HP OfficeJet 5610 printer issue

[Mr.CookieMonster]

Hi

I have had an HP OfficeJet 5610 printer for about 5 years now.

A few weeks ago it took 20 minutes to print 1 page, after that page it stopped working and says "Cartridge Error, refer to documentation".

I have tried restarting my printer several times, and it continues giving me this error. I cant print, scan or fax, this error message wont let my printer do other stuff.

I lost the packaging of my printer, is there anywhere I can view the documentation for this printer online, also does this error suggest my printer may be annihilated for good?

Thanks

[ChilliGirl]

Have you tried another cartridge?
How old is the cartridge that you are using?
If you don't want to buy more cartrisgea now you coyld always send it in for a quote & see if it needs repairing.
Juat don't send it to let me repair... you'll be lucky if you get a quote after 3 weeks.

You can DL the standard manual from HP's site

[ponder]

I have tried restarting my printer several times, and it continues giving me this error. I cant print, scan or fax, this error message wont let my printer do other stuff.

If you remove the cartridges do the other functions work?

[ChilliGirl]

If you remove the cartridges do the other functions work?

from what I've seen before. Those printers do not scan or fax without cartridges in. Even if the cardriges are empty it still needs cartridges. (This was on a client's printer)

[Mr.CookieMonster]

I have tried removing cartridges, nothing else works unless there are cartridges in the printer.

I took out both cartridges.

I first plugged in the HP 22 Colour cartridge, then I got the message "Insert Black cartridge"
I then plugged in the HP 56 Black Cartridge, then I got the message "Cartridge Error".

I then took both cartridges out of the Printer.

I started by putting in the HP 56 Black Cartridge and I got the message "Cartridge Error", hence there being no colour cartridge in the printer.

Does this suggest the problem lies with the black cartridge?

[ChilliGirl]

Seems that it could be the cartridge but it could also be something else. Let someone quote you on your printer it will be the cheapest easiest way to find out what the problem is.

[evovil]

got the same printer, but ive never had that problem... unfortunately i also dont have the docs for it, bu did you try cleaning the contacts on the cartridge?

[Mr.CookieMonster]

got the same printer, but ive never had that problem... unfortunately i also dont have the docs for it, bu did you try cleaning the contacts on the cartridge?

How do I clean the contacts on the cartridge?

[ChilliGirl]

How do I clean the contacts on the cartridge?

take a side plate or saucer. Place a little warmwater in the plate. dip only the very bottom part of the cartridge in the water. Careful of the copper contacts, don't get them wet.

wipe the cartridge on folded kitchen paper towel until ink comes out nicely. It should form a nice solid blak line.

However, don't do tis if the cartridge is ok, so first wipe the cartridge on the paper towel to see if it gives off ink. If it does, then there is a good chance that the cartridge is ok.

Considering that the printer printed before (slowly...) I think the problem might not be with the cartridge but potentially a better likelyhood that it is with the printer.

[evovil]

with regards to the contacts, just make sure there isnt any dirt or anything in there (not likely for there to be any unless its extremely dusty where you are)...

im assuming you dont have any old cartridges lying around to try?

[bekdik]

clean the contacts with a rubber eraser