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.
As a temporary workaround, or if you are unable to determine which cartridge is causing the issue,
remove one of the ink cartridges from the printer....this should place the printer into the 'single
cartridge printer mode'....print jobs may then be executed from the computer (only). If you do not have
a replacement cartridge, you can still print in ink backup mode. Simply remove the problem cartridge,
and print with the remaining cartridge.
1. If you remove the tri-color cartridge, printouts will be in grayscale.
2. If you remove the black or photo cartridge, the product prints slowly and the colors in the
printouts might differ.
Resolutions/Diagnostic Tests:
A. Ensure BOTH carriage/flex cables and BOTH ink cartridge contacts are thoroughly clean before
proceeding: http://inkjet411.com/?page_id=1519
B. Perform Extended Self-Test (see 2
nd
video for REFENCE ONLY:
http://inkjet411.com/?page_id=792):
1. Make sure plain white paper is loaded in the product.
2. Press and hold the Power button.
3. Press the Photosmart Essential button, and then release both buttons.
NOTE: The s elf-test prints. Revi ew test pattern; ensure all colors are firing. A missing horizontal line within
the nozzle stair step pattern indicates a misfiring ink nozzle. Perform cartridge cleaning to correct.
C. Perform Cartridge Health Diagnostics Test (‘Tap 41’) – refer to 2
nd
video:
http://inkjet411.com/?page_id=1741
1. Turn the printer on.
2. Press and hold the ‘POWER’ button.
3. Press the ‘Cancel’ (X) button four (4) times.
4. Press the ‘RESUME’ button (Down Arrow) once.
5. Release the POWER button.
6. The Tap 41 diagnostics page prints.
NOTE: A good HP 93/95/97 col or ca rtridge should display 600 good nozzles, while a good HP 92/94/96/98
black i nk cartridge s hould show 672 good nozzles. On some models you may remove the tri-color ca rtridge,
rea cti vate the tap 41 test a nd the printer will print the diagnostic test print in black ink.
*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. 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