HP 2710 “Cartridge Problem” After Refilling 305XL: Causes and Fixes Explained

Question: I refilled my HP 305XL cartridge for my HP 2710 printer, but now it shows a "cartridge problem" message, and the estimated ink level appears empty. What can I do to fix this?

Understanding the “Cartridge Problem” Message on HP 2710

This error commonly appears after refilling an HP 305XL cartridge, particularly with models like the HP DeskJet 2710. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of why it happens and how you can try to resolve it.

1. Clean the Cartridge and Cartridge Contacts

Before jumping to conclusions, it's essential to rule out any connection or contact issues:

• Remove the cartridge and inspect the electronic contact ribbon (the gold/copper area with circuits).

• If you see ink smudges, glue, or residue, gently clean it with a dry lint-free paper towel.

• Also, check the cartridge contact pins inside the printer to ensure they're clean and not bent or corroded.

• Re-seat the cartridge multiple times to ensure good contact between the cartridge and the printer pins.

Often, a misalignment or ink residue is enough to trigger a misread by the printer.

2. Why Refilled Cartridges May Become Unusable

If you've done the above and the error persists, the cartridge may unfortunately be electrically damaged, and here’s why:

• HP cartridges contain tiny resistive heating elements in their nozzles.

• During operation, the printer tests the resistance of each nozzle and compares it with a reference resistor on the cartridge.

• If too many nozzles are damaged (from drying out, overuse, or refilling mishaps), the printer determines that the cartridge is “bad” and permanently disables it.

• This is part of HP’s built-in protection mechanism, and once the printer logs the cartridge as failed, there’s no reset option available.

Unfortunately, when this happens, there is no fix, and the cartridge must be replaced.

3. Best Practice: Use Virgin Cartridges for Refilling

For better results with future refills:

• Search for “empty virgin 305XL” cartridges on eBay or printer part resellers. A “virgin” cartridge has never been previously refilled, which reduces the chance of nozzle damage or chip errors.

• Avoid remanufactured cartridges. These often use aftermarket chips to override HP’s original electronics, which are more prone to failure, especially when exposed to ink or moisture.

4. Ink Level Still Shows Empty? Here’s a Workaround

Refilled HP cartridges will continue to display an “empty” ink level because the ink level memory is stored on the cartridge chip, not reset during refill.

A simple workaround is to keep multiple sets of cartridges and rotate them:

• HP printers like the 2710 typically remember only the last 3–5 cartridge IDs.

• Once you cycle through different cartridge sets, the printer will “forget” the old one and treat it as new again, temporarily clearing the low ink warning.

This won’t fix an actual “cartridge problem” error, but it's helpful in bypassing low ink or used cartridge warnings in future use.

On Repair Services and Support Availability

Printer cartridge issues—especially on HP models with integrated heads—are complex and often hardware-triggered. Because of the hands-on nature of the troubleshooting involved, we're not able to provide remote support or individualized repair guidance.

That said, we do offer in-person diagnostics through our printer repair service center (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Services are provided on a first-come, first-served basis, and wait times may apply due to high demand.

We understand that our repair costs may not be the most affordable, which is why we always encourage users to start with self-guided resources. Our YouTube channel homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies) is a great place to begin—use the search icon next to the “About” tab to find videos relevant to your exact printer or cartridge model. YouTube’s suggestions may also lead you to additional helpful content from other creators.

Thank you once again for supporting BCH Technologies and for taking the initiative to reach out. If you need more help or insights, we’re always happy to hear from you. Best of luck with your printer setup—and happy printing!