Regarding
your HP94 black ink cartridge error problem and inability to print to your HP PS 8450 printer, this type
of problem is probably an internal micro-electronic
failure inside the HP94 ink cartridge. To determine which cartridge is causing the
issue and/or to confirm an electrical problem with one of the ink cartridges
(or possibly both), perform both the Internal
Self-Test page along with the Pen Electrical tests (diagnostics) to evaluate
the electrical condition of both ink cartridges....
Please first
verify the age of the ink cartridge(s)....look at imprinted date on front (or
back) of ink cartridge. If this 'warranty expiration date' has expired, then
potential cartridge failures can occur due to internal corrosion, etc.
A.
Ensure
BOTH carriage/flex cables and BOTH ink cartridge contacts are thoroughly clean
before proceeding: http://inkjet411.com/?page_id=1519
B.
Print Self-Test Page:
1.
Press
CANCEL and SAVE simultaneously (SAVE is the left-most button before POWER
on/off.)
2.
Using
left/right arrow keys, navigate to 'pen electrical test'.
3.
Select
Enter to print test - evaluate nozzle test pattern.
-- If the printer prints the self
test page then this demonstrates the printer is generally functional and that
the problem is likely with one of the ink cartridges. Please note this is a
'forced' service test...the printer will attempt to print the test page whether
the cartridges are good or bad. If the Self-Test page can be successfully
printed but regular/normal printing cannot, then one of the ink cartridges is
likely internally damaged. Remove and replace suspect cartridge to confirm.
C.
Perform Cartridge Diagnostics tests
using either C.1 or C.2 procedure below (varies by printer model):
C.1. Tap 41/43
Diagnostics Test:
1.
To enter the Manufacturing Tests
menu, press the 3 small, round buttons on the front panel simultaneously for
>5secs: 'OK', 'CANCEL', & 'SELECT PHOTOS' (or 'Print Photos')
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. Refer to 2nd video for guidance on how to
read the diagnostic test pattern:
http://inkjet411.com/?page_id=1741
NOTE 1: A good HP 93/95/97/99 color cartridge
should display 600 good nozzles, while a good HP 92/94/96/98 black ink
cartridge should show 672 good nozzles. If the results yield anything different
then the ink cartridge is likely damaged and will need to be replaced. For reference only, refer to the following HP
Deskjet video which shows how to read the HP 93-97 ink cartridge diagnostic
test print:
http://inkjet411.com/?page_id=1741 (see 2nd video)C.2. Pen Electrical /
Error Bypass Procedure:
1.
To enter the Manufacturing Tests
menu, press the 3 small, round buttons on the front panel simultaneously for
>5secs: 'OK', 'CANCEL', & 'SELECT PHOTOS' (or 'Print Photos')
2.
Using
left/right arrow keys, navigate to Reports Menu (or System Menu). Select 'pen
electrical test'.
3.
Select Level 1, 2, or 3. Enter to
print test - evaluate nozzle electrical test print.
NOTE 2: Pen recovery level 1, 2 or 3 clears
cartridge errors, unblocking the printer to permit you to print the TEST PAGE
with the normal MENU / TOOLS /PRINT TEST PAGE choice to aid in printer
evaluation.
NOTE 3: Cartridge
Error Bypass Message (Emergency Printing only): The Pen Recovery Level 1 clears
cartridge errors and permits you to print the TEST PAGE with the normal MENU /
TOOLS / PRINT TEST PAGE choice.For
additional information on North American ink refill services at a major
retailer near you (should you wish to save ~50% on ink costs), general printing
problem resolutions or advanced HP printer diagnosis procedures (error
bypass/printer reset methods, etc.), please visit Inkjet411:
http://www.inkjet411.com
) icon, click Control Panel
, click Hardware and Sounds
, and then click Printers
.
