HP Deskjet F4280 User Manual

							Resolving print cartridge problems
Many problems can be resolved with the following procedures. If you receive a specific 
error message about the print cartridges, see Print cartridge messages  for more 
information. 
To troubleshoot the print cartridges 
1. Remove and reinstall the print cartridges. 
For more information, see Replace the print cartridges .
NOTE:Make sure the plastic tape has been removed. If it is still covering the ink 
nozzles, gently remove the plastic tape by using the pink pull tab.
2. If print quality is suffering, check the estimated ink levels. 
For more information, see Check the estima ted ink levels. 
3. Print a self-test report and review the test patterns. 
For more information, see Print a self-test report . 
4. Clean the print cartridges: 
• First, try cleaning the print cartridges from the HP Photosmart Software. For more 
information, see Clean the print cartridges .
CAUTION:Performing this procedure unnecessarily can waste ink and 
shorten the life of the cartridges.
• If cleaning the print cartridges from the software did not help, you can try cleaning
the print cartridge contacts. For more information, see Clean the print cartridge
contacts . 
5. If none of the previous procedures resolved the problem, replace the print cartridges. 
For more information, see Replace the print cartridges .
Resolving print cartridge error messages
After you install a print cartridge, one or both of the print cartridge status lights begin to 
blink. The printer will not print. One of the following messages may appear on your 
computer screen: 
Print Cartridge Problem
Incorrect Print Cartridge(s)
Incorrectly Installed Cartridge(s)
Print Cartridge(s) Missing
Work through the following sections in order. When the print cartridge light stops blinking, 
you have solved the problem.
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							NOTE:In the procedures below, the problem cartridge is identified by the blinking 
light. The light on the left bl inks when the tri-color print cartridge (on the left) is the 
problem, the light on the right blinks when the black cartridge (on the right) is the 
problem, and both lights blink when both cartridges are the problem.
•Solution 1: Remove and reinstall the print cartridges 
•Solution 2: Clean the print cartridge contacts
•Solution 3: Print in ink-backup mode 
Solution 1: Remove and reinstall the print cartridges 
Solution: The print cartridge may not have full electrical contact with the printer. 
Removing and reinstalling the cartridge may help.
NOTE: HP cannot guarantee the quality of remanufactured or refilled cartridges.
To verify and install the correct print cartridges 
1. Make sure the product is on. Press the On button if it is not lit. 
2. Open the print cartridge door, and then wait until the print carriage is idle and 
silent. 
3. Press down lightly on the end of the problem cartridge to release it. 
4. Slide the cartridge out and inspect it:
CAUTION:Do not touch the copper electrical contacts or the ink nozzles.
• Check the electrical contacts for debris. 
• Make sure all the clear nozzle protective tape has been removed.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to remove the copper electrical strip!
5.Read the selection number on the print cartridge label and make sure it is 
compatible with the product. Compatible print cartridges are listed in the printed 
documentation that came with the product.
1Selection number
6. If the print cartridge has the wrong selection number, install a new print cartridge. 
For more information, see Replace the print cartridges . 
7. Close the print cartridge door.
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							If this did not solve the issue, try the next solution.
Solution 2: Clean the print cartridge contacts 
Solution: If the print cartridge selection number is correct and the previous solution 
did not resolve the problem, try cleaning the print cartridge. For more information, see
Clean the print cartridge contacts . 
If the print cartridge status light continues to flash after cleaning the print cartridge, 
replace the print cartridge.  For more information, see Replace the print cartridges. 
If this did not solve the issue, try the next solution.
Solution 3: Print in ink-backup mode
Solution: If you do not have a replacement print cartridge, you can still print in ink 
backup mode. Remove the problem cartridge and print with the remaining cartridge. 
For more information, see:
Use ink-backup mode
Print quality troubleshooting
If you are having problems with print quality, try the solutions in this section and observe 
the following guidelines. 
To troubleshoot print quality issues 
1. Check the print cartridges. 
HP recommends that you use genuine HP print cartridges. Genuine HP print 
cartridges are designed and tested with HP pr inters to help you easily produce great 
results, time after time.
NOTE: HP cannot guarantee the quality or reliability of non-HP supplies. Printer 
service or repairs required as a result of  using a non-HP supply will not be covered 
under warranty. 
If you believe you purchased genuine HP ink cartridges, go to:
www.hp.com/go/anticounterfeit
For more information, see Replace the print cartridges . 
2. Check the ink levels. 
If you have installed a refilled or remanufactured print cartridge, or a cartridge that 
has been used in another printer, the ink level indicator will be inaccurate or
unavailable. The ink levels provided are an  estimate. When print cartridges are truly 
low on ink, printouts will be faded or streaked. As long as print quality is acceptable, 
there is no reason to replace print cartridges. Low ink warnings are provided for
planning purposes only. 
For more information, see Check the estima ted ink levels.
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							3.Make sure you turn off the product by pressing the On button.
CAUTION:Do not turn off the product by turning off a power strip or unplugging 
the power cord from it. If you improperly turn off the product, the print carriage 
does not return to the correct position and the print cartridges can dry out.
4. To achieve the best print quality, HP recommends using HP papers that are 
specifically designed for the type of project you are printing along with genuine HP 
ink. HP papers and HP ink are specifically de signed to work well together to provide 
high-quality output. 
5. Check the product settings to make sure that the print mode and paper selection is 
correct for the paper and the task. 
For more information, see Set the paper type for printing  and Choose papers for
printing and copying. 
6. If the cartridges are genuine HP and the product is not in backup mode, print a self- 
test report to determine if the product and ink supplies are operating correctly. 
This will use one sheet of plain paper and a very small amount of ink.
For more information, see Print a self-test report . 
7. Evaluate the self-test report. 
If the self-test report shows a defect, try the following: 
• Clean the print cartridges automatically. For more information, see Clean the print
cartridges . 
• If you are missing lines when you print, clean the electrical contacts. For more 
information, see Clean the print cartridge contacts . 
• Replace the print cartridge. For more information, see Replace the print
cartridges . 
For more information, see Print a self-test report . 
8. If the self-test report does not show a problem, investigate other causes, such as the 
image file or software program. 
For additional print cartridge troubleshooting, visit the HP Web site at www.hp.com/
support . 
This section contains the following topics:
•Wrong, inaccurate, or bleeding colors 
•Ink is not fillin g the text or graphics completely 
•The printout has a horizontal band of distortion near the bottom of a borderless print 
•Printouts have horizont al streaks or lines 
•Printouts are faded or have dull colors
•Printouts seem blurry or fuzzy 
•Printouts have vertical streaks 
•Printouts are slanted or skewed
•Ink streaks on the back of the paper
•Paper is not picked up from the input tray 
•The text edges are jagged
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							Wrong, inaccurate, or bleeding colors
If your printout has one of the following print quality problems, try the solutions in this 
section for help. 
• Colors look different than what you expected. 
For example, the colors in your graphic or photo look one way on your computer 
screen but print out differently, or magenta was replaced with cyan in your printout. 
• Colors run into each other, or look like they are smeared on the page. The edges 
might have a feathering appearance instead of being sharp and defined. 
Try the following solutions if the colors appear wrong, inaccurate, or bleed into each other.
•Solution 1: HP recommends using genuine HP print cartridges 
•Solution 2: Check the paper loaded in the input tray 
•Solution 3: Check the paper type
•Solution 4: Check to see if the product is in ink-backup mode
•Solution 5: Check the print settings 
•Solution 6: Clean the print cartridges 
Solution 1: HP recommends using genuine HP print cartridges 
Solution: Check to see if your print cartridges are genuine HP print cartridges. 
HP recommends that you use genuine HP print cartridges. Genuine HP print 
cartridges are designed and tested with HP pr inters to help you easily produce great 
results, time after time.
NOTE: HP cannot guarantee the quality or reliability of non-HP supplies. Printer 
service or repairs required as a result of  using a non-HP supply will not be covered 
under warranty. 
If you believe you purchased genuine HP print cartridges, go to:
www.hp.com/go/anticounterfeit
Cause: Non-HP ink was being used. 
If this did not solve the issue, try the next solution.
Solution 2: Check the paper loaded in the input tray
Solution: Make sure the paper is loaded correctly and that it is not wrinkled or too 
thick. 
• Load paper with the side you want to print on facing down. For example, if you 
are loading glossy photo p aper, load the paper with the glossy side down. 
• If the paper is too close to the print cartridge during printing, the ink might be 
smeared. This can happen if the paper is raised, wrinkled, or very thick, such as
a mailing envelope. Make sure the paper lays flat in the input tray and is not 
wrinkled.
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							For more information, see: 
•Load paper 
•Information on paper 
Cause: The paper was loaded incorrectly, or it was wrinkled or too thick. 
If this did not solve the issue, try the next solution.
Solution 3: Check the paper type 
Solution: HP recommends that you use HP Advanced Papers or any other paper 
type that is appropriate for the product. 
Always make sure the paper you are printing on is flat. For best results when printing 
images, use HP Advanced Photo Paper. 
Store photo media in its original packaging inside a resealable plastic bag on a flat 
surface in a cool, dry place. When you are ready to print, remove only the paper you 
plan to use immediately. When you have finished printing, return any unused photo
paper to the plastic bag. This will prevent the photo paper from curling.
NOTE: There is no problem with the ink supplies and replacing the print 
cartridges is unnecessary.
For more information, see: 
•Recommended papers for printing and copying 
•Information on paper 
Cause: The wrong kind of paper was loaded in the input tray. 
If this did not solve the issue, try the next solution.
Solution 4: Check to see if the product is in ink-backup mode
Solution: Check to see if the the product is printing in ink-backup mode, with only 
one print cartridge installed. 
If the product is in ink-backup mode, text and photo quality will differ from those printed 
when using both print cartridges. 
If you are satisfied with the print quality, continue printing in ink-backup mode. Or, 
replace the missing print cartridge. 
For more information, see: 
•Use ink-backup mode 
•Replace the print cartridges 
Cause: A print cartridge was missing and the product was printing in ink-backup 
mode. 
If this did not solve the issue, try the next solution.
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							Solution 5: Check the print settings 
Solution: Check the print settings. 
• Check the print settings to see if the color settings are incorrect. 
For example, check to see if the document is set to print in grayscale. Or, check 
to see if advanced color sett ings such as saturation, brightness, or color tone, are 
set to modify the appearance of colors. 
• Check the print quality setting and make sure it matches the type of paper loaded 
in the product. 
You might need to choose a lower print quality setting, if colors are running into 
each other. Or, choose a higher setting if you are printing a high-quality photo,
and then make sure photo paper such as HP Advanced Photo Paper, is loaded
in the input tray.
NOTE: On some computer screens, colors might appear differently than they do 
when printed on paper. In this case, there is nothing wrong with the product, print
settings, or print cartridges. No further troubleshooting is required.
For more information, see: 
•Change the print speed or quality 
•Choose papers for printing and copying 
Cause: The print settings were set incorrectly. 
If this did not solve the issue, try the next solution.
Solution 6: Clean the print cartridges
Solution: Print a self-test report to determine if there is a problem with the print 
cartridges. If the self-test report shows a problem, clean the print cartridges. If the 
problem persists, you might need to replace the print cartridges. 
For more information on  print cartridges, see Print cartridge troubleshooting. 
Cause: The print cartridges need to be cleaned.
Ink is not filling the text or graphics completely
Try the following solutions if the ink is not filling the text or image completely so that it 
appears that parts are missing or blank. 
•Solution 1: HP recommends using genuine HP print cartridges 
•Solution 2: Check the print settings 
•Solution 3: Check the paper type
•Solution 4: Clean the print cartridges 
Solution 1: HP recommends using genuine HP print cartridges 
Solution: Check to see if your print cartridges are genuine HP print cartridges. 
HP recommends that you use genuine HP print cartridges. Genuine HP print 
cartridges are designed and tested with HP pr inters to help you easily produce great 
results, time after time.
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							NOTE:HP cannot guarantee the quality or reliability of non-HP supplies. Printer 
service or repairs required as a result of  using a non-HP supply will not be covered 
under warranty. 
If you believe you purchased genuine HP print cartridges, go to:
www.hp.com/go/anticounterfeit
Cause: Non-HP ink was being used. 
If this did not solve the issue, try the next solution.
Solution 2: Check the print settings
Solution: Check the print settings. 
• Check the paper type setting to make sure it matches the type of paper loaded in 
the input tray. 
• Check the quality setting. Use a higher quality setting to increase the amount of 
ink used for printing. 
For more information, see:
•Set the paper type for printing 
•Change the print speed or quality 
•Print using Maximum dpi
•Make a Fast copy 
Cause: The paper type or print quality settings were incorrectly. 
If this did not solve the issue, try the next solution.
Solution 3: Check the paper type
Solution: HP recommends that you use HP Advanced Papers or any other paper 
type that is appropriate for the product. 
Always make sure the paper you are printing on is flat. For best results when printing 
images, use HP Advanced Photo Paper. 
Store photo media in its original packaging inside a resealable plastic bag on a flat 
surface in a cool, dry place. When you are ready to print, remove only the paper you 
plan to use immediately. When you have finished printing, return any unused photo
paper to the plastic bag. This will prevent the photo paper from curling.
NOTE: There is no problem with the ink supplies and replacing the print 
cartridges is unnecessary.
For more information, see: 
•Recommended papers for printing and copying 
•Information on paper 
Cause: The wrong kind of paper was loaded in the input tray.
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							If this did not solve the issue, try the next solution.
Solution 4: Clean the print cartridges 
Solution: Print a self-test report to determine if there is a problem with the print 
cartridges. If the self-test report shows a problem, clean the print cartridges. If the
problem persists, you might need to replace the print cartridges. 
For more information on  print cartridges, see Print cartridge troubleshooting. 
Cause: The print cartridges need to be cleaned.
The printout has a horizontal band of distortion near the bottom of a borderless 
print
Try the following solutions if your borderless print has a blurry band or line on the bottom 
of it.
NOTE: There is no problem with the ink supplies and replacing the print cartridges 
is unnecessary.
•Solution 1: Check the paper type 
•Solution 2: Check the print quality setting 
•Solution 3: Rotate the image 
Solution 1: Check the paper type 
Solution: HP recommends that you use HP Advanced Papers or any other paper 
type that is appropriate for the product. 
Always make sure the paper you are printing on is flat. For best results when printing 
images, use HP Advanced Photo Paper. 
Store photo media in its original packaging inside a resealable plastic bag on a flat 
surface in a cool, dry place. When you are ready to print, remove only the paper you 
plan to use immediately. When you have finished printing, return any unused photo 
paper to the plastic bag. This will prevent the photo paper from curling.
NOTE: There is no problem with the ink supplies and replacing the print 
cartridges is unnecessary.
For more information, see: 
•Recommended papers for printing and copying 
•Information on paper 
Cause: The wrong kind of paper was loaded in the input tray. 
If this did not solve the issue, try the next solution.
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							Solution 2: Check the print quality setting 
Solution: Check the quality setting. Use a higher quality setting to increase the 
amount of ink used for printing.
NOTE: For maximum dpi resolution, go to the Advanced tab, and then select 
Enabled  from the Maximum dpi drop-down list. For more information, see Print
using Maximum dpi.
For more information, see: 
•Change the print speed or quality 
•Print using Maximum dpi 
•Make a Fast copy 
Cause: The print quality setting was set too low. 
If this did not solve the issue, try the next solution.
Solution 3: Rotate the image
Solution: If the problem persists, use the software you installed with the product or 
another software application to rotate your image 180 degrees so that the light blue,
gray, or brown hues in your image do not print at the bottom of the page. 
For more information, see:
Change the page orientation 
Cause: The photo image had light blue, gray, or brown hues that print near the 
bottom of the page.
Printouts have horizontal streaks or lines
Try the following solutions if your printout has lines, streaks, or marks on it that run side- 
to-side across the width of the page. 
•Solution 1: Make sure the paper is loaded correctly 
•Solution 2: Check the print quality setting 
•Solution 3: If the print cartridge was dropped, wait for it to recover
•Solution 4: Clean the print cartridge nozzles 
•Solution 5: Clean the print cartridges 
Solution 1: Make sure the paper is loaded correctly 
Solution: Make sure the paper is loaded correctly. 
For more information, see:
Load full-size paper
Cause: The paper was not feeding properly or was not loaded correctly. 
If this did not solve the issue, try the next solution.
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