HP 8600 Printer Missing Printheads: Causes and Solution

Question:

My HP 8600 printer does not recognize the printhead. I removed everything from the backboard and cleaned it, but the problem remained. How likely is it that replacing the printhead will fix it? If it does need replacing, do you know the part number I need to order?

Answer:

Possible Causes:

Faulty Printhead:

The leading cause for the "Printhead Not Recognized" error is a failing or defective printhead.

Print Heads: Print Heads can wear out over time, mainly if the printer has been idle for a long time or has started using non-original ink.

Corrupted Firmware/Motherboard Problem:

If the printer's firmware is corrupted or the mainboard malfunctions, it cannot detect the printhead properly.

Occasionally, with a power spike or a misstep, the firmware gets corrupted.

Points of contact that are dirty or damaged:

However, residual ink buildup or oxidation on your printhead contacts can cause communication issues between the printhead and the printer, even though you've already cleaned the backboard.

Clean the contacts on the printhead and the corresponding connection points inside the printer using a lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol (90% or better).

How to Troubleshoot:

Reset the Printer:

Power down the printer and unplug it for a minimum of ten minutes.

Take out the printhead and cartridges.

Reinstall all and reboot the printer.

Check if the error persists.

Update the Firmware:

Go to the HP support website (https://support.hp.com) and check whether a firmware update is available for the HP 8600.

HPs instructions for firmware update.

Test with a New Printhead:

Unfortunately, without testing one, I can’t ascertain how likely a new printhead would be able to solve this.

 If the printhead is faulty, replacing it will solve the problem.

However, if a new printhead also causes an error, there will be a mainboard issue, and the price of repairs will be high.

Replacement Printhead: Where to Get One

Unfortunately, we do not sell printheads for that model anymore, but you may be able to find one on a marketplace like eBay or Amazon by searching "HP 8600 Printhead Replacement." Just make sure to buy from a reputable seller check reviews, and do not buy counterfeit or defective parts.

The printer problems are very hands-on, so addressing them can be a headache. Hence, the customer can not receive remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support on printer repair. We have a local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service) that we recommend where you can take your printer directly for an in-person evaluation & repair. Due to the volume we've seen, we're first-come, first-served, so it may be several weeks before we can get your printer in for service. You could replace just the specific parts or the entire printer, and we provide clear guidance on what to do next. We're aware that we may be pricier than your average service. Accordingly, we strongly recommend self-help using online resources.

Consider visiting our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies) to look for solutions. Search by specific topics in the menu bar by clicking on the icon next to the “About” tab. It’s tough to remember every tutorial with over nine years of videos under its belt, but the search function on YouTube should be able to point you to those relevant videos. YouTube might also recommend other great videos from different channels.

As always, thanks a lot for your patience and support. And reach out if you want more clarification. Thank you for your ongoing faithfulness to BCH Technologies!