HP PSC 500 ink replacement problem

[Heyward Ehrlich]

Since refilling the HP PSC 500 b&w cartridge rather than replacing it, I
have been able to print only in black or magenta (no other colors). At HP's
advice I've
done software cleaning, physical cleaning, and original cartridge
replacement, each several times with no improvement.

HP wants about $125 US for repair/exchange with shipping -- more than the
cost of a comparable simple unit today. Although the HP PSC 500 is old, I'd
like to rescue it for casual use because of its small footprint as installed
printer, scanner, and copier -- and mostly because I still have several
unused HP cartridges, not compatible with any newer printer.

Any ideas?

Heyward Ehrlich, USA
(e-mail address removed)

 

[Bob Headrick]

Since refilling the HP PSC 500 b&w cartridge rather than replacing it, I
have been able to print only in black or magenta (no other colors). At HP's
advice I've
done software cleaning, physical cleaning, and original cartridge
replacement, each several times with no improvement.

The symptom you describe is generally caused by a cartrdige that is very old.
Check the expiration date on your cartridge as shown at the following:
http://www.hp.com/cposupport/printers/support_doc/bpa02014.html If the
cartridge is beyond its warranty date or if the date format is not as shown on
that page (indicating a very old cartridge) you need a fresh color cartridge.
If the cartridge is still in its warranty period contact HP or your dealer for
a replacement.

You can verify that the cartridge is the problem by carefully blotting the
printhead on a soft, damp, lint-free cloth. If you see a single stripe of
magenta rather than three stripes (cyan, magenta and yellow) it is a clear
indication that the cartridge is the problem.

When buying a new cartridge be sure to look for the "install by" date on the
package. I would look for cartridges with at least six months left before the
"install by" date.

Regards,
Bob Headrick, not speaking for my employer HP

 

[DemonHole]

I had the same problem with our HP PSC 500 Color All In One Laserjet printer and the cartridges purchesed over the internet. Reading the above posts and a few others I realized that the colors were failing in a reliable specific order. This made me assume that because of the chemistry of the inks, they were probably crystalizing and clogging the cartridge at different points with age. I considered that the only way to get these to work again would be to melt the crystals back into solution. I didn't want to heat it in the oven because I thought this would damage the electronics and warp the plastic. I didn't want to submerge it thinking this would also damage it. I decided to heat it with a moist heat in a stove-top vegatable steamer for 5 minutes. When this was done I shook it vigorously over the sink to make sure everything mixed thoroughly. When I tried the blot test mentioned above I saw all three colors. I allowed the cartridge to cool so that I didn't damage any printer parts when reinserted. When I did, VOILA!! It worked perfectly and continued to work until the cartridge ran out. This has worked for 4 cartridges purchased at Walmart who's return period had passed and saved us almost $280.00 from having to throw them away. TRY THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK. It worked very well for me but I make no guarantees.