Is anyone *really* good at printer troubleshooting?

[nerdycoupongirl]

I have an HP 1315 V all in one.

There is an error message and the "check cartridge" light is on.

Both cartridges have ink.

I have reset it, purged it, refreshed it.

I took out one cartridge and then the other. The light stays on regardless of whether one or both are in there.

I have removed both cartridges and cleaned the connectors and unplugged/replugged it, made sure they were installed correctly.

I checked with tech support. The guy tells me it's because I'm using refilled cartridges and not "genuine" HP ones and to buy and install new ones.

I have been using refilled ones for months now, so this seems unlikely to me but I could be wrong. It's possible ink leaked into the printer, but I see no signs of it.

New ones will cost at least $45.00. I can buy a NEW PRINTER with a 4 star rating for that amount that will include B&W and color starter cartridges.

If anyone has had this same problem and fixed it somehow, PLEASE tell me. I am prepared to go buy a new printer tonight. I don't want to, but I'm not prepared to spend $45 and the problem not be fixed and me be out a printer AND cartridge money (you can't return opened cartridges).

Thanks.

[JustJen]

Its possible the cartridge itself is clogged with the ink. I'm not sure how to/if you can clean it, but you may be able to google it and find a solution.

[jamielynne]

once cartridges are refilled so many times, they tend to wear out. that might be your problem?

[nerdycoupongirl]

I thought about it just being the cartridges. Even so, replacing them with new ones would cost $45.00.

I went ahead and bought a new printer, a Canon MP 190 SE, for $40. It came with full sized cartridges and so far is working great. From now on I'll buy new ones and always use fast normal ink settings to help save ink.

[kendon11]

Nerdy,
If this should happen again and you suspect clogged cartridges you can clean them this way. Take your cartridge out and place ink side down on an alcohol soaked paper towel or shallow container of alcohol. I have done this in the past and been able to unclog them.

[nerdycoupongirl]

Thanks, Kendon. I did follow JustJen's advice and try unclogging them, but it still didn't work so after spending 3 hours on it I gave up.

I have no way of knowing for sure if the refilled cartridges caused it, but I had that printer for 5 years and had never had a problem until now, so maybe it was.

I do think that it's kinda sad that you can go buy a color and a black cartridge and spend $45.00, the same amount of money it costs to buy a new printer! That shows just how disposable technology really is now.

The cartridges for this Canon are a little cheaper, so I'll count that blessing.

[tdrshopping]

Clean the metal contacts with a pink eraser. This was suggested to me by an HP tech to clear off any built up patina from moisture over time. The light is likely staying on because of some contact not being made as expected.

[nerdycoupongirl]

Originally Posted by tdrshopping

Clean the metal contacts with a pink eraser. This was suggested to me by an HP tech to clear off any built up patina from moisture over time. The light is likely staying on because of some contact not being made as expected.

Tried that too.

[tdrshopping]

We have a a thrift store here, Music City Thrift, part of the AmVets donation program that actually has dozens of printers in the stores. If you have anything similar there keep an eye open. Our store has electric sockets available to test the electronics to see if they work. Might be able to find your model soyou don't have to let the cartridges go to waste.

[Georgie]

We get our refilled cartridges at a place called Cartridge World. If you have trouble with cartridges they will give you credit for the ink that is left and apply that to a "new" refilled cartridge. It is nice to be able to use refilled cartridges for a lower price and still have a guarantee. You may not have a Cartridge World, but there are probably others that do the same thing.