumped enough ink to the head .. once Cyan head tank look same as other tanks then installed & printer started working ...this technique will works for other tanks also.. may be helpful for some of you too
I've got the 8630. The printer was fine until I installed an aftermarket non-HP Magenta ink. Now the printer is doing the failure thing. My first thought was that HP, being notoriously and brutally against people trying to save money, had probably detected the off-brand ink. I'm going to buy one of their overpriced cartridges first, then if that doesn't work, I'll return to this tutorial. Thank you, it looks like a solid fix.
I put the whole thing on hold. I probably won't dive back into it for another month. From what I've read, the first thing to try is the hard power off/on reset. Second would be accessing the Gold contacts and cleaning them. Last would be maybe buying a new print head.
Thank you very much for the advice, I was already nervous because there is no money to replace the printer and as I got that message I cleaned the cartridges plates and nothing until I saw your video worked for me if someone keeps getting the same message or that I replace the cartridges turn off the printer disconnect it from the electricity and wait a few seconds connect it again turn it on and ready again thank you very much for this great tutorial on how to clean the printer heads Thank you so much
Bravo! My 8600 is 12-15 yrs old but looks brand new. Obviously yours is in outside use. A true working printer. I'm gonna give it a go like you did. What was that box of matches looking thing you used to scrub with? I'm using isopropal alcohol and q-tips to clean with. Hopefully it will fix the cartridge error problem. Thank you sir.
Maybe offer tips for things to try before taking the thing apart. Seems like (myself and many others) are just using 3rd party cartridges that dry up. Maybe offer that as a suggestion to check before performing surgery. :)
Thank you for your youtbue video How to fix hp officejet pro 8600 printer failure error. I manage to unscrew the First 4 #10 Torx screws but not the second 2 tiny screws. May I ask what size and of type of screw driver should use? Thank you
After doing all these steps I had to toss my HP 8600 and go buy a new printer. I bought a brother and so far am not impressed with the print quality compared to the HP. However, here is why my HP failed and could not be fixed by pushing buttons or taking it apart and cleaning contacts and sanding tiny springs: I bought ink from Walmart and it was opened. I didn't trust that someone switched out the cartridges for fake ones so I took them back to get a refund. Well, their policy is no refunds on ink, only exchange. So, I exchanged them for another box (which has black, yellow, cyan, and magenta). When I opened that box it seemed like it had been opened and glued back together. I also noticed that the inks all had different expiration dates. I mean years apart. The ink I was replacing all the cartridges had the same expiration date. So, when I put the new black in it was okay, then when I put the yellow in I got a warning that the cartridge was counterfeit. It still let me print though but with a warning that my warranty would be void if I continued to print with the fake ink. Then when I put in the cyan I got the printer failure and could not clear it out. I guess I could have gone to Office Depot or somewhere more reputable like online at HP to get the ink and replace all the cartridges and it may or may not start working again. That's what I did the last time when I bought ink from an online store and it was off-brand and gave me a failure. But this ink was HP! Or so I thought. Well, with ink return policies as they are and having ran into this problem before with this printer. I just replaced it. The morals of the story are: HP printers will not let you buy cheap ink and get away with it. They will shut your printer down until you put in genuine ink (by the way the fake ones said "genuine ink" when I first replaced them and the counterfeit warning came later. and 2) don't trust ink from Walmart, people can buy the real ink and go back and return it after exchanging the cartridges with fake ones. It can happen. It happened to me. Just have to bite the bullet and buy the real thing here. My new printer lets me refill the ink wells myself but I am getting what i paid for.
I took all these steps TWICE with no success. Turns out it was just an ink cartridge that had dried up. Before you follow these steps, take each cartridge out and shake them to hear if any are empty/dried out.
I did the cleaning procedure once with no success. After reading your post. I replaced all the cartridges where I couldn't hear the ink sloshing around. Then I got the error on just one cartridge. I repeated the cleaning procedure and the error went away.
Thanks for this advice! I usually get an error for which cartridge is empty, but this one said "printer failure problem with printer or ink system. After talking with tech support and going through all of the steps they recommended, I used your advice and pulled out each cartridge and shook it. Lo and behold, one was empty...replaced it and all is well!! Try this first everyone and save the hours I spent!!
So I accidentally printed the wrong set of pages and I decided to unplug the power cord to try to stop it, but when I turn it back on, the printer threw out a crumpled piece of paper and then this error appeared. I just found out my pink cartridge is empty could this also be the problem for me? I would like to know since I do not want to go out and buy new cartridges only to find out it will not fix the problem.
I took it apart (t6 and t10 bits) and cleaned the data pads reasonably well but I'm unable to get past the printer/ink system failure screen on startup. I need to get to the main home screen so that then it will recognize when i press 4x to the lower left of the screen to go into the enginneer menu to perform the semi-full reset to wipe the trouble code. If i leave ink cartridges out, it nags, it will not go beyond the cartridge installation animation
Printer Failure issue started immediately when I replaced an "empty" cartridge with an authentic HP cartridge (I only use HP authentic, no refills). Same thing. Thought it was a defective cartridge, so the store (Office Depot) replaced it. Same thing. Then I followed this ENTIRE procedure meticulously. Same thing. I'm convinced it is a printer cartridge issue, because when I place the old empty cartridge back in, it comes back up as normal (of course, still annunciating it is still out of ink "Y"). Did HP change something about the cartridge firmware/hardware, that forces us to go out and buy new printers? This is the best printer I've EVER owned, and now its dead because of printer cartridge issue?? WAY out of warranty, HP support won't even talk to me about it.
I am incredibly irratated as what you describe is exactly what has happened to me. They did something. My printer did not just magically break when I replaced a cartridge.
same situation just bought new ink and it says damaged cartridges on two of them will staples take back the ink cartridges so I can buy a different printer
I also tried a new printer head from Amazon but it still didn’t work so ended up purchasing a new printer Epson 2850 which works great and returned the hp ink back to staples along with the printer for recycling plus rewards points…wasted too much time trying to fix it and yeah hp won’t even talk to you no loyalty anymore f them
I didn't have the small hex but managed to get a pair of pliers (grips) on the screwheads. Unfortunately the procedure in the video failed to clear the fault. I had a lot of ink leak out of the print head and I think the failure might lie in that area, so I have ordered a printhead cleaning kit.
Hi, I followed your excellent video just as you did the job except I didn't have an eraser to rub on the connections. I did use a slightly dampened paper towel and rubbed the connections really well. The 4 little squares do still have a very faint circle on them which you can barely see that I couldn't completely clean off. Unfortunately I still have the error message "there is a problem with the printer or ink system" Can you suggest anything else I can try as I really don't want to have to throw the printer out. Thanks Mark.
Thanks to the comments below, I fixed it by replacing a couple of low ink cartridges and shaking and reinstalling the others. Printer seems to be working again for now. Interesting that in the HP support page about how to deal with this error message they don't say anything about the ink at all !!
6:26 what kind of screwdriver are you using here? I'm dealing with the same issue but cannot seem to loosen these small screws.... many thanks! Nice video by the way, very detailed.
It would help if you spoke step by step instructions. The cloth sounded like sandpaper and was that a white eraser you used to rub the contact points??
@@enkimerlin3209 @Chris N Hi - I cleaned everything w/ the eraser, used hydrogen peroxide to clean the metal parts (as mine were dirty) - careful the ink doesn't drip all over - as leftover ink sometimes does that. Then the other additional thing I did was I cut several pieces of tinfoil and taped them each over the 4 copper pieces (don't let the small tinfoil touch the other tinfoil pieces - as the connections need to be separate for each ink color). Then I put everything back together and ran the computer through a cleaning process 3x. Yes, I did the deep printer head cleaning 3x - it goes to a deeper cleaning each time - just press yes. What happens even if you use your printer is that it gets older and sometimes those copper connections don't have enough juice to connect w/ that tiny coil (you know those 4 coils you cleaned earlier that go in those little holes - you can see them at around 10:10 on this video). After the deep printer head cleaning - i did a test page and voila - it worked. It's not only about cleaning the printer - it's also about ensuring your 4 separate coils are connecting electrically with the copper plates. And the tinfoil helps you do this....Try it out.
@@a.b.5418 I bought an hp replacement printhead. I figured 10 years on a single print head is a hell of a life, so $180 for that vs 2-3x more for a new printer that basically matches the same specs but has a different color scheme... I went for it, and so far it has been back to it's normal awesome self. But thank you for enlightening me, I've had such fixes work in the past but unfortunately not this time (cleaning/shining/tightening). The foil trick may have worked as 2 of my pads looked worn but I don't have the kind of time any more to keep trying. Plus now my output is nice and extra crisp again. :) Thanks
I tried this so many times yesterday and NOTHING. My screen keeps saying "There is a problem with the printer or ink system.Turn printer off then on. If problem persists contact HP support." I can't even get it to the home page.
I'm starting to question the integrity of HP because while I'm unable to print due to the ink system failure, they had no issues sending a document notifying me that my printer now has an email address, it printed flawlessly. I assumed the issue was fixed since they were able to send a document remotely and it printed...wrong, I still am unable to print. It just seems like they want me to spend money on a new print head. The whole thing is very fishy.
a great video. can help. but pro 8600 has also other problems, as the one with updated firmware which doesn´t accept non original HP cartridge. i tried a lot of things and installed thr older firmware, but without succcess. anybody knows this problem?
Hi. I cleaned and serviiced my printhead changed with new cartridges and the printer still gives me message " one or more cartridges appears to be damaged etc...". Any hint? Thanks
Great video, if thats a typical problem and can fix most users printers.. But mine can't detect the printhead, but reads the ink level fine on all four... So we can aggree that I have another type of problem, right?
I have hp 8620 and I just changed new original magenta and yellow but after that it showing the same error in the video. I follow your instructions but it doesn't work. I tried also removed the cyan cartridge and notice that the level of the new magenta and yellow are empty, but the black is full and then I try to remove yellow and put cyan then it shows cyan is also full. Im suspecting/confused with magenta and yellow because it's new but why showing empty? Pls help.
I carefully followed all the steps and when I put the printhead back, instead of "Printer Failure Error" I got "Ink Sensor Failure". Looks like I damaged my ink sensor following this tutorial, and now I'm afraid my printer is toast... Not happy.
I received the error message "Printer Failure" due to my using Aftermarket ink cartridges. In this video the technician is using HP ink cartridges. Judging from the printers' outward appearance, it was dirty inside as well, and what the tech shows is how to clean the cartridge connections. I don't think this will help me and the error message that I received.
After diligently watching this, and appreciating the care taken not to distract me from the mission, I think this person could teach me how to remove my own appendix if needed. Tomorrow, god willing, (grandkids are coming for spring break), I will rewatch, read all the comments, and attempt this fix on my 2013 8600. It makes total sense. My current predicament was replacing the cyan cartridge, I got this error, but if I put the old presumably empty one back in, it works. So a connection issue for sure.
I didn’t have as many car horns or cell phone ringers to help me as you did; but I followed you to a tee and now my 8600 is working again. Fantastic video tutorial. Thank you so much!
So funny 😂 had to leave a quick comment and thank you for the giggle.
😅😅😅 I’ll give it a shot then.
As others have said, the vid is slow moving; but it definitely does show the process. I took the time and patiently followed all that was done and at the end restored my printhead to full function. Thanks for the vid. As to tools, you will need a #10 Torx driver and a very tiny hex bit (not sure of the size, but I had one on hand. I used alcohol to clean things up a bit along with the paper towel and the eraser was sufficient to clean the contacts. For the springs, I used a nail stone to buff the ends. Worked great! BTW, make sure and set the head on a couple of sheets of absorbent toweling to catch any leaks from the bottom.
T6 is the other size
So, the views are telling me that as of June 2021, almost 142k people had issues with this printer. That seems like a lot. At least I'm not alone in my fight with this printer.
I never had any problem with this printer since I bought it in 2013, but this error appeared 2 months ago
Yes you are right
142,000,001.
This suspense thriller deserves a RUclips video award simply because of the danger factor, as it was apparently filmed in the median strip of a major highway. Thanks for the video. This process worked for me, and my HP8600 is back online! I was about to toss it in the trash bin.
Lol,I'm going to try this on my printer
as well!
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Now THAT was a real hands-on tutorial, and very helpful. I got a similar printer error message and a stalled printer. Everyone I consulted -- from HP help sites to local repair technicians -- all said that buying a new computer was the best thing to do. [HP doesn't make the OfficeJet Pro 8600 anymore.] I had already bought some extra toner cartridges, and I went out and bought a new printer. It is still boxed up. This how-to video may save me money if I can repair my 8600 , and return the new one I bought. Thank you for taking the time to do this. I do need some tools, however, like that tweezer that you removed the tiny springs, with and that eraser looking wedge used to clean the contact surfaces. All in all, this video is an gives excellent instruction on how to possibly fix my beautiful OfficeJet 8600. It's too young to die! Note: video is a little long on the pauses, but that's OK.
Thanks worked!! Saved me the time to remove ut
PLAY THIS VIDEO AT 2X SPEED! You're welcome. Great video, thanks
For the most part, Mark described the hex screws needing a #10 torx for large screws AND the small ones needed a T7H small torx bit. I didn't have an INK (white) eraser (a bit more abrasive than the regular pink rubber eraser. The contacts internally with springs (I slightly used a gum eraser to touch up both ends of the springs which wasn't a bit dirty) were a bit "burnished/darkened" by the springs contact over 8 years. I used alcohol to get it started on the contacts, but it did just a little to erase the burnishment. I didn't have a "nail stone as Mark did to buff the ends, so I used a fine emery board to buff the contacts a bit carefully. Piecing it back together and inserting it, it began its operation to "align the printer" after it spit out a page showing the alignment ink results, I was back at the home page - up and running again. A new Printer head would also have fixed the issue but trying this worked. 8-) Thanks to "How to Fix".
You answered all my questions about equipment. Thank you
The small screws are T6 on my printer
BAD ASS love it! no audio and was perfect!!!! you helped me fix my printer that has kicked ass for over 10 years Best printer I ever owned. I was so bummed when I thought it was dead. You helped me FIX IT!
I have a printer just like yours with the same problem. I follow your instructions and that was it! Fixed! Thank you so much! Great video! You just saved an new printer! Thank you again!
Our HP Officejet 8600 was getting the same error. I was excited when I watched this video. Taking it apart was a piece of cake and I'd hoped I'd gotten the contacts clean enough. HOWEVER... as I was scraping off the ends of those tiny, little springs one of them decided to escape and went flying. I've searched and searched, but it is SO SMALL! Word of advice - make sure you're in a place where if the parts decide to launch, they won't get away far! :) I'll be heading out tomorrow to buy a new printer...
About 10 minutes in and knowing that I might actually be able to fix my printer instead of launching it of my patio ledge, makes this video oddly satisfying to watch ... WITH the slow pace and traffic noises in the background. Back to the video :)
Totally works. I wish I had worn rubber gloves though because one of the ink cartridges leaked all over my hands and it doesn't come off!
I had the same with the ink all over my hands. My repair didn't work though.....
@@markgermann9324 Same here. Wish it worked.
@@connieaceti3917 Try olive oil, then dish soap and a scratchy sponge. Took almost all off my hands.
Great video and I recommend reading the comments below before starting the cleaning procedure. I did the shaking the ink cartridge thing someone mentioned and found it was the issue giving the error. I had already started the cleaning process and stopped halfway through. Save yourself some time and read the comments below first!
I cannot thank you enough. Works now perfectly, did everything you did, just as you did. But I followed up by blotting the springs, and wiped the contacts with 91 percent rubbing alcohol. Just to make sure the oil from my hands didn't cause a contact problem. Thank you so much! I thought I had bought an unfixable printer, just needed a 'lil cleaning and guidance.
Can you clarify? I did this with my fingers and it didn't work. You dunked the springs in iso etoh and used a cloth to wipe the inside or outside gold squares (attached to the green thing)?
@@elizabethbarrett1709 well I went along with the video and first I used a regular pencil eraser on the gold contacts that are attached to the green silicone board, erased over it real good for a while just like in his video, making sure not to press too hard though because you can actually damage those contacts if you put too much pressure on it. After I wiped the contacts off gently with the paper towel, and then put some 91% alcohol on a paper towel and wiped it down again, all of the gold contacts. I also took the little springs in that video and very gently sanded, rubbing on a piece of sandpaper, both ends of the springs, this helps it make contact with fresh metal just by scuffing it up. But you have to be careful cuz the springs are small and delicate and you can't bend them out of shape, if you do they won't make contact again -if they don't retain basically the exact same shape they're in now, tedious, delicate procedure. After I was done sanding the springs, since I was holding them with my fingers and this is about a half hour into the process now I knew there was oil from my fingers on the springs, so I dipped them in 91% alcohol (you need it to be a high concentration so it evaporates quickly) and let them completely, completely dry on a paper towel 100% dry. Put everything back together making sure the springs were not leaning up or down when I put them back against the board, they have a tendency to lean one way or the other I realized so you have to make sure they're going to hit those contacts straight on. Gently put back in the power ribbon, which is a feat in itself to make sure that it didn't get bent and was all lined up perfectly, and it worked. Maybe it was luck, but I used to build computers back in the early 2000s so I was used to this tedious work on small contacts on silicone boards. Let me know if I missed anything or you have any more questions
Glad someone explained the eraser. That's what I thought it was, but I'm guessing it's sandpaper to clean the springs
@sethy3500 thank you so much for you lengthy comment.
You clarified a lot. I think your comment deserves to be posted in the description of that video.
I haven't started the journey yet, but I'm hopeful my printer will work once more. I replaced the inkhead onced before. I wish I knew back then that there are other options if you want to save maney.
TY!!!! did the trick!!!! Follow step by step. Only hiccup was finding an allen key small enough to fit the tiny screws in the back. Had to (carefully) use needle nose pliers. Gonna havta invest in an IT toolkit
My printer had no yellow ink so this printer wouldn't even let me SCAN ANY DOCUMENTS TO A USB!!! Instead of telling me no yellow ink, it decided the whole printer was messed up. Glad it was an easy fix, but the state of modern printers with their terrible pricing models, drivers, and diagnostics is disappointing.
Long and comprehensive video, but it worked for me. Hardest part was finding the right size screw drivers. Thanks for the video!
Thanks! I thought I needed to by a new printer but after doing step after step my printer is back to work!
Great (except all the ads). This worked for me. I additionally rinsed the printhead and let it dry overnight to unclog. Worked like a charm. Thanks Dude!!!
I guess that would work. I used an alcohol dipped paper towel to GENTLY clean the print ports, then dried it thoroughly. Once back online, I ran the regular cleaning/aligning tools to verify all was well.
Which one is the printhead here? Wouldn't water damage it?
@@schillerclan It didn't damage it at all. I was surprised
Great video, this worked perfectly for my HP OfficeJet 8620. Just a small drop of ink had leaked onto one of the springs inside the carrier and could not make contact with the circuit board. Cleaned it up and works perfect!
I HAD EXACTLY THE SAME. SOME INK HAD LEAKED ONTO THE SPRING. CLEANED IT UP AND ALL WORKS WELL NOW.
Thank you for this video...not only did I learn about how to take apart the printer head and clean all the contacts with confidence after watching your video, but also learned that sometimes ink cartridges go bad or are defective. I had to replace to half full cartridges as well and combined got my printer back to life again. Much appreciation for your tutorial!!!!
what type of tool was that he used to get those tiny screws off the back of the green panel?
Very tiny bit...I used it from the Mastercraft electrical kit I bought from Canadian Tire. It's one of those tiny her heads. Not sure the number as my kit is unorganized. Lol
Thank you for the great tutorial video! Unfortunately, your solution didn't work for me exactly as shown, but it was still very helpful. I managed to fix the issue by soldering the contacts on the back together as you demonstrated. Alternatively, you can bridge them with wire and tape. Works fine for me now! Best regards!
The eraser, don't forget the gum! I had cleaned everything but ... not erased ...
Now everything is perfect!
MERCI BEAUCOUP
Thanks for this - it turned out that one of my ink cartridges was completely dry. This was the only cartridge that was a 3rd party one as well, so that may be why this happened rather than the printer just telling me I was out of ink.
Thank you for posting this, but in my case I just needed to replace the toner, and the issue was resolved. Thanks for all who commented!
were you using official toner? I also have the same problem. After doing the tutorial, the problem persist. Maybe I should buy original toner?
Your video helped me fix my printer and I love this printer. Thank you so much!
That printer looks like it survived world war 1&2
Its a good one, and reasonably priced ink cartridges are widely available.
😂😂😂
Good one ! Had mine almost 10yrs now its a beast
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Oh I love this scene when the Jawas crawl out of that thing and sell the droids to Luke and Owen.
Thank you SOOOO much for putting up this video!!! I was able to fix my printer which a HP technical support rep had told me to throw away.
Excellent video, I was able to fix my 8600 and save $100 from buying a new printhead
For a second I thought he was building a bomb. So slow, meticulous,didn't breath, hands weren't shaking, very precise. Hell!! He is a bomb technician
Underrated comment
This saved me. Got printer error message, turns out 2 cartridges were dry, don't know why there was no message to replace cartridges. I don't know why it won't print black and white when a color is out. I am so glad I checked this video and comments before I looked for printer repair shops. Now I know how to take apart and clean if there are any more problems.
years ago HP printers allowed you to select black only so could print with a depleted color cartridge; recent models (probably over 5 years now) they got smart & wirelessly communicate with printer to not allow any printing when a color cartridge runs out: the more they make up buy refill cartridges the more they make.....am sure whoever at the company thought that trick up got a nice raise and/or bonus as they are reaping in the dough....but now have unhappy consumers who feel are being taken advantage of......cuz we are!!!
I followed every step in this video and it worked, the ink system error message is gone BUT now there is a message one of the cartridges (doesn't say which color) is damaged and so it must be replaced. The printer shows all three color cartridges as empty (and I think they are actually empty) so I guess I will just buy all three color cartridges and replace them all but the black ink one. At least my printer seems to be working again. Thanks and regards from Mexico.
Thanks for this in-depth step-by-step. After reinserting the print carriage I was able to see what the real error was behind the generic "printer failure" error, a damaged cartridge chip.
Thank you so much! I just followed your video and I'm back up and running!
This is not worked for me , but I fixed in another way
In My case Cyan ink tank on head is totally drained & full of Air bubbles there. but noticed every time when we push the ink cartridge towards head small amount of ink Pumping to the head ink reservoir(the ink level sensor placed there ) .... So i keep giving a pulse Pumping on the ink cartridge and pumped enough ink to the head .. once Cyan head tank look same as other tanks then installed & printer started working ...this technique will works for other tanks also.. may be helpful for some of you too
Thanks will be checking this out tonight. Exact same symptoms on mine.
I've got the 8630. The printer was fine until I installed an aftermarket non-HP Magenta ink. Now the printer is doing the failure thing. My first thought was that HP, being notoriously and brutally against people trying to save money, had probably detected the off-brand ink. I'm going to buy one of their overpriced cartridges first, then if that doesn't work, I'll return to this tutorial. Thank you, it looks like a solid fix.
Did you ever find out if that’s what it was? Mine is doing the same thing.
I put the whole thing on hold. I probably won't dive back into it for another month. From what I've read, the first thing to try is the hard power off/on reset.
Second would be accessing the Gold contacts and cleaning them.
Last would be maybe buying a new print head.
This video has it all. Truly a gem.
The small screws are a T6 (eg torx) the larger are a T10
THAT IS A USEFUL NOTE. I HAD TO GET A SET OF TORX SCREWDRIVERS AND THE SIZE T6 WAS NOT SO EASY TO FIND. CHEAOER THAN A NEW PRINTER THOUGH!!!!
Thank you very much for the advice, I was already nervous because there is no money to replace the printer and as I got that message I cleaned the cartridges plates and nothing until I saw your video worked for me if someone keeps getting the same message or that I replace the cartridges turn off the printer disconnect it from the electricity and wait a few seconds connect it again turn it on and ready again thank you very much for this great tutorial on how to clean the printer heads Thank you so much
Bravo! My 8600 is 12-15 yrs old but looks brand new. Obviously yours is in outside use. A true working printer. I'm gonna give it a go like you did. What was that box of matches looking thing you used to scrub with? I'm using isopropal alcohol and q-tips to clean with. Hopefully it will fix the cartridge error problem. Thank you sir.
Great job! I tried what you did in the video and it worked like a charm. Thank you!
Maybe offer tips for things to try before taking the thing apart. Seems like (myself and many others) are just using 3rd party cartridges that dry up. Maybe offer that as a suggestion to check before performing surgery. :)
Thank you for this comment. This was my exact issue. Yellow cartridge was empty and 3rd party. quick swap and im good to go now.
thanks watching you performance you are very professional tech .and good teacher , all the best to you . Sefer Papraniku
Thank you for this video. Helped me save money buying another printer was about to give up lol 😂
I don't have the steady hand to do this to my printer 😒
I just ordered a replacement from HP for $180.00
Great video - thanks! WATCH OUT for messy ink. Use gloves and disposable work platforom.
I did it!! Thank you..... now i will print something
Thank you for your youtbue video How to fix hp officejet pro 8600 printer failure error.
I manage to unscrew the First 4 #10 Torx screws but not the second 2 tiny screws.
May I ask what size and of type of screw driver should use?
Thank you
T6, but one of mine was a T7
After doing all these steps I had to toss my HP 8600 and go buy a new printer. I bought a brother and so far am not impressed with the print quality compared to the HP.
However, here is why my HP failed and could not be fixed by pushing buttons or taking it apart and cleaning contacts and sanding tiny springs: I bought ink from Walmart and it was opened. I didn't trust that someone switched out the cartridges for fake ones so I took them back to get a refund. Well, their policy is no refunds on ink, only exchange. So, I exchanged them for another box (which has black, yellow, cyan, and magenta). When I opened that box it seemed like it had been opened and glued back together.
I also noticed that the inks all had different expiration dates. I mean years apart. The ink I was replacing all the cartridges had the same expiration date. So, when I put the new black in it was okay, then when I put the yellow in I got a warning that the cartridge was counterfeit. It still let me print though but with a warning that my warranty would be void if I continued to print with the fake ink. Then when I put in the cyan I got the printer failure and could not clear it out.
I guess I could have gone to Office Depot or somewhere more reputable like online at HP to get the ink and replace all the cartridges and it may or may not start working again. That's what I did the last time when I bought ink from an online store and it was off-brand and gave me a failure. But this ink was HP! Or so I thought. Well, with ink return policies as they are and having ran into this problem before with this printer. I just replaced it.
The morals of the story are: HP printers will not let you buy cheap ink and get away with it. They will shut your printer down until you put in genuine ink (by the way the fake ones said "genuine ink" when I first replaced them and the counterfeit warning came later. and 2) don't trust ink from Walmart, people can buy the real ink and go back and return it after exchanging the cartridges with fake ones. It can happen. It happened to me. Just have to bite the bullet and buy the real thing here. My new printer lets me refill the ink wells myself but I am getting what i paid for.
This saved me a lots of trouble! Thanks for your video
Fixed my printer! Thank you!
I took all these steps TWICE with no success. Turns out it was just an ink cartridge that had dried up. Before you follow these steps, take each cartridge out and shake them to hear if any are empty/dried out.
I did the cleaning procedure once with no success. After reading your post. I replaced all the cartridges where I couldn't hear the ink sloshing around. Then I got the error on just one cartridge. I repeated the cleaning procedure and the error went away.
Thanks for this advice! I usually get an error for which cartridge is empty, but this one said "printer failure problem with printer or ink system. After talking with tech support and going through all of the steps they recommended, I used your advice and pulled out each cartridge and shook it. Lo and behold, one was empty...replaced it and all is well!! Try this first everyone and save the hours I spent!!
So I accidentally printed the wrong set of pages and I decided to unplug the power cord to try to stop it, but when I turn it back on, the printer threw out a crumpled piece of paper and then this error appeared. I just found out my pink cartridge is empty could this also be the problem for me? I would like to know since I do not want to go out and buy new cartridges only to find out it will not fix the problem.
@Stephen Heckman thank you so much! Worked for me too!
Thanks mate ! Almost did something shouldn't do 😂
Just tried and it did not work for me. For those asking, the larger screws are T10 torx, and the smaller ones are T6 torx
Thank you!
Thanks..... you solved my problem
I took it apart (t6 and t10 bits) and cleaned the data pads reasonably well but I'm unable to get past the printer/ink system failure screen on startup. I need to get to the main home screen so that then it will recognize when i press 4x to the lower left of the screen to go into the enginneer menu to perform the semi-full reset to wipe the trouble code.
If i leave ink cartridges out, it nags, it will not go beyond the cartridge installation animation
Thank you so much for showing me how to fix my 8620. I have had this printer for 7 years.
What was wrong with it? Mine has a terrible jam.
Mine keeps giving me printer failure and I tried this just still nothing
This totally worked! Thank you for posting this!!
Printer Failure issue started immediately when I replaced an "empty" cartridge with an authentic HP cartridge (I only use HP authentic, no refills). Same thing. Thought it was a defective cartridge, so the store (Office Depot) replaced it. Same thing. Then I followed this ENTIRE procedure meticulously. Same thing. I'm convinced it is a printer cartridge issue, because when I place the old empty cartridge back in, it comes back up as normal (of course, still annunciating it is still out of ink "Y"). Did HP change something about the cartridge firmware/hardware, that forces us to go out and buy new printers? This is the best printer I've EVER owned, and now its dead because of printer cartridge issue?? WAY out of warranty, HP support won't even talk to me about it.
I am incredibly irratated as what you describe is exactly what has happened to me. They did something. My printer did not just magically break when I replaced a cartridge.
I'm having the exact same problem. I have wasted far too much time troubleshooting. So frustrating!!
same situation just bought new ink and it says damaged cartridges on two of them will staples take back the ink cartridges so I can buy a different printer
Same thing just happened to me!!
I also tried a new printer head from Amazon but it still didn’t work so ended up purchasing a new printer Epson 2850 which works great and returned the hp ink back to staples along with the printer for recycling plus rewards points…wasted too much time trying to fix it and yeah hp won’t even talk to you no loyalty anymore f them
For beginners : watch step by step
For IT pro: clean print head with less abrasive paper or eraser. Clean all terminals and put it back .
Thanks
What is the eraser-looking thing they clean with?
@@HopezandDreamz an eraser
Worked perfectly for me! Thankyou so much
I didn't have the small hex but managed to get a pair of pliers (grips) on the screwheads. Unfortunately the procedure in the video failed to clear the fault. I had a lot of ink leak out of the print head and I think the failure might lie in that area, so I have ordered a printhead cleaning kit.
Hi,
I followed your excellent video just as you did the job except I didn't have an eraser to rub on the connections. I did use a slightly dampened paper towel and rubbed the connections really well. The 4 little squares do still have a very faint circle on them which you can barely see that I couldn't completely clean off. Unfortunately I still have the error message "there is a problem with the printer or ink system" Can you suggest anything else I can try as I really don't want to have to throw the printer out. Thanks Mark.
Thank you very much, this worked for me.
Thanks to the comments below, I fixed it by replacing a couple of low ink cartridges and shaking and reinstalling the others. Printer seems to be working again for now. Interesting that in the HP support page about how to deal with this error message they don't say anything about the ink at all !!
Yes!!! It worked. Thank you so much man. It worked.
6:26 what kind of screwdriver are you using here? I'm dealing with the same issue but cannot seem to loosen these small screws.... many thanks! Nice video by the way, very detailed.
It would help if you spoke step by step instructions. The cloth sounded like sandpaper and was that a white eraser you used to rub the contact points??
I would like to know the same
Worked! Thank you!!!
It has been used several times and loved.
This worked perfect. Thank you.
Please list tool and items used. Good video
This only did part of the job. It def. needed this first part. And then I had to try something else and it worked like a charm...
What was that "something else"? I have the same printer throwing the same error, even after new cartridges installed.
yes pls what was the something else
@@enkimerlin3209 @Chris N Hi - I cleaned everything w/ the eraser, used hydrogen peroxide to clean the metal parts (as mine were dirty) - careful the ink doesn't drip all over - as leftover ink sometimes does that. Then the other additional thing I did was I cut several pieces of tinfoil and taped them each over the 4 copper pieces (don't let the small tinfoil touch the other tinfoil pieces - as the connections need to be separate for each ink color). Then I put everything back together and ran the computer through a cleaning process 3x. Yes, I did the deep printer head cleaning 3x - it goes to a deeper cleaning each time - just press yes. What happens even if you use your printer is that it gets older and sometimes those copper connections don't have enough juice to connect w/ that tiny coil (you know those 4 coils you cleaned earlier that go in those little holes - you can see them at around 10:10 on this video). After the deep printer head cleaning - i did a test page and voila - it worked. It's not only about cleaning the printer - it's also about ensuring your 4 separate coils are connecting electrically with the copper plates. And the tinfoil helps you do this....Try it out.
@@CPng1N see above
@@a.b.5418 I bought an hp replacement printhead. I figured 10 years on a single print head is a hell of a life, so $180 for that vs 2-3x more for a new printer that basically matches the same specs but has a different color scheme... I went for it, and so far it has been back to it's normal awesome self. But thank you for enlightening me, I've had such fixes work in the past but unfortunately not this time (cleaning/shining/tightening). The foil trick may have worked as 2 of my pads looked worn but I don't have the kind of time any more to keep trying. Plus now my output is nice and extra crisp again. :) Thanks
muchisimas graciassssss
Just about to give this a go 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻
Youre the man!!!
Pity this bloke doesn’t have a voice describing what to do or at least a written procedure. I grew a beard while watching this/
Worth a try, thanks!
I tried this so many times yesterday and NOTHING. My screen keeps saying "There is a problem with the printer or ink system.Turn printer off then on. If problem persists contact HP support." I can't even get it to the home page.
Hello
Is it a dry wipe that you use?
Awesome man, Thank you
I'm starting to question the integrity of HP because while I'm unable to print due to the ink system failure, they had no issues sending a document notifying me that my printer now has an email address, it printed flawlessly. I assumed the issue was fixed since they were able to send a document remotely and it printed...wrong, I still am unable to print. It just seems like they want me to spend money on a new print head. The whole thing is very fishy.
It worked for me! Thanks
You made my day! thanks
It worked. Thank you.
Run the video at 2X speed. The paint dries faster that way. An 18 minute video that could have been cut down to about 3 minutes.
Repeatedly double tapping to advance 10 seconds accomplishes the same thing.
awesome. thank you~!!!
**is that an eraser (the white little thing) that he rubs on the gold part????
yes
Where did you get that tiny screw driver you have
Thank you
a great video. can help. but pro 8600 has also other problems, as the one with updated firmware which doesn´t accept non original HP cartridge. i tried a lot of things and installed thr older firmware, but without succcess. anybody knows this problem?
Did you ever figure it out or is easier to just buy a new printer?
Yes, in setup you have to disable internet connection or firmware update will cause printer to recognize refilled cartridges
Thank you now i can't clean the print head neither my hand !
Yes sir yea siir it worked!!
SAY SOMETHING!!
Hi. I cleaned and serviiced my printhead changed with new cartridges and the printer still gives me message " one or more cartridges appears to be damaged etc...". Any hint?
Thanks
Great video, if thats a typical problem and can fix most users printers..
But mine can't detect the printhead, but reads the ink level fine on all four...
So we can aggree that I have another type of problem, right?
I have hp 8620 and I just changed new original magenta and yellow but after that it showing the same error in the video. I follow your instructions but it doesn't work. I tried also removed the cyan cartridge and notice that the level of the new magenta and yellow are empty, but the black is full and then I try to remove yellow and put cyan then it shows cyan is also full. Im suspecting/confused with magenta and yellow because it's new but why showing empty? Pls help.
I will test it
I carefully followed all the steps and when I put the printhead back, instead of "Printer Failure Error" I got "Ink Sensor Failure". Looks like I damaged my ink sensor following this tutorial, and now I'm afraid my printer is toast... Not happy.
Now i have this problem, too
@@marniemorales4802 Never buy HP Printers. Buy Brother instead, I use generic ink all the time. It costs far less than expensive HP refills.
Thanks for the great video but it did not fix my problem
I received the error message "Printer Failure" due to my using Aftermarket ink cartridges. In this video the technician is using HP ink cartridges. Judging from the printers' outward appearance, it was dirty inside as well, and what the tech shows is how to clean the cartridge connections. I don't think this will help me and the error message that I received.
Aftermarket cartridges are not ideal. This is the reason the error comes up. And there is no guarantee it works. It actually messes up the printer.