Technical information

130
130
--- Understand that the 'self-test print' is a "forced print"...the printer will attempt to print it whether
the cartridges are good or bad.....if the diagnostic test page prints, but normal printing is still not
permitted, then the suspect ink cartridge is likely electrically degraded or damaged internally since the
self-test print is the only print the printer will yield.
C. Print the Demo Print:
1. Press and HOLD the CANCEL (X) button
2. Depress the COPIES button once.
Print should attempt to print the demo print (photo of dog and boy).
If the printer attempts to print the Self Test Page or Demo Print 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). A good HP 93/95/97 color cartridge should display 600 good nozzles (3 stair-step color grid
patterns), while a good HP 92/94/96/98 black ink cartridge should show 672 good nozzles (large stair-
step black grid pattern). If the results yield anything different then the ink cartridge is likely damaged
and will need to be replaced.
NOTE: Unfortunately, there is no cartridge error bypass available for this model series (HP Photosmart
C3110, C3125, C3135, C3140, C3150, C3170, C3173, C3175, C3180, C3183, C3188, C3190, C3193, C3194
All-in-One). This printer line is 'extremely sensitive to electrical performance of the ink cartridges... both
ink cartridges have to be in perfect electrical working order to allow any printing.
For reference, the following link contains a video about HP low ink, nuisance and severe cartridge error
messages. http://inkjet411.com/?page_id=1261
*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. The “Check print cartridge" error
message is typically indicative of failed micro-electronics internal to the ink cartridge(s). 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.
Please note this type of failure is quite rare with an ink cartridge that that has only been refilled once or
twice. Severe cartridge errors are primarily caused by an electrical breakdown at the cartridge’s nozzle
plate. Ink penetration or corrosion into the nozzle plate will cause a failure of the tiny micro -electronics
resulting in a variety of different error messages being displayed see picture at bottom of this page:
http://inkjet411.com/?page_id=1216
Now, if your printer works routinely after inserting a brand new HP 92/93 cartridge in it, you should
discuss the possibility of a refund with your local Costco (for the refilled cartridge purchase). We regret