Technical information

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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.
Please perform the following corrective/diagnostic printer checks:
A. Ensure BOTH carriage/flex cables and BOTH ink cartridge contacts are thoroughly clean before
proceeding: http://inkjet411.com/?page_id=1519 (it sounds like you already did this, so you may
disregard).
B. Perform Tap 41 Cartridge Health Diagnostics Test:
1. Press and HOLD the ‘LEFT ARROW’ button.
2. Press the ‘Setup’ button. Release both buttons. The ‘Mfg Commands’ menu should be displayed.
3. At ‘Mfg Commands’ menu, click Right Arrow once until ‘uiaux service’ menu is displayed.
4. At ‘uiaux service’ menu, click the Right Arrow until ‘Special Reports’ menu is displayed.
5. Select Ok. Click Right Arrow until the ‘print-mech button tap’ menu is displayed.
6. Select Ok. (‘code = 0’ will be displayed); click and hold Right Arrow until ‘code = 41’ is displayed.
7. Select Ok. The test page prints. Refer to 2nd video at following link on how to interpret the
diagnostic test report: http://inkjet411.com/?page_id=1741
NOTE 1: If access code '41' does not yield a test print, then enter "code = 43").
--- A good HP 93/95/97/99 color cartridge should display 600 good nozzles, while a good HP
92/94/96/98 black ink cartridge should show 672 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 printout: http://inkjet411.com/?page_id=1741
---- 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 (special "ink back-up mode").
C. Perform Self Test Page
1. Press and hold the CANCEL button.
2. Press the COLOR COPY button. Release both buttons.
3. The self test prints. The printed pattern will verify printer is generally functional. Inspect color
bars to verify proper nozzle/jetting health.
-- Inspect printed nozzle stair step patterns - verify all ink nozzles are properly firing. Generally, if the
Self Test Page prints ok then the printer is functioning correctly and the problem is with the ink
cartridges - replace the suspect ink cartridge and retest. Refer to 2nd video procedure at the following
link on how to read the Self Test page test (NOTE: HP74/75 cartridges are electrically identical to the
HP92 thru 98 cartridges).
http://inkjet411.com/?page_id=579