Troubleshooting HP Refillable Cartridge Communication Issues After Modification

Question:

I modified my black HP cartridge using the Modification Kit for Making SPONGE Refillable HP Integrated Cartridges 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70 (AS-SPG-HP6061). While the color cartridge works great, the printer does not recognize the black cartridge. I may have sanded it too much, making it too short. Do you have any suggestions?

Answer:

Thank you for contacting us, and we apologize for the delay in getting back to you. We understand that printer issues can be frustrating and want to ensure we provide the most thoughtful and detailed answer possible. At BCH Technologies, we truly appreciate your engagement and support, especially on our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Your feedback helps us refine our troubleshooting methods and develop better solutions for our customers.

Possible Reasons Why Your Printer Isn’t Recognizing the Black Cartridge

Since your color cartridge modification worked well, the issue with the black cartridge may stem from a few different factors. Here are some possible causes and solutions:

1. Cartridge Height Issue Due to Sanding

   • If the cartridge has been sanded too much, it may not correctly contact the printer’s electrical contacts.
   • Add a thin layer of tape on the bottom to compensate for the missing material. This can help restore the necessary height and improve connectivity.

2. Glue Residue on the Electronic Ribbon

   • Check the electronic ribbon (gold-colored chip area) for any adhesive residue from the modification process.
   • If there is glue or debris, clean it carefully using isopropyl alcohol (at least 90%) and a lint-free cloth.
   • Ensure the contacts are dry before reinserting the cartridge into the printer.

3. Dirty or Misaligned Printer Contact Points

   • Sometimes, the issue isn’t with the cartridge but the printer’s contact points.
   • Use a soft eraser or a clean, dry cotton swab to gently clean the contact pins inside the printer’s cartridge slot.
   • Avoid using excessive force, as these contacts are delicate.

4. Reset the Printer’s Recognition of the Cartridge

   • Remove both the black and colored cartridges from the printer.
   • Please turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source for at least 5 minutes.
   • Reinsert both cartridges and turn the printer back on.
   • This reset process can help the printer detect the modified cartridge.

5. Try a Different Black Cartridge

   • If available, test another black cartridge in the printer to see if it is detected.
   • If the second cartridge works, it may be with the modified black cartridge.

Next Steps

If your black cartridge is still not recognized after following these steps, you may need to redo the modification using a fresh cartridge. Be cautious when sanding to ensure you do not remove too much material. A minor adjustment can make all the difference in connectivity.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. So, we cannot provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We offer an in-person evaluation and repair service via our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Given the high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis. It may take a few weeks before we can get your printer to drop it off. Our services are structured to repair a whole printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on how to proceed. However, we acknowledge that our rates aren't the most economical. Thus, we highly recommend that you resort to self-help via online research. You can start by checking out YouTube or visiting our YouTube channel’s homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Look for specific videos using the search icon next to "About" on the right-hand side of the menu bar. I receive dozens of queries every day asking about videos for specific topics. Having created videos over the past nine years, it's challenging to remember every single one. Therefore, using YouTube’s search function would be most efficient. Plus, YouTube might suggest relevant videos from other channels that could assist you.

We appreciate your patience and support of BCH Technologies. If you need further assistance, please don't hesitate to let us know. Happy printing!