My printer Cartridge light is on and blinking and will not allow me to print

"All lights blinking and printer not responding" is indicative of serious ink cartridge issue. Usually when this happens the printer fails to goes through the motions of the printing process, kind of stands still with indicator lights just blinking away. This could be as a result of either of these scenarios.

The Solution is to try an older/another cartridge (doesn't matter if ink is finished. You must replace cartridge one at a time). If lights stop blinking it confirms that your cartridge has become incompatible or developed incompatibility. Also if your printer is the type that can work with only one cartridge, remove one after the other (closing back the lid/cover) to determine which in the set (black or color) has become incompatible. At the instance the incompatible one is removed and you close the lid, the blinking will stop (for printers that can print with one ink cartridge only). Just replace the incompatible one and start printing again. In most cases the issue is always with one cartridge. But if both are affected, you have to replace both. Because of this type of problem, always keep used cartridges somewhere safe; they come in handy for this type of troubleshooting.

The electronic panel on the cartridge that makes contact with the cartridge carrier inside the printer is dirty and needs cleaning. This electronic panel is front part of the cartridge with copper "dots".

The Solution is to try to clean this panel with a piece of folded tissue paper soaked in a bit of methylated spirit. Also try to clean the area in the cartridge carrier/holder that makes contact with the cartridge's electronic panel (Usually this is more difficult). If you cannot reach it with your fingers, use a stick or something with tissue wrapped around it. Allow to dry well and return the cartridges, close the cover. The blinking should stop if the electronic panel is the issue. Once the blinking stops the printer will print.

"All lights blinking and printer not responding" is indicative of serious ink cartridge issue. Usually when this happens the printer fails to goes through the motions of the printing process, kind of stands still with indicator lights just blinking away. This could be as a result of either of these scenarios.

cartridge has developed incompatibility or is incompatible

The Solution is to try an older/another cartridge (doesn't matter if ink is finished. You must replace cartridge one at a time). If lights stop blinking it confirms that your cartridge has become incompatible or developed incompatibility. Also if your printer is the type that can work with only one cartridge, remove one after the other (closing back the lid/cover) to determine which in the set (black or color) has become incompatible. At the instance the incompatible one is removed and you close the lid, the blinking will stop (for printers that can print with one ink cartridge only). Just replace the incompatible one and start printing again. In most cases the issue is always with one cartridge. But if both are affected, you have to replace both. Because of this type of problem, always keep used cartridges somewhere safe; they come in handy for this type of troubleshooting.

The electronic panel on the cartridge that makes contact with the cartridge carrier inside the printer is dirty and needs cleaning. This electronic panel is front part of the cartridge with copper "dots".

Cartridge electronic panel is dirty

The Solution is to try to clean this panel with a piece of folded tissue paper soaked in a bit of methylated spirit. Also try to clean the area in the cartridge carrier/holder that makes contact with the cartridge's electronic panel (Usually this is more difficult). If you cannot reach it with your fingers, use a stick or something with tissue wrapped around it. Allow to dry well and return the cartridges, close the cover. The blinking should stop if the electronic panel is the issue. Once the blinking stops the printer will print.

Good luck & God bless!

“All lights blinking and printer not responding” is indicative of serious ink cartridge issue. Usually when this happens the printer fails to goes through the motions of the printing process, kind of stands still with indicator lights just blinking away. This could be as a result of either of these scenarios.
i. Ink cartridge has developed incompatibility or is incompatible
The Solution is to try an older/another cartridge (doesn’t matter if ink is finished. You must replace cartridge one at a time). If lights stop blinking it confirms that your cartridge has become incompatible or developed incompatibility. Also if your printer is the type that can work with only one cartridge, remove one after the other (closing back the lid/cover) to determine which in the set (black or color) has become incompatible. At the instance the incompatible one is removed and you close the lid, the blinking will stop (for printers that can print with one ink cartridge only). Just replace the incompatible one and start printing again. In most cases the issue is always with one cartridge. But if both are affected, you have to replace both. Because of this type of problem, always keep used cartridges somewhere safe; they come in handy for this type of troubleshooting.
ii. The Cartridge electronic panel is dirty
The electronic panel on the cartridge that makes contact with the cartridge carrier inside the printer is dirty and needs cleaning. This electronic panel is front part of the cartridge with copper “dots”.
The Solution is to try to clean this panel with a piece of folded tissue paper soaked in a bit of methylated spirit. Also try to clean the area in the cartridge carrier/holder that makes contact with the cartridge’s electronic panel (Usually this is more difficult). If you cannot reach it with your fingers, use a stick or something with tissue wrapped around it. Allow to dry well and return the cartridges, close the cover. The blinking should stop if the electronic panel is the issue. Once the blinking stops the printer will print.

All lights blinking, Printer not printing
“All lights blinking and printer not responding” is indicative of serious ink cartridge issue. Usually when this happens the printer fails to goes through the motions of the printing process, kind of stands still with indicator lights just blinking away. This could be as a result of either of these scenarios.
i. Ink cartridge has developed incompatibility or is incompatible
The Solution is to try an older/another cartridge (doesn’t matter if ink is finished. You must replace cartridge one at a time). If lights stop blinking it confirms that your cartridge has become incompatible or developed incompatibility. Also if your printer is the type that can work with only one cartridge, remove one after the other (closing back the lid/cover) to determine which in the set (black or color) has become incompatible. At the instance the incompatible one is removed and you close the lid, the blinking will stop (for printers that can print with one ink cartridge only). Just replace the incompatible one and start printing again. In most cases the issue is always with one cartridge. But if both are affected, you have to replace both. Because of this type of problem, always keep used cartridges somewhere safe; they come in handy for this type of troubleshooting.
ii. The Cartridge electronic panel is dirty
The electronic panel on the cartridge that makes contact with the cartridge carrier inside the printer is dirty and needs cleaning. This electronic panel is front part of the cartridge with copper “dots”.
The Solution is to try to clean this panel with a piece of folded tissue paper soaked in a bit of methylated spirit. Also try to clean the area in the cartridge carrier/holder that makes contact with the cartridge’s electronic panel (Usually this is more difficult). If you cannot reach it with your fingers, use a stick or something with tissue wrapped around it. Allow to dry well and return the cartridges, close the cover. The blinking should stop if the electronic panel is the issue. Once the blinking stops the printer will print.

“All lights blinking and printer not responding” is indicative of serious ink cartridge issue. Usually when this happens the printer fails to goes through the motions of the printing process, kind of stands still with indicator lights just blinking away. This could be as a result of either of these scenarios.
i. Ink cartridge has developed incompatibility or is incompatible
The Solution is to try an older/another cartridge (doesn’t matter if ink is finished. You must replace cartridge one at a time). If lights stop blinking it confirms that your cartridge has become incompatible or developed incompatibility. Also if your printer is the type that can work with only one cartridge, remove one after the other (closing back the lid/cover) to determine which in the set (black or color) has become incompatible. At the instance the incompatible one is removed and you close the lid, the blinking will stop (for printers that can print with one ink cartridge only). Just replace the incompatible one and start printing again. In most cases the issue is always with one cartridge. But if both are affected, you have to replace both. Because of this type of problem, always keep used cartridges somewhere safe; they come in handy for this type of troubleshooting.
ii. The Cartridge electronic panel is dirty
The electronic panel on the cartridge that makes contact with the cartridge carrier inside the printer is dirty and needs cleaning. This electronic panel is front part of the cartridge with copper “dots”.
The Solution is to try to clean this panel with a piece of folded tissue paper soaked in a bit of methylated spirit. Also try to clean the area in the cartridge carrier/holder that makes contact with the cartridge’s electronic panel (Usually this is more difficult). If you cannot reach it with your fingers, use a stick or something with tissue wrapped around it. Allow to dry well and return the cartridges, close the cover. The blinking should stop if the electronic panel is the issue. Once the blinking stops the printer will print.

“All lights blinking and printer not responding” is indicative of serious ink cartridge issue. Usually when this happens the printer fails to goes through the motions of the printing process, kind of stands still with indicator lights just blinking away. This could be as a result of either of these scenarios.
i. Ink cartridge has developed incompatibility or is incompatible
The Solution is to try an older/another cartridge (doesn’t matter if ink is finished. You must replace cartridge one at a time). If lights stop blinking it confirms that your cartridge has become incompatible or developed incompatibility. Also if your printer is the type that can work with only one cartridge, remove one after the other (closing back the lid/cover) to determine which in the set (black or color) has become incompatible. At the instance the incompatible one is removed and you close the lid, the blinking will stop (for printers that can print with one ink cartridge only). Just replace the incompatible one and start printing again. In most cases the issue is always with one cartridge. But if both are affected, you have to replace both. Because of this type of problem, always keep used cartridges somewhere safe; they come in handy for this type of troubleshooting.
ii. The Cartridge electronic panel is dirty
The electronic panel on the cartridge that makes contact with the cartridge carrier inside the printer is dirty and needs cleaning. This electronic panel is front part of the cartridge with copper “dots”.
The Solution is to try to clean this panel with a piece of folded tissue paper soaked in a bit of methylated spirit. Also try to clean the area in the cartridge carrier/holder that makes contact with the cartridge’s electronic panel (Usually this is more difficult). If you cannot reach it with your fingers, use a stick or something with tissue wrapped around it. Allow to dry well and return the cartridges, close the cover. The blinking should stop if the electronic panel is the issue. Once the blinking stops the printer will print.

open the top cover and allow the print cradle to move to one of the icons this indicates what the problem might be

it either shows that the cartridge is not inserted properly or the incorrect cartridge
or may be low on ink.

remove the cartridge and reinsert

if all else fails replace with new cartridges

Buttons and lights on the printer Two buttons and three lights are located on the front of an HP Deskjet printer.

• The lights tell when the printer is working or when it needs attention.
• The buttons help control the printer.

Buttons and lights Purpose POWER button and light Push the POWER button to turn the printer off and on. When lit, the light shows that the printer is turned on. RESUME button and light The light blinks when there is a problem with paper. When the problem is corrected, press the button. Print cartridge light The light blinks when there is a problem with a print cartridge. When the problem is corrected and the top cover is closed, the light will stop blinking. Troubleshooting blinking printer lights Blinking lights Reason

All lights are off. The printer is off (asleep).

Press the POWER button to turn the printer on.

The printer should turn on automatically when a print job is sent to it.

The POWER (top) light is on. The printer is idle.

The printer is ready to print a document.

The POWER (top) light is blinking. The printer is busy printing.

Allow enough time to print. When a document has many fonts or graphics or uses complex color such as a color photo, it takes longer to begin printing.

The PRINT CARTRIDGE (bottom) light is blinking. Possible causes:

• The front cover is open. Make sure the front cover is completely closed.
• The print cartridge is missing. Make sure the print cartridge has been installed correctly.
• The print cartridge is broken or incompatible. Lift the front cover, and wait for the print-cartridge cradle to slide out. Check the part numbers on the print cartridge:

Black: 51645A

Color: C1823D,

If the print cartridges are compatible and correctly installed, they may be defective. Try replacing the print cartridges.

If none of the above suggestions fix the problem, and, if the error message still occurs, it may be a hardware failure. Call the HP Customer Support Center.

HP Deskjet 1180c and1220c Professional Series Printer and HP Deskjet 9300 and 1280 Printer - Troubleshooting a Blinking Print Cartridge Light Introduction The Print Cartridge light continues to blink with both cartridges properly installed and the Access Cover (also known as the top cover or lid) closed. Instructions The blinking Print Cartridge light may be caused by a faulty cartridge, the plastic case of the printer being dislodged or slightly out of position (which prevents the Access Cover from seating properly), the Access Cover sensor (also known as the top cover sensor or lid sensor), or by the actuator on the Access Cover. Follow the steps below to resolve the issue.

1. With the printer turned on, open the Access Cover. The carriage will move out of the capping station and stop at one of the cartridge status icons located inside the printer under the Access Cover. The yellow arrow on top of the carriage will point to one of the cartridge status icons to indicate a good, empty, or faulty cartridge. See Figure 1 below.
   1. If the carriage stops in the cartridge’s OK position, indicated by the happy face in Figure 1, continue with Step 2.
   2. If a problem is indicated with one of the cartridges, remove the cartridge and verify that the cartridge part number is correct. The black cartridge part number is 51645A and the color cartridge part number is C6578A or C6578D.
   3. If the cartridge part number is correct, clean the electrical contacts on the cartridge with a soft, lint-free cloth. Do not touch or wipe the nozzle plate.
   4. If a faulty cartridge is still indicated after verifying the cartridge part number and cleaning the contacts on the cartridge, replace the cartridge.
   5. After replacing the cartridge, turn off and then turn on the printer to clear the cartridge error from the printer's memory. If the cartridge error cannot be cleared, the printer will require repair. If the carriage stops in the cartridge’s OK position, indicated by the happy-face in Figure 1, continue with Step 2. NOTE: The printer checks the status of both print cartridges before printing. Both the black and color cartridge must be functional and installed in the printer in order to print.
   Figure 1: Cartridge status icons Icon/Drawing Problem identified by the symbol Solution The color cartridge is missing, improperly installed, defective, or the wrong print cartridge is installed. 1. If there is no color cartridge in the cartridge cradle, insert a color cartridge.
   
   2. If there is a color cartridge in the cradle, remove the color cartridge and firmly reinsert it.
   
   3. Check to make sure the color cartridge is appropriate for the printer.
   
   4. If the problem persists, replace the color cartridge. The black cartridge is missing, improperly installed, the wrong print cartridge, or is defective. 1. If there is no black cartridge in the cartridge cradle, insert a black cartridge.
   
   2. If there is a black cartridge in the cradle, remove the black cartridge and firmly reinsert it.
   
   3. Check to make sure the black cartridge is appropriate for the printer.
   
   4. If the problem persists, replace the black cartridge. The color print cartridge is running low on ink. Replace the color print cartridge with a new color print cartridge. The black print cartridge is running low on ink. Replace the black print cartridge with a new black print cartridge. None. The print cartridges are working correctly. None. The print cartridges are working correctly.
2. Close the Access Cover and wait for the printer to initialize. If the Print Cartridge light is still blinking, remove the Access Cover by following the steps below:
   1. Open the Access Cover and hold it open.
   2. Dislodge the Access Cover from the hinges with a sharp blow to the hinge area of the Access Cover and then remove the Access Cover.
3. Install the Access Cover by following the steps below:
   1. Align the hinges on the Access Cover with the hinge pins on the printer.
   2. Push down firmly on the Access Cover until the hinges snap into position.
4. Close the top cover and wait for the printer to initialize. If the Print Cartridge light is still blinking, the printer case may be dislodged or slightly out of position. To restore the printer case to the proper position, squeeze the printer by applying pressure to the front and back pressure points shown in Figure 2. Figure 2: Pressure points Firmly squeeze the pressure points on the printer case as shown in Figure 3. If the Print Cartridge light continues to blink, continue with step 5. Figure 3: Squeezing the pressure points
5. If the Print Cartridge light is still blinking, push down firmly on the center of the Access Cover (the extra pressure may engage the sensor). If the Print Cartridge light quits blinking, remove the pressure from the Access Cover to see if the Print Cartridge light starts blinking again. Re-apply the pressure to the center of the Access Cover to see if the Print Cartridge light stops blinking again.
   1. If the Print Cartridge light quits blinking with pressure applied, the Access Cover is faulty and should be replaced.
   2. If the Print Cartridge light continues to blink even with pressure applied, the Access Cover sensor may be faulty and the printer will require repair.