Technical information

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However, if the cartridge is determined to be electrically damaged, largely dependent on the 'Tap 41'
diagnostic test results, the cartridge will eventually need to be replaced with a new one.
You can also test general printer performance by running the 'Tap 10' diagnostic test, use same
procedure above and enter "code = 10". Both the ‘Tap 41’ and ‘Tap 10’ tests are ‘forced print tests’ –
the printer will make every attempt to print the pattern whether the ink cartridges are good or bad…the
patterns should be utilized to diagnose cartridge health. If ‘regular’ printing is still not possible then one
or both of the ink cartridges is damaged.
*The “Incompatible Cartridge(s)" / “Print Cartridge(s) Problem” / “Refer to printer documentation” /
“Cartridge Error: Cartridge must be replaced” / “Cartridge in left/right slot is not intended for use in this
printer” error messages along with the ‘Blinking Exclamation Light’ are typically indicative of failed
micro-electronics internal to the HP 901 ink cartridge(s). Also note that it is common to have a
marginally performing ink cartridge (which was performing ok before) in the adjacent slot (i.e. color),
then when a marginally performing cartridge is installed into the other slot (i.e. black), both of the ink
cartridge(s) then get flagged with electrical errors. Running the 'Tap 41' cartridge health diagnostics test
will confirm the active state of both cartridges.
**Many cartridges eventually do encounter problems or failures, especially after their original ink is
gone and they are re-used, and this is often unrelated to the refill process. Unfortunately the newer
micro-electronics in many of the newer HP integrated ink cartridge lines are quite fragile (due to low -
cost materials used in the Chinese/Malaysia manufacturing processes), so results of repeated cartridge
usage/longevity will vary from one extreme to the other. As a suggestion, if you print more than 15
pages per week, then you may want to consider moving over to an 'individual ink tank' printer
system....these are very "refill friendly" and you will not encounter cartridge failures......let us know if
you would like more information on this.
Please note these types of failures are quite rare (less than 2%) with an ink cartridge that that has only
been refilled once or twice. For reference, the following page provides a complete review of the
majority of cartridge error messages you may observe on your printer at one point or another:
http://inkjet411.com/?page_id=596
However, if your printer works routinely after inserting a brand new HP 901 black ink cartridge in it, you
should discuss the possibility of a refund with your local Costco (for the refilled cartridge purchase). We
regret your inconvenience, and we hope that you will continue to consider the compelling value of inkjet
refilling in the future.
If you do decide to run the 'Tap 41' cartridge health diagnostics test mentioned above, please relay the
results to our team for failure confirmation should you have any questions about interpreting the test
report. For additional printer diagnostics information please visit: http://inkjet411.com/?page_id=1813
Please let us know if you have any further questions on this or any of the technical information provided
above.
For any additional questions please contact us directly: [e-mail]
-Thank you