For all 61xx series

Check the Print Cartridges

Verify that the rear access cleanout or 2 sided printing module is installed.
Plug in the printer.
Power on the printer.
Open the access door and the carriage will move to the center.
Verify the print cartridges are installed.
Determine if the print cartridges are OK by noting which icon that the arrow on the print
carriage points to on the printer case (see below).
If a problem is indicated, verify that the correct print cartridges are installed.
If a problem is indicated, verify that all tape has been removed from the print cartridges.

Access Door
Encoder Strip
2 Sided Printing
Module

Print cartridges OK
Black print cartridges low on ink
Color print cartridges low on ink
Problem with black print cartridge
Problem with color print cartridge
Cancel Button

Rear Access
Cleanout
Assemby

Print Cartridge Light

Resume Button and Light
Power Button and Light

Output Tray
Input Tray
Length Adjuster

Check the Printer

Width Adjuster

Remove the output tray and remove any paper.

Remove the rear access cleanout or 2 sided printing module.
Look for a paper jam between the rubber rollers.
Remove any paper that may have jammed in the rollers both in back and in front of the
printer.
Re-install the rear access cleanout or 2 sided printing module, ensuring it is fully locked into
position.
Re-install the output tray.

Check the Self-Test

Load paper correctly, set length and width adjusters properly for paper size loaded.
Close the access door.
If the printer is not plugged in or has been powered off, plug in the printer and power it
on. Power light should be on.
Create a self test. 1. Press and hold the (Power) button
2. Press the (Resume) button 3. Release the (Power) button
Watch the printer for smooth paper feed and check the output for missing nozzles.
(incomplete text or graphics)
If attached, test the 2 sided printing module. 1. Press and hold the (Power) button
2. Press the (Cancel) button 3 times 3. Press the (Resume) button once 4. Release the
(Power) button

If you successfully printed a self-test page with good print quality, the printer is OK.
If not, the easy steps listed in Section 4 often solve the problem.

For 61xx printers

Poor Print Quality?

Printout has fine ink
streaks.
Printout has fine white
lines.

Check the print cartridge nozzles for ink and debris. Clean the nozzles using a lint
Free swab moistened with distilled water.
Connect the printer to a host PC and execute the cleaning routine found in the
"Printer Services" tab in the "HP DeskJet Series Toolbox"

Printer Does Not Print?

Printer has no power.

Remove power from the printer for 15 seconds and restore power. Ensure the Power
cord is firmly plugged into the printer and an active power source. Turn the printer
off and on twice.
Printer feeds paper but does Connect the printer to a host PC and execute the cleaning routine found in the
not print.
"Printer Services" tab in the "HP DeskJet Series Toolbox".
Power light on, but does not
Open the access door and verify the carriage moves and points to the
icon.
print.
If the carriages points at the

or

icon, replace the color print cartridge.

If the carriage points at the

or
icon, replace the black print cartridge.
Ensure that the correct print cartridges are installed in the printer.
The paper doesn't move,
Check that the proper media (paper) is loaded and press the Resume (center) Button
and the resume light blinks, to tell the printer to pick paper again. Try using a larger stack of paper.
but does not print.
Lights blink alternately, but This error can be caused by a paper jam, wrong printer driver, or bad computer-todoes not print.
printer connection. Ensure the carriage movement is not blocked.
Prints a single character
This error can be caused by a defective computer, wrong printer driver, or bad
and ejects paper.
interface cable.

Paper Feed Problems?

No paper feed from the
input tray.

Ensure the input tray is not overloaded. Load a few sheets to the input tray to test
the paper path. Ensure the length adjuster is all the way forward and touching the
paper.
Paper partially ejected and Remove the rear access cleanout and pull out any damaged (curled/wrinkled) paper
the lights are flashing.
from between the rollers. Ensure paper is properly loaded in the input tray and press
the Resume (center) button.
Does not eject paper fully or Press the Resume (center) button to eject the paper and re-initiate a paper pick.
delays ejecting the paper.
Turn the printer and computer on in proper sequence as prescribed by the computer
manual.
Feeds multiple sheets.
Ensure the paper is not stuck together and meets the user manual specifications. Fan
the paper to free any attached sheets. Ensure the input tray is not overloaded and
contains the same type, size and weight of media.
Envelopes will not feed.
Ensure only one envelope is inserted into the single feed slot on the output tray.
Ensure envelopes have no bends or curls. Ensure envelopes are not overloaded.
Paper feed problems with2- Open the 2-sided printing module door and verify there are no obstructions in the
sided printing module.
paper path or excessive ink on the rollers. Remove and firmly re-install the 2-sided
printing module, making sure that it is fully seated in the printer.