HP DeskJet 2132 Prints Blank Pages After Refilling HP 63 Setup Cartridge with Large Sponge Kit

Question:
I recently set up a new HP DeskJet 2132 printer about two weeks ago. The factory setup cartridge that came with the printer ran out of ink quickly, which I understand is normal since it only contains a small sponge and a limited amount of ink. The printer worked perfectly with that cartridge.

After it ran out, I installed the large sponge kit into the HP 63 setup cartridge following your video instructions and filled it with 10 ml of black ink. I also used your HP priming clip to remove bubbles, and ink flows well through the cartridge when tested outside the printer. However, once installed, the printer only prints blank white pages.

To test the printer, I installed a new factory HP 63 black cartridge, and it printed normally. When that cartridge ran out, I reinstalled the rebuilt setup cartridge with the large sponge, but again it printed blank pages.

I also noticed the red light on the HP 2132 keeps blinking. I tried resetting the printer by holding the X button and the power button together. When I reinstall the rebuilt cartridge, the printer still prints blank pages and the red light starts blinking again.

What could be causing this issue? It seems like the printer is not recognizing the rebuilt setup cartridge anymore.

Answer:

From your description, you've already done many of the correct diagnostic steps, and your observations provide several important clues.

First, since the printer works normally with a brand-new HP 63 cartridge, we can confidently rule out mechanical issues such as a faulty carriage, ink pump failure, or clogged service station. This confirms that the printer itself is functioning properly.

The issue is very likely related to the HP 63 setup cartridge (break-in cartridge) that came with the printer.

1. Setup Cartridges Behave Differently from Standard Cartridges

HP printers like the DeskJet 2132 often ship with "setup cartridges." These cartridges are designed only for the printer's initial setup process. Their internal firmware identification is different from regular retail cartridges.

Once a regular HP cartridge is installed and used, the printer may stop accepting the setup cartridge permanently. This behavior is built into the printer firmware. In other words, after you used the new factory HP 63 cartridge, the printer likely invalidated the original setup cartridge, even if it still contains ink.

This is why the rebuilt setup cartridge can still flow ink perfectly outside the printer but prints blank pages when installed.

2. Cartridge Recognition and Memory Lock

HP printers maintain a cartridge memory system. When the printer registers a cartridge as empty, defective, or invalid, it may refuse to use it again. In your case, the setup cartridge likely entered that state after it was reported empty.

This can cause symptoms such as:

• Blank pages despite good ink flow

• Continuous blinking red light

• Cartridge not recognized or rejected

Once the printer stores that cartridge ID as unusable, there is unfortunately no reliable way to reset the cartridge itself.

3. Blinking Red Light on the HP DeskJet 2132

The blinking red light on the HP DeskJet 2132 typically indicates a cartridge problem, such as:

• Cartridge empty or previously flagged empty

• Cartridge incompatible or rejected

• Electrical contact recognition failure

Your reset attempt (holding X + Power) can sometimes clear temporary states, but it cannot override cartridge authentication rules stored in the printer's firmware.

4. Why the Small-Sponge Cartridge Works Temporarily

When you refilled the empty HP 63 cartridge with 3 ml of ink, it printed correctly for a short time. That indicates the printer accepts that cartridge's ID and chip state, even though the sponge is small.

The limitation is simply capacity. The small factory sponge holds very little ink, so it runs out quickly.

5. Possible Solutions

Here are several options that may help:

Option 1: Use a Regular HP 63 Cartridge for the Sponge Conversion
Instead of modifying the setup cartridge, use a standard HP 63 cartridge (not the setup version) as the base for your large sponge modification.

This avoids the firmware restriction applied to setup cartridges.

Option 2: Rotate Cartridges to Clear Memory
HP printers typically remember the last two or three cartridge IDs. Sometimes you can clear the memory by inserting two different cartridges sequentially, then reinstalling the target cartridge. However, this works inconsistently and usually does not revive setup cartridges.

Option 3: Check Cartridge Contacts
Although less likely in your case, it is still worth confirming:

• Clean the copper contacts on the cartridge

• Clean the matching contacts in the carriage

• Use lint-free cloth with distilled water or isopropyl alcohol

Poor contact can also trigger blinking lights.

Option 4: Avoid Setup Cartridge Modifications
Because HP firmware treats setup cartridges differently, they are generally not reliable candidates for long-term refill modifications.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. Therefore, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We do offer an in-person evaluation and repair service through our local diagnostic facility. You can find more information here: BCH Printer Repair Service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Due to high demand, repairs are handled on a first-come, first-served basis, and it may take several weeks before we can accept a printer drop-off.

Our services are designed to repair either entire printers or specific components, with clear procedures on how to proceed. However, we recognize that our repair rates may not always be the most economical option. For that reason, we strongly encourage exploring self-help resources online. A good starting point is our YouTube channel homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). You can use the search icon next to the "About" section on the right side of the menu bar to locate videos on specific topics. I receive dozens of questions daily asking whether we have a video about a particular issue. Since we have produced videos for more than nine years, it is difficult to remember every single one. Using YouTube's search function is usually the fastest approach, and it may also recommend helpful videos from other creators.

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