Technical information

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To confirm root cause and check the internal electrical condition of both black and color ink cartridges,
please execute the 'Tap 41' cartridge's electrical diagnostic test below (refer to procedure B).
First verify the age of the ink cartridge(s)....look at imprinted date on front of ink cartridge(s). If the
‘warranty expiration datehas expired, then potential internal electrical cartridge failures can occur due
to internal corrosion, etc.
NOTE: Unfortunately, alignment pages and internal self test prints will usually print Ok even if the
cartridge is internally electrically damaged. Do not use these test pages as a proxy for determining
whether a cartridge is good or bad, only the ‘Tap 41/43 diagnostic test report can yield this information.
An internal electrical failure of a cartridge can be confirmed by performing the following steps which will
help rule out other variables which could also be causing the issue.
A. Ensure BOTH carriage/flex cables and BOTH ink cartridge contacts are thoroughly clean before
proceeding: http://inkjet411.com/?page_id=1519
B. Validate the cartridges electrical health by running the Tap 41 diagnostics test. Refer to 2nd
video procedure at the following link on how to activate and read the service test:
http://inkjet411.com/?page_id=620
a. Load Letter/A4-size paper into paper feed tray.
b. If any lights are blinking, first press Cancel to attempt to clear.
c. Press the * and # keys simultaneously.
d. Enter 124 at keypad. The 'Underware' menu should be displayed.
e. Use the arrow keys to navigate to the System Menu. Select Ok.
f. Use the arrow keys to navigate to the 'print-mech tap test'. Select Ok. Printer screen should
display code = 0.
g. Use the arrow keys to enter “code = 41(or just enter 41 on keypad). Select Ok. The Tap 41
diagnostic test pattern prints.
--- Providing the HP 901 (or 901XL) color cartridge is partially functioning the Tap 41 diagnostic test print
will be printed (this is a forced service print test which is mainly used for the evaluation of ink cartridge
electrical health the printer will attempt to print the diagnostic test print). A good HP 901 color
cartridge should display 1248 good nozzles, while a good HP 901/901XL black ink cartridge sh ould show
336 good nozzles. If the results yield anything different then the ink cartridge is likely damaged and will
need to be replaced. Refer to 2nd video on how to read the diagnostic test print:
http://inkjet411.com/?page_id=620
---- If the printer attempts to print the diagnostic test pattern (1 page) then the printer is generally
considered operational and functional, if nothing is printed, but the printer attempts to print the
pattern, then the tri-color ink cartridge is either empty, clogged or severely electrically damaged (black
ink cartridge is not used). You can remove the tri-color cartridge, reactivate the tap 41 test and the
printer will print the diagnostic test print in black ink.
NOTE: It is possible to 'temporarily' bypass the cartridge error message (for emergency printing
purposes only), please refer to link below (see 3rd video): http://inkjet411.com/?page_id=620