Error, "check color cartridge". black sludge in well below cartridges.

I refilled my cartridges from costco a while back.I was getting error, "check color cartridge" so I refilled the color cartridge, but am still getting the same error. I removed both cartridges and see black sludge in the cartridge well. I used a wet paper towel to wipe it (inserted by narrow nosed pliers) and it was black.I have had it for 6 years and is too expensive to repair. Can I fix it myself?Any help appreciated.

If cleaning the cartridge and printer contacts does not resolve the issue then check the spring as shown in this page. It may also help to remove the black cartrdige and compare the springs on the black cartrdige side with the color cartridge spring. If the spring is dislodged (1) you will need to have the printer serviced. If the spring is dislodged but has not damaged the flex circuitry (2) then some have reported success epoxying the spring back in position.

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Need to bypass "Remove and check color cartridge" error message

I have an old HP printer giving me the error message "Remove and check color cartridge." I remove it, it's good, I put it back, same message. I try leaving it out, I get an error message asking me to install a color ink cartridge.
I DON'T EVEN WANT TO PRINT WITH THIS PRINTER. I have a new HP printer connected to my wireless network that I use for all my printing. I am using the old printer for its scanning capabilities in my crafting area. I am JUST wanting to scan old pictures to an external hard drive for storage, so that I don't have thousands of print photos sitting around in boxes and files.
Please help.

I had the very same problem with my HP Officejet 7410 so cleaned the ink cartridge and carriage contacts per the directions listed on this link:
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01423559&tmp_task=solveCategory&cc=us&dlc=en&la...
After my first attempt at cleaning these contacts, i reinserted the cartridge and tried printing again but I got the same error message. Next I removed both cartridges (color & black) from their slots and after pointing a flashlight at the carriage I discovered the bottom of the carriage was covered with ink, so....using over a dozen cotton swabs I cleaned the bottom of the carriage as best i could. Also, thinking that perhaps the ink cartridge was not manufactured exactly to its proper size and shape, when i inserted the cartridges back into their slots I slightly pressed them in to be sure the contacts would touch.
I was happy to see that now the error message is gone and my printer is printing again....well, at least for now.

1600 all-in-one series printer error message to remove and check color cartridge will not go away

Error message, remove and check color cartridge will not go away even after replacing cartridge (same refilled). Any help would be appreciated.

I had the very same problem with my HP Officejet 7410 so cleaned the ink cartridge and carriage contacts per the directions listed on this link:
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01423559&tmp_task=solveCategory&cc=us&dlc=en&la...
After my first attempt at cleaning these contacts, i reinserted the cartridge and tried printing again but I got the same error message. Next I removed both cartridges (color & black) from their slots and after pointing a flashlight at the carriage I discovered the bottom of the carriage was covered with ink, so....using over a dozen cotton swabs I cleaned the bottom of the carriage as best i could. Also, thinking that perhaps the ink cartridge was not manufactured exactly to its proper size and shape, when i inserted the cartridges back into their slots I slightly pressed them in to be sure the contacts would touch.
I was happy to see that now the error message is gone and my printer is printing again....well, at least for now.

HP 1610v error message: Remove and check color cartridge

In the middle of printing, my HP 1610v All-In-One PSC just stopped and displayed an error message reading "remove and check color cartridge". I did.... but couldn't really determine what I'm supposed to be looking for though. Ink cartridge is full, clean, and seems fine. Not only can I not figure out what I'm supposed to do to fix it....I can't do ANYTHING. no printer menu access, no printing with only the black cartridge, only an orange exclamation point that ceaselessly blinks at me.
I've tried unplugging and waiting 20 seconds
I've put 3 different color cartridges in and the error message only went away with the EMPTY cartridge...which, of course, I couldn't print with!
Please Help ASAP!!
Thanks!

Hi there iceefrost,
This article should cover the issue you are experiencing. Give the steps outlined a shot and let us know if it helps.
Best of Luck!
You can say thanks by clicking the Kudos Star in my post. If my post resolves your problem, please mark it as Accepted Solution so others can benefit too.

Photosmart 2575 cartridge error "Remove and check color cartridge"

I have one of the above all in ones, which has given excellent service until recently. The last 2 colour cartridges (Both were original HP) have been acting up. When the cartridges were first installed all was well but as the ink levels fell to about half, I started getting a "Remove and check color cartridge" warning. I followed the instructions and cleaned the contacts on the printer and the cartridge and the problem seemed to be cured. The some time when I turned the printer on, the message re-appeared. Again, cleaning seemed to redress the problem. As the ink level fell further, the warning appeared more regularly, until at about one quarter, the problem could not be solved. I fitted a new cartridge and all was well again until that too had the self same problem. Now that has reached one quarter and the problem will not go away. As far as I can see, the contacts on both the cartridge and the printer are perfectly clean, the cartridge sits fair and square in it's position and there is no apparent damage to any part of the setup.
Any assistance you can provide to resolve this problem would be gratefully appreciated.

Followed this proceedure with both cartridges. When they were about half full this would solve the problem temporarily but it returned. As they got down to around quarter full this would not make any difference. Have now fitted a new cartridge and the printer is working as it should. Will have to throw away another quarter full cartridge by the looks of things. I will see how this one performs. Thanks for your help.

Officejet 7410 shows "Remove and check color cartridge" on display.

I have removed and checked the Color Cartridge and replaced it. No change.
I carefully cleaned the cartridge contacts with distilled water. Still no change.
I went and bought both a new Color Cartridge (#97) and a new Black Cartridge (#96).
Installed the new Color Cartridge. Still no change.
Tried changing the Black Cartridge as well. Still no change.
I carefully cleaned the cartridge contacts and printer contacts for both of the cartridges with distilled water. STILL no change.
So, after spending close to $100, I still can't use the printer.
Does anyone have a solution to this problem?

I know this thread has been around a while, but I figured out a solution last night when I had the exact same "Check color cartridge" error message stuck on my HP7410. I found someone else online with a different problem on a different HP printer, who used a very similar repair procedure as listed here, but with one extra step. I figured I had nothing to lose, so I tried it and it worked, though you have to reenter the current date/time and your network info, because it wiped out the memory and went back to factory settings. So...
1) Unplug printer power cord from printer.
2) Hold down the # and 6 key while plugging printer cord back in. Continue to hold those keys down until printer says SEMI FULL RESET (it doesn't give you any other choices, and it does NOT say SEMI-NVM (non-volative memory RESET - I don't know how to get that) so just wait til SEMI FULL RESET comes up).
3) The printer will then turn off by itself.
4) Turn the printer on.
5) The printer will want you to set language, but don't do it yet.
6) Press the * and # key at same time.
7) Press 124. You will see "UNDERWARE: and a series of letters and numbers."
8) Press the right arrow to scroll through all the possible system setting categories once, and hit OK.
9) Scroll through them again to set the language, change the day/time and re-enter your network settings (network name/ID and password) and I suppose anything else you need to do, like set fax settings.
It's possible you may need to power off and power on again between steps 8 and 9 - sorry, can't remember if I tried that but I don't want to do this again and risk messing anything up.

G85 printer says "remove and check color cartridge"'

My G 85 all in one inkjet printer was working fine until it suddenly displayed "remove and check color cartridge". Now it won't print. I removed both the color and B/W cartridges and cleaned contacts on printer and on cartridges. After re-insertion same message. Removed color cartridge and installed a new color cartridge. Same message is displayed. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Phil

Hi saratogaphil,
Welcome to the HP Forums, I hope you enjoy your experience! To help you get the most out of the HP Forums I would like to direct your attention to the HP Forums Guide First Time Here? Learn How to Post and More.
I see that you are having some issues with an error on printer to Remove and check Cartridges. I have a few different document for you to try. Please click on the following links for Print Cartridge Errors.
You can also attempt to clean the product with the use of the following link on Cleaning the All-in-One as well as Maintenance and Cleaning.
Once last step you can try is Resetting the Printer.
If the troubleshooting does not help resolve your issue, I would then suggest calling HP's Technical Support to see about further options for you. If you are calling within North America, the number is 1-800-474-6836 and for all other regions, click here: click here.
Thank you for your time.
Click the “Kudos Thumbs Up" at the bottom of this post to say “Thanks” for helping!
Please click “Accept as Solution ” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.
W a t e r b o y 71
I work on behalf of HP

PSC 2355 Remove and Check Color Cartridge - Windows 7 OS

I just installed a new black cartridge and now I'm getting an error "Remove and Check Color Cartridge" I removed and reseated, I cleaned with alcohol, I tried to reboot. I went to support site and I see there is a fix for this issue but in other OS versions besides Windows 7 64 bit. I need a fix for this in my OS. Just because I replace black (which is used most often), I shouldn't have to replace color (and don't need to because I don't use it often). This gets very expensive since cartridge 97 is almost $40. Please help!!!!!!

For me the following worked:
- Go to the manufacturing service menu: Press LEFT and RIGHT button simultaneously
- Enter the Special Key Combo: "123"
- Press RIGHT button until you see: Special Reports
- Press OK
- Press RIGHT button until you see: Print Cartidges
- Press OK
The printer now prints a test page
After this the error message should be gone.
The error message may reappear after some time
Just repeat the procedure above
--- Good Luck ---

Re: "remove and check color cartridge" cartridge is brand new.

Hello, I have the same issue, and this furstrates me.
I tried everything; cleaning the connectors, cleaning the ink collector, switching on and off... and I still got the same message.
The cartrige is new. I tried with an alernative one, and I have the same issue.
Can anybody tell me why this is not better quality? For the prices of the cartridges, should this not be easier to troubleshoot and get the printer working.
I was anyway going to upgrade the printer at some stage for a faster and better quality, but now, I am wondering which brand I should choose, as this is simply not acceptable: the printer should be working.
Thank you for your help, and as you can see, I am frustrated: preparing myself for an interview in 2 days, and I cannot even print the basic information because of this problem.
Thanks

Hi Bertrand057,
Welcome to the HP forums!
I'm sorry to hear you've been having issues with your printer not recognizing your cartridge but I will certainly do my best to assist you
Are you also working with an Photosmart 2510, or do you have a different model HP printer?
If you have the Photosmart 2510 I will recommend that you try the steps within this Error Message: Error, Remove and Check [Color/Black or Photo] Cartridge document and if those don't work, please try the cleaning steps under Step Three: Clean the Cartridge and Carriage Contacts in this 'Incorrect Print Cartridge' or 'Print Cartridge Problem' Message Displays on the Computer document. That document is for another printer but the cleaning instructions were very clear and are applicable to the cartridges in your printer.
If the problem is still persisting after that, I would lean towards the issue being with the printer, not the cartridges as you've tried more than one cartridge. In that case, I will suggest that you try Performing a Partial Reset on the printer. If that still doesn't resolve the issue it may be time to look into that upgrade you had been thinking about.
If you're working with a different printer than the PSC 2510 just let me know. I certainly understand your frustration at the printer and the situation, considering it's awful timing, but hopefully these steps will assist you in getting the information you need for your interview! Good luck with everything, and I hope to hear back from you with good news! Fingers crossed
Please click “Accept as Solution ” if you feel my post resolved your issue, as it will help others find the solution faster
Click the “Kudos Thumbs Up" on the right to say “Thanks” for helping!
**MissTeriLynn**
I work on behalf of HP

Check color printer cartridge message

Hi, I kept receiving the error message 'check color printer cartridge.' The HP site referred me to an update that I tried to install but was told that I needed to install the printer software/driver first (PSC 2355). LONG process - 4 hrs. After all was done, I went to download the update and was told that my printer was unresponsive - power is on, USB port plugged in and connected to the printer. I also turned off the computer and printer for a minute then restarted - no difference. I changed the cartridge and the problem is resolved for now but I was not able to download the update and the HP site still says my computer is 'unresponsive'. Thoughts?

Hi, I kept receiving the error message 'check color printer cartridge.' The HP site referred me to an update that I tried to install but was told that I needed to install the printer software/driver first (PSC 2355). LONG process - 4 hrs. After all was done, I went to download the update and was told that my printer was unresponsive - power is on, USB port plugged in and connected to the printer. I also turned off the computer and printer for a minute then restarted - no difference. I changed the cartridge and the problem is resolved for now but I was not able to download the update and the HP site still says my computer is 'unresponsive'. Thoughts?

Re: the printer says remove and check color cartridge.

How do I fix this problem ... the printer says remove and check color cartridge. I have done this many times. No change it still says the same thing.

Please read this post then provide some details. What printer model? What operating system? Is the cartridge an HP or a third party?
Bob Headrick, HP Expert
I am not an employee of HP, I am a volunteer posting here on my own time.
If your problem is solved please click the "Accept as Solution" button ------------V
If my answer was helpful please click the "Thumbs Up" to say "Thank You"--V

The printer says remove and check color cartridge.

I have a HP Photosmart C4180 printer. I just put brand new ink cartridges in it today and it still says "Remove and check color cartridge."
Now what?

The troubleshooting steps in the document here may resolve the issue.
Bob Headrick, HP Expert
I am not an employee of HP, I am a volunteer posting here on my own time.
If your problem is solved please click the "Accept as Solution" button ------------V
If my answer was helpful please click the "Thumbs Up" to say "Thank You"--V

HP Photosmart 8450 is giving me a 'pen failure' error from the gray/black cartridge.

This error started out as just an apparent empty ink cartridge but now looks to be something else. It won't clear with a new HP 96 Black cartridge...tried two new ones actually, three if you count the HP 100 photo gray.
Any ideas on what may be causing this? I've tried powering down and repeating but no joy.

If you have cleaned the printhead with a cloth per the document http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c00719450&cc=us&lc=en&dlc=en&product=443024&tmp_... it is time to just replace the printer.
Although I am an HP employee, I am speaking for myself and not for HP.

My Pixma MX470 shows error check in 1686 Col. How do we fix this?

My Pixma MX470 show error-Check Ink 1686 Col.
We have checked both the color and the black ink. It still will not fax or print.
Please help.
Wanda

Hi wandasf,
The 1686 error indicates that your color ink cartridge may have run out of ink. If you would like to continue printing or faxing until you are able to replace the ink cartridge in the unit, you can disable the ink level detection function of the printer by pressing and holding down the STOP/RESET button the printer for at least 5 seconds, then releasing it. Once the ink cartridge is replaced with a Canon genuine ink cartridge, the ink level detection function of the printer will be re-enabled.
Hope this helps!
This didn't answer your question or issue? Please call or email us at one of the methods on the Contact Us page for further assistance.
Did this answer your question? Please click the Accept as Solution button so that others may find the answer as well.

Not printing black ink after new ink cartridge installed (HP Officejet Pro L7555)

I have an HP Officejet Pro L7555 on which I just replaced the black ink cartridge. Now it won't print in black at all. I have tried cleaning the printhead multiple times to no avail. I only get printouts of boxes in all colors except black and nothing else written on the page at the end of each printhead cleaning cycle.
When I print the Self Test Diagnostic Page, it comes out in Magenta instead of black. On this page, it shows that both printhead are in good condition. The ink level on the black ink cartridge is shown to be full as would be expected for a newly installed cartridge.
I have replaced other cartridges on this printer before, and have not had this issue. Could anyone please help?

Thanks, garytech1. I have seen the document.
Solution 1. I have used and am using only genuine HP cartridges. The one I recently replaced was black. I have replaced the other colors before without problems.
Solution 2. I am using the correct type of paper. There are no streaks on the printouts. Any printing I try from a document with black text comes out blank. The only two types of printouts I have obtained are:
a. The Self Test Diagnostic Page, which comes out in magenta and it has no streaks. It also lists the status of the printheads as being good.
b. The printout that follows a printhead cleaning that has all color boxes except black. There are no streaks here either.
Solution 3. I have checked the print settings (I have Windows XP SP3) and they are all correct.
Solution 4. I have printed the PQ Diagnostic page and it is all blank except for some colored boxes. There are no streaks in them. No grey boxes appear.
Solution 5. There is nothing wrong with the images or documents I am trying to print.
Solution 6. I don't see why I should have to spend $70+ to replace the black/yellow printhead when:
a. The yellow color comes out fine in the colored boxes
b. All the diagnostics (the ones that are in the installed software as well as the ones I obtained from the HP website) all show the condition of both printheads to be good, and
c. When all printing was working just fine before I replaced the cartridge. Is there a physical way to clean the printheads since it appears from all of the above that it is the genuine HP ink that may have actually plugged it up?
Thanks for your help!

Error, "check color cartridge". black sludge in well below cartridges.

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