Technical information

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B.1. Self Test Print:
1. From the front panel, press Setup, press 1, and then press 4.
2. Refer to test print sample at HP’s website to evaluate your test print. Inspect nozzle test
pattern; missing bars or lines in the stair-step pattern represent an ink clog, a mis-firing nozzle or a
damaged ink nozzle.
NOTE: A good HP 56 black cartridge should have 432 good nozzles, while a good HP 57/58 color ink
cartridge should have 300 good nozzles.
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?objectID=c00048607
B.2. Tap 41/43 Cartridge Diagnostics (validation required):
1. Press * and # keys at same time
2. Enter 124 (or 1234)
3. Using left/right arrow keys, navigate to either System Menu or Special Reports menu. Select
Enter.
4. Select Ok, then click Right Arrow until the ‘print-mech button tap’ menu is displayed.
5. Select Ok (‘code = 0’ will be displayed); click and hold Right Arrow until ‘code = 43’ is displayed.
Use the Left Arrow if you need to decrease numerical count.
6. Select Ok. The test page prints. NOTE: If the test page does not print, then try and enter 'code =
41'.
7. Select Enter to print test print. REFERENCE VIDEO: http://inkjet411.com/?page_id=2358
--- Providing the color cartridge is partially functioning, the 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). A good
HP 56 black cartridge should display 416 good nozzles (26x16 grid), while a good HP 57/58 color ink
cartridge should show 300 good nozzles (10x10 color grid). For reference, please refer to video at link
below to help evaluate test pattern. [NOTE: HP 56/57/58 cartridges function similarly across many
different printer models]: http://inkjet411.com/?page_id=2358
*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 “Wrong Cartridge
Type/Installed" / “Print cartridge is not compatible with this device” / “Cartridge Error” / “Print Cartridge
Error” / ‘blinking lights” alert/error message is typically indicative of failed micro-electronics internal to
the 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.
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 bottom image at this page: