HP 450ci Problem

[Big Al]

We have a lot of these come through my shop. They are now about four years old. Lately I have had a dozen or so show up with a strange problem. After POST is finished the Black Cartridge light keeps blinking. Sometimes the Paper Feed error light will blink too. Cleaning the cartridge contacts, the positioning strip, trying different known good #56 cartridges, no joy. However the printer works! It will print just fine from the buttons on the printer or from the computer! Too weird!

Thanks, Big Al

[Big Al]

These lights indicate the spitoon has overflowed. There is a metal strip just to the left of the spitoon assembly. I think when the ink gets on that strip it tells the logic the spitoon needs service. Remove the spitoon and clean that area up. Water based cleaners like 409 work well. Use swabs or a damp cloth, be careful not to get liquid down in the printer, and make sure it is unplugged. A little compressed gas or air will clean that area around the strip after you have softenend the ink. Replacement spitoon is P/N C8111-67050. I usually clean them myself. Take the spitoon apart, discard the felt and soak/wash it well in hot water and lots of dish soap.

To clear the error:
--Turn the printer on
--Hold down the cancel button ( one with the "X")
--Then hold the reset button (with the paper and arrow) for
ten seconds. That should clear the error.

Big Al