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HP printer does not see the cartridge - solution to the problem. Restoring the print head. Third party compatible cartridge

A printer is a high-tech printing device designed to extract information stored there from computer memory and then transfer it to paper (printing it out), but without creating printed forms adopted in risography and printing.

Depending on the power of the printer device, it is possible to replicate graphic and printed information in quantities from several tens to hundreds of copies of printed sheets.

The most affordable and widely used today are office inkjet and laser printers from manufacturing companies:

  • Epson;
  • Canon;
  • HP (Hewlett-Packard).

What will we talk about:

Printer cartridge

Literally translated from English, the word cartridge means “cartridge” or “clip.” It can also be considered as such in relation to a printer or multifunctional device (MFP). With the difference that in cartridges for laser devices contains toner, and the containers for inkjet printers– special ink.

Self technical device Cartridges may vary depending on the model of the printing device (Canon MP250 Canon - MP550, etc.), as well as the brand of the device manufacturer (Epson, Canon, Hewlett-Packard). Regular, standard printers use one color, black. In more expensive and complex color printing machines, the number of ink colors varies from 3 to 8.

Ink container (cartridge) structure

Due to the fact that the main topic of this material is the question of what to do if the printer displays a cartridge error, let’s consider its technical structure using the example of an ink tank for an inkjet multifunction Canon devices MP250.

The container consists of the following parts:

  • Inkwell body;
  • Compartments for storing ink, different in color. The MP250 has four of them. The tanks are color coded;
  • Cover with air holes to maintain the required pressure inside the case;
  • A contact plate used to control the ink supply nozzles to the print head.

Common problems with inkjet and laser printers and MFPs

Malfunctions of a printing device of any type of printer can be divided into two groups:

  1. Software errors;
  2. Hardware errors.

That is, refusal to work with software devices and errors associated with its hardware and mechanical parts.

We will not list the most common software problems and let's immediately move on to the topic that interests us - the HP printer gives a cartridge error.

This message may appear on the device screen in several cases:

  • The container is not inserted correctly or poorly;
  • The connecting chip is stained with dye (ink);
  • Oddly enough, but the cartridge error in Epson printer(HP, Canon) is also issued if it runs out of paper or is jammed;
  • The cartridge is out of ink.

Correcting hardware errors for each of the named cases

  • No contact between container and printer. Working MFPs are disconnected from the power supply. After the rotation of the printing carriage has completely stopped, the access door to the cartridge opens, and with light pressure it moves, then completely pulls out of the mounting slot. Checked contact Group. Very often, users simply forget to remove the safety contacts protective film. After removing it, the cartridge is installed in its designated place. The printer starts up. If the printer writes a cartridge error again, move on to the next check.
  • The chip or carriage is dirty. Often, if the dirt is fresh and has not yet dried, wiping the chip or carriage with a dry soft cloth will be sufficient. If the dye has already dried, you should use wet wipes or chemical compositions intended specifically for such cleaning.
  • Problems with paper. Load a new pack of paper into the tray. We check the correctness of its location. We remove the stuck, crumpled sheet and put the printer into operation.
  • The container is out of dye. Updating and refilling a cartridge is a rather complex operation that requires special skills and contains many technical nuances, therefore, to implement it the best solution there will be an appeal to service center, which can subsequently save the user from more serious problems.

We won’t even talk about how to refill the cartridge yourself, so as not to expose you to temptation. Since even a very careful study of all available instructions for refilling a cartridge cannot provide a complete understanding of all actions.

The problem is that any MFP (printer), due to its complexity, requires an individual approach when it comes to refilling it. Cartridges different models and different manufacturers can be protected by special security chips or other equally sophisticated options from the manufacturers.

In addition, there is a high risk of damage to the nozzle or the writing head itself, the formation of air pockets in the dye supply system, and so on. Despite the fact that refilling cartridges is an expensive action, you should not experiment and neglect the services of specialists.

Replacing the cartridge

If, after the message “Printer error, replace the cartridge” appears, you decide not to refill, but completely replace the cartridge with a new one, then change it only to a device compatible with the existing device, preferably from the same manufacturer as the MFP. How it's done this operation, described in the section about the contacts between the printer and the ink container.

If your HP printer does not recognize the cartridge, there is most likely a problem reading the chip. There may be several reasons for this:

  • Something is wrong with the chip. Out of order, incompatible with the printer firmware, ink counter is out of order.
  • Cartridge design defect. This is possible if you use non-original consumables.
  • Problems with the contacts with which the printer recognizes the chip.

The cartridge may simply be out of ink. You should make sure of this first.

If the HP printer does not see the original cartridge

Check your ink levels first!

In cases where the cartridge is guaranteed to be new and original, you should refer to the instructions or consult with official service technical support Hewlett-Packard. We will only point out common mistakes:

  • The cartridge was installed incorrectly. Usually, original cartridges insert easily and until you hear a click.
  • The lid of the cartridge compartment was not closed completely. But you should not make excessive efforts to avoid breakdowns.
  • They forgot to remove the protective yellow film from the cartridge.

If you did not purchase the cartridge from official dealers, it is quite possible that this is a fake. An analogue from a third-party manufacturer sold under the guise of an original, or a “refurbished” cartridge (i.e., a used original refilled by a third-party company). In both cases, the problem is most likely in the chip.

If the HP printer does not see the SCP and CISS

Make sure that you have filled the PZK/CISS according to the instructions.

Common reasons why the printer does not recognize the safety valve/ciss valve:

  1. The chip contacts are dirty. A common problem. You can read more in detail, for example, in.
  2. Broken contacts for reading cartridge chips. For example, in printers based on HP 950, 951, 933, 932, 711, 970, 971, 980, 952, 842, 953, 957, contacts are often damaged. What you can read more about in .
  3. Chip incompatibility with new firmware(firmware). So . Check the firmware version of your device before installing alternative consumables (example in). The problem may also be due to the firmware being too old ().
  4. Chip blocking by counter. .
  5. Chip blockage due to repeated sensor error. Triggering of the ink sensor due to missed refills or the use of bad non-original ink will lead to blocking of the device chips. For more details, see the article for HP Officejet Pro x451dn/dw, x551dw, x476dn, x576dw, x585dn/f, x585z, x555dn/xh devices. to bypass blocking for devices on HP 711, 950, 951, 933, 932 cartridges.

If the HP laser printer does not see the cartridge

Problems with cartridge recognition in laser printers arise for similar reasons as in inkjet printers.

  • The toner has run out. The first thing to do is always check the toner level in the cartridge.
  • The chip is not recognized.
  • The cartridge is not installed correctly.

The cartridge is original and new

If the cartridge is original and new, the issue is most likely due to correct installation.

For laser printers The problem of an undetectable cartridge is often solved quite simply: open the lid and insert the cartridge, then close the lid leaving a small gap for your finger. Using your finger inside the printer, we feel for the cartridge and “squeeze” it.

There is always a possibility that, under the guise of a new cartridge, you were sold a compatible analogue or a “refurbished” original. If you do not use alternative consumables, buy cartridges from official Hewlett-Packard dealers.

The cartridge is original, but it has already been refilled

Checking the toner level and the correct installation of the cartridge are also relevant in this case.

If the original cartridge has survived several refills, the elements by which the printer recognizes the presence of a cartridge could fail. Or the digital print resource counter has triggered.

In the first case, the failed element must be replaced, in the second, the chip must be re-flashed.

Third party compatible cartridge

If you are using compatible third-party cartridges, try installing the original cartridge. If the printer does not see the original, there is a problem within the printer (chip recognition fails, for example).

Otherwise, the problem is most likely in the chip:

  • Out of order.
  • Not compatible with printer firmware.
  • Installed unevenly.

Or sometimes the printer does not see the cartridges or the driver displays the message “insert original cartridges.” This is not a statement that there are non-original cartridges there, but a statement that most likely there is no contact with the cartridges. In fact, defective chips are now extremely rare.

First, you should make sure that the problem is not in the printer itself. Sometimes the contact is lost between the CSIC terminal block and the CSIC board or in the connector of the ribbon cable going to the CSIC board. In this case, the printer will not see any cartridges at all. To exclude this option, you need to insert into PZK printer or CISS with known working chips or original cartridges. Even if they are out, the printer will still report that there is a cartridge, but it is empty. And if the printer sees at least some other chips, then you need to look for a problem elsewhere. If the printer does not see any chips, then you should deal with the printer itself. How to remove the fee is described in our article.

So, if the problem is not in the printer, then a number of options are possible:

1. Visually look at the contacts of the chip and the chip itself to see if it is displaced. Make sure there is no plastic residue on the chip. If there is one, carefully remove it with tweezers or cut it off with a blade or a stationery knife. When refueling, many manage to stain the contacts CISS chip, or simply grab it with your hands, as a result of which the chip loses its electrical conductivity. The solution is to wipe the chips with alcohol or an eraser before installation. It also wouldn’t hurt to wipe the CSIC contacts with alcohol (they are located inside the carriage, the chip is pressed against them).

2. After installation, you must make sure that the cartridges are installed correctly. Installation of CISS/PZK cartridges occurs with force until it clicks. Many customers are afraid of breaking the printer and do not fully install the cartridges. There is no contact - the printer does not see the CISS. It is very easy to understand whether the cartridge was installed correctly or not by the traces of contacts on the chip. The force is applied to pierce the PG film on the intake with the fittings, and since there are 4 or 6 of them depending on the printer model, the force has to be applied much more than when installing one original cartridge. Some users prudently cut off this film, but then begin to complain that the cuffs fall out, although it is enough to pierce it with a knife (I cut the film crosswise with a utility knife). Reinstalling the cartridge unit is much easier

3. Sometimes to start the system/slam-shut valve it is necessary to reset the cartridges. To reset, you will need to press the cartridge replacement button on the printer, PRESS the manual zeroing BUTTON on the CISS/PZK for 10 seconds, and press the “drop” button. Sometimes this procedure needs to be done several times after turning the printer off and on.

4. If the CISS or PZK works together with the original chip - original chip should be used no more than 1/3. If the original chip is used up to zero, then it needs to be reset with a programmer or take another original chip.

After pulling it out and reinserting it, the red drop lights up and the printer shows replace all cartridges.

Install the original cartridges, after the printer detects them and is ready to print, return the carriage to the replacement position, then, without turning off the printer with the button, unplug the printer from the socket, and replace the original cartridges with CISS cartridges. Turn on the printer, the cartridges should be recognized.

This problem is common on HP printers. If you use utilities from the manufacturer, then if a problem occurs, an error message ““ will appear in the lower right corner of the screen. The same problem can be diagnosed by using the codes that the printer produces when problems occur. A code will be indicated on the device screen. Find it in reference material, and a description of the corresponding technical problem.

What causes the error to appear?

Most often, the cartridge is damaged or completely fails. In this case, as you understand, printing is impossible. It is not uncommon for a problem to occur after refilling a cartridge with fresh ink. What to do in this case will be described below. If you use HP printers, then you probably know that devices from this company flatly refuse to work with “non-native” consumables. When you try to mount one, you will receive a message: “You are using unlicensed Consumables" Many craftsmen solve this problem by manipulating the chip located on the cartridge. They try to place a material, such as paper, between the chip and the reader. Some even try to disable the chip completely. Such attempts often lead to its failure. Hence the error “The cartridge is damaged or missing.”

Fixing the error

As a first recommendation, I advise you to clean the block head, and active elements printer. It is advisable to use a special solution. Alcohol and other “homemade” cleaners can cause chips to burn (if we're talking about about the read head and chip). If this does not help, you can try the following method of printing an alignment page. The example will be shown on an HP Photosmart C 4283 printer.

  1. Make sure the device is turned off but the power cord is connected
  2. Press and hold the " Cancel"(X icon) and press the power button at the same time.
  3. If everything is correct, the printer should ask you for a code.
  4. As an answer, you should press the buttons in the following color sequence: Blue, Green, Gray.
  5. You will be taken to the next window - here you need to click Blue button.
  6. If all the previous steps were done correctly, you should see Information Menu.
  7. By pressing first Green buttons, then Gray, you will call the operation checksum for relock data.
  8. Call the number by pressing Green buttons. If it appears on the display, confirm the operation by pressing the button Cancel(X). After it disappears from the display, press again Cancel- twice.
  9. A message will appear on the screen to print the adjustment page, confirm the operation and wait until it is completed.

As a rule, most problems with the cartridge, in particular the “cartridge is damaged or missing” error, disappear.

Users of printing machines while working are faced with the following inscriptions on the computer monitor or printer screen: “no toner”, “replace toner” and similar ones, depending on the device model.

For reference: toner is a low-melting dispersed powder made from polymer materials, graphite and resin. Used in laser printer cartridges.

The appearance of the inscription can be caused by 5 reasons:

  • There really is no toner;
  • the cartridge is installed incorrectly;
  • counterfeit cartridge:
  • the device that reads the number of copies is blocked;
  • There are defects in the toner container.

What will we talk about:

Out of toner

You can notice when the toner cartridge is low:

  • for deterioration in print quality;
  • printer signals.

In the first case, you can extend printing by several dozen copies using a few simple manipulations: remove the cartridge, gently shake it 5-6 times, and then gently rock it from side to side in the longitudinal direction. In this simple way, the remaining toner will be evenly distributed inside the container.

If the printer has stopped printing, you should check the number of copies printed. If it is close to the set value, the cartridge will have to be refilled or replaced.

Attention: for most printers, the warranty is canceled when the cartridge is refilled - replacement only. The possibility of refilling is indicated in the operating instructions.

For reference: a printer manufacturer sells its products with cartridge refills at 50%. Therefore, you should not look for other reasons for printing to stop if the operation of the new device stops in the region of 45-55% of copies of the declared quantity.

The cartridge is not installed correctly

The problem may be dirty contacts, which is why the printer does not see the toner. The repair is simple. Remove the cartridge and wipe the contacts with a cotton swab.

Non-original cartridge

Leading printer manufacturers and multifunctional devices in pursuit of profit, they do not allow the installation of the same type of cartridges produced by other companies on their equipment. The process is controlled using special chips. Non-original parts are much cheaper, but may not work when installed. In such cases, the printer writes “no toner” or “replace cartridge”.

The problem is solved by flashing the printer, after which the device does not recognize the chips. A similar operation with the cartridge chip does not completely eliminate the problem, but postpones it until the next replacement of the part.

Important: in Samsung printers The manufacturer often installs a fuse instead of a chip. In this case, it must be burned. It is enough to install a weak fuse, for example, 0.0625A, in the socket located on the front of the cartridge. Turning on the printer for the first time burns it out and the problem is resolved.

It is very difficult to reprogram the printer yourself. It is better to trust the masters of specialized workshops.

Copy counter problems

The cartridge has been replaced, but the message “no toner” is displayed. What does it mean there is no toner in this case? This message appears if the number of printed copies from the previous cartridge has not been reset.


You can reset the counter in two different ways:
  • changing printer settings (software method);
  • hardware

The hardware method is simple and effective, but it is not suitable for all cartridges. It is used only if there is a window on its side cover through which the reading device is launched.

The operating principle is as follows: reducing the toner in the container opens a window, light through it falls on the photocell of the counter, the latter starts up and, having counted approximately 200 copies, stops the printing process. The message “no toner” appears, although in reality there is enough powder for several tens or even hundreds of copies. The problem is resolved by sealing the window with opaque tape.

In all other cases, you can change the copy counter by adjusting other printer settings.

Each printer has a different sequence of operations. Let's show the principle of such a reset using the example of a Ricoh printing machine.

  1. Click the “User Options” button.
  2. The next button is “OK”.
  3. After the message “Reset toner counter” appears on the display, click “OK” again.
  4. Up and down arrows. “left”, “right” we find the “Enable” item in the settings menu.
  5. By clicking “OK” we reset the counter.

If everything is done correctly, the “toner out” message will disappear and the printer will start working.

Defects in the toner container

If the container is damaged, it must be replaced. This problem doesn't happen often. The reason is careless handling of the cartridge.

The message “no toner” may appear due to other breakdowns that are difficult to fix on your own. In such cases, repairs must be carried out by a specialist.