NOTE: “Empty”, “Low Ink”, “Out of Ink“, “? Marks“, “Counterfeit” and “Non-Genuine Cartridge”  alerts are COMPLETELY NORMAL for all HP 21, 21XL, 22, 22XL, 27, 28, 56, 56XL, 57, & 58  ink cartridges which have been refilled!

While at first this may be an unusual workflow, it does allow print operations to proceed.

Some of the HP ink cartridge alert and error messages you may encounter using refilled ink cartridges can often be overcome using the steps provided below.  However, in some cases a marginally performing cartridge might be considered faulty by the printer and may need to be replaced.

To review solutions available by printer model, select from the choices provided below:

 

Support Documentation:  HP 21-58 Problem Resolution (pdf)

Low Ink Level Alerts: Following ink refilling, the printer cannot track the ink levels. For select HP 15-58, 78 ink cartridges it is possible to reset the ink level monitor – refer to support document above for instructions.  Whether you decide to reset the ink level monitor or not, you may continue with print operations until the print quality begins to fade.

Ink Refilling & Cartridge Care Tips (IPH) – Everything you need to know:

Cartridge Errors (no printing allowed): 

As the electronics in the ink cartridge and the printer communicate with each other, sometimes the printer will incorrectly identify an ink cartridge as empty or non-functional.  These “false” error messages can appear as PC screen messages, printer LCD display messages, or as blinking lights on the printer.  Some of the errors are listed below.  If you encounter these errors, try the recommended solutions that follow.  If these solutions do not work, we recommend that you visit your printer manufacturer’s website or talk with their technical support organization.   If you think the refilled cartridge might be bad, take it back to your refiller and have them re-check the cartridge.

Common Error Messages

• Blinking cartridge lights on the printer
• A message that says “Check black/color cartridge” on your monitor or on the printer display
• A similar message that says “Remove and check the black/color cartridge”
• A printer window or toolbox appears that shows a message that a “Cartridge is not seated properly”
• “Replace your black/color cartridge” message
• “The cartridge has failed” message

Recommended Solutions

The contact between the ink cartridge and the printer must be clean for proper functioning.  If any dirt, ink or paper dust is on the contacts, the printer may indicate that the ink cartridge is bad.  To ensure a clean contact, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Remove and re-install the cartridge

Step 2: Clean the contacts on the printer and the ink cartridge

Step 3: Run a self-test and/or re-set the printer. For printers not listed above refer to HP Printer Diagnostics link below.

 

 

HP Cartridge “Low Ink” Warnings Explained:

 

How an Integrated Ink Cartridge Works: 


Advanced Diagnostics

To view advanced diagnostics tests for your printer, click here:

 

 

Poor Print Quality or Missing Colors:

If any streaks or missing colors appear on prints, thoroughly clean the cartridge’s electrical contacts and printer’s flex driver cable surface. If the cartridge is clogged then a warm water flush may be necessary to recover all colors. Click here for instructions.

 

 

NOTE 1: Replacing the ink cartridge is the best way to verify cartridge/printer performance.

NOTE 2: All integrated ink cartridges being repeatedly refilled eventually do fail.  Some cartridges/printers may encounter an unavoidable mechanical or electrical failure which is unrelated to refilling.  Check for physical damage on the cartridge.  Look at the print cartridge and see if there are any cracks, tears or missing elements.  Any one of these can cause a failure.  In these cases, you will need to purchase a new cartridge and start the refill process again after it has run out.

 

 

Refill Center Locations: