Color Cartridge inserted, getting message it isn't. 1

[beljacs]

I get this message every time I start up or reconnect
my HP OfficeJet Model 600. Up to now I just removed
and re-inserted the cartridge and that fixed it but
now the printer continues to display
"Insert Color Cartridge".
Any suggestions? I wipe-cleaned the 2 interfacing surfaces
carefully but it didn't help.
John

 

[Melapa]

Symptoms
The directions below will correct any of the following error messages that may appear on the front panel of the all-in-one:

"Remove and check the color cartridge"
"Remove and check the black cartridge"
"Incorrect color cartridge"
"Incorrect black cartridge"
"Insert color ink cartridge"
"Insert black ink cartridge"
The directions below will solve most ink cartridge related error messages and may resolve issues other than those indicated above.

The most common reason for these symptoms is that the ink cartridge and the print carriage contacts need cleaning, or a remanufactured or refilled ink cartridge is being used. Follow the steps below to determine why the error message is occurring.

Step one: Checking the ink cartridge

The correct ink cartridges must be installed in the HP all-in-one for it to work properly. Only use the ink cartridge intended for your all-in-one product.

CAUTION: Never insert an ink cartridge that was not designed to work with your all-in-one even if it looks like it will fit. Using an incorrect ink cartridge may damage the HP all-in-one.

Verify that the part number on the ink cartridge is correct. Information about which ink cartridges are compatible with your all-in-one can be found in the product manual and in the HP document Cartridge Compatibility Chart for HP All-in-One, Photosmart Printer, Fax, and Color Copier Products (bpa00586).
If the correct ink cartridges are installed and the HP all-in-one product continues to display an error message, remove and reinsert both the cartridges. If the message remains, continue to the next step.

Step two: Cleaning the ink cartridge

The all-in-one must be on before the ink cartridges can be accessed. Turn the all-in-one on if it is off.
Open the top cover or ink cartridge access door in one of the following ways:
To gain access to the ink cartridges on many scroll-fed products, pull the control panel forward and then lift the top section toward the back (see Figure 1).
Figure 1: Opening a scroll-fed product



Some HP products have an access door on the top left of the unit. The door may be located under the scanner glass cover on some flatbed products.
Figure 2: HP product with the ink cartridge access on the top left



You can open many flatbed all-in-one and copier products by raising the ink cartridge access door on the front of the product.
Figure 3: HP products with ink cartridge access from the front



After the print carriage moves to the center and stops, unplug the power cord.
To ensure that the print carriage remains in the center, do not turn off the unit before unplugging the power cord.
Remove both ink cartridges.
Verify that the part number on the ink cartridge is the correct part number for the HP all-in-one product. Click here for a cartridge compatibility chart.
Using a cotton swab or cloth lightly moistened with distilled, filtered, or bottled water, clean the electrical contacts of the ink cartridge (see Figure 4). Ink cartridges have a substance on the contacts that keeps them from corroding during storage. This substance might cause poor electrical contact between the carriage and the ink cartridge. This usually occurs with a new ink cartridge, but may also occur with an older cartridge.
Figure 4: Ink cartridge electrical contacts


NOTE: When an HP product is used frequently for black and white printing but infrequently for color printing (for example, a product that is used primarily as a fax machine), the color cartridge will still eventually fail and need to be replaced.

The pins in the print carriage can cause dents on the contact points of the color cartridge over time (usually between six and twelve months).

Following the cleaning with water, use a dry, cotton cloth, to wipe the electrical contacts of the ink cartridge, as shown in Figure 5. This will further clean any unwanted contaminants from the cartridge contacts.
Figure 5: Wiping the ink cartridge contacts


Reinsert the ink cartridges and verify that they are fully inserted and locked in place.
Close the top cover or access door and plug in the power cord.
If the error continues, repeat these steps. If further contact cleaning fails to clear the error, proceed to "Step three: Cleaning the cartridge contacts."
Step three: Cleaning the print carriage contacts

Have the following materials available:

Cotton swabs or any soft material that will not come apart or leave fibers (for example, a scrap piece of clean cotton cloth)
Distilled, filtered, or bottled water (tap water may contain contaminants that can damage the print cartridges)
CAUTION: Be careful not to get ink on hands or clothing.

Turn on the HP all-in-one.
Open the top cover or ink cartridge access door.
After the print carriage moves to the center and stops, unplug the power cord. This is necessary to keep the print carriage centered and to prevent damage to the HP all-in-one product's electrical components.
Remove both ink cartridges.
Using a cotton swab or cloth lightly moistened with distilled, filtered, or bottled water, clean the electrical contacts of the print carriage (see Figure 6).
Figure 6: Cleaning the print carriage


On models equipped with locking latches, lower the latches (see Figure 7).
Figure 7: The latches in the lowered position


After the print carriage is completely dry (allow five to ten minutes for the contacts to dry), plug in the power cord.
The front panel display should prompt you to insert the ink cartridges.
When the front panel display prompts to insert the ink cartridges, reinsert the ink cartridges and close the top cover or access door.
If the error continues, repeat this section before proceeding to the next step.
Step four: Replacing the ink cartridge

If the message recurs, replace the ink cartridge indicated in the message. If you have refilled the ink cartridges, are using remanufactured ink cartridges or the cartridges are not HP ink cartridges, replace them with new HP ink cartridges. HP cannot guarantee that refilled or non-HP ink cartridges will function correctly in HP products. If a new HP ink cartridge is defective, return the cartridge to the place of purchase with the receipt, or contact HP Customer Care to obtain a replacement. Click here for information on the HP ink cartridge warranty.

Replace the ink cartridge indicated in the error message with a new HP ink cartridge.
If the error continues, proceed to the next step.
Step five: Replacing both ink cartridges

Replace the other ink cartridge.
Since the cartridges are electronically connected through the printed circuit board, the cartridge not indicated in the message might be the causing the failure.

 

[beljacs]

Melapa-
Thanks for the detailed reply;
I managed to get it back working again for no reason I can determine but I'll keep your answers close by because
I'm sure it will occur again.
Beljacs (John)