Left hand side of page (about 2" strip) is not printing at all. I ran 'diagnostics and all that I got was 'Unexpected message 6B26'. Any ideas on how to fix?

Perform Tap 41 PRINTHEAD Health Diagnostics Test, along with supporting service level/diagnostic tests (service menu access procedures do vary by HP printer model, refer to HP printer diagnostics document, pages 45-47, to view normal display messages, http://inkjet411.com/?page_id=1813 )
Tap 41 PRINTHEAD Health Diagnostics (NOTE: applies to touchscreen printer models only):
1.Press 'Return' button (lower left side) four (4) times until 'Support' menu is displayed.
2.At 'Support' Menu, using the arrow key, navigate to the 'Service Menu', press Ok.
3.Use arrow keys to advance to the 'Special Reports' Menu. Select OK.
4.Use arrow keys to advance to the 'print mech button tap' menu. Select Ok.
5.'code = 0' will be displayed. Use arrows keys to change value to '41' (i.e. press and hold right arrow key).
6.When 'Code = 41', select 'OK'. The diagnostic test pattern will print.
7.Check the 4th line at the top of the printed report; an electrically good/stable PRINTHEAD will state "Pen Status: Pen OK".........if any other message is displayed then the PRINTHEAD may have failed and may need to be replaced. Re-seat PRINTHEAD and/or clean rear electrical contacts and repeat 'Tap 41' test to verify connectivity is not the issue.

Nozzle test (use to determine if all ink cartridge nozzles/printhead is firing all colors properly)
Press return arrow 4 times
2.Press support menu
3.Press right arrow 5 times to print diagnostic menu and press ok
4.At nozzle test press ok
Self test/printer status (use to print internal printer settings)
Press return arrow 4 times
2.Press support menu
3.Press right hand arrow 7 times to reports menu and press ok
4.At self test report press ok
Extended self test (use to evaluate color performance and obtain total page count)
Press return arrow 4 times
2.Press support menu
3.Press right hand arrow 7 times to reports menu and press ok
4.Press right hand arrow 1 time to extended self-test and press ok
Print Quality Diagnostic Page (use to determine if printing alignment is correct)
Press return arrow 4 times
2.Press support menu
3.Press right hand arrow 7 times to reports menu and press ok
4.Press right hand arrow 2 times to Print Quality diagnostic report and press ok
Print head recovery (runs 'intensive' printhead service cleaning routines, i.e. for a clogged printhead)
1.Press home key twice
2.Then return key
3.Then home key twice
4.Then return key
5.Then home key twice...............this will gain access to the Engineering Menu
6.Press the 'service menu'
7.Press right arrow 4 times to 'service test' and press ok
8.Press right arrow:
a.16 times to 'print head rec level 1' (basic recovery)
b.17 times to 'print head rec level 2' (medium recovery)
c.18 times to 'print head rec level 3' (thorough recovery)....suggested for severe streaking
9.Press 'ok' to activate either of the 3 selections above.
Semi full reset (can be used to help address intermittent or incorrect printer behavior issues)
1.Press return arrow 4 times
2.Press support menu
3.Press right hand arrow 2 times to Resets menu and press ok
4.Press right hand arrow 2 times to semi full reset and press ok (Note: this will return printer to factory default condition; regional setup will be required following this action)

* Failure of the PRINTHEAD has nothing to do with refilled ink cartridges; the PRINTHEAD assembly is a separate electronic unit in which the cartridges plug into and feed ink into. Refer to NOTE below.


4) To rule out printer/cartridge connectivity (assembly interface/connection) issues please ensure you have followed all steps on HP's support page - this includes PRINTHEAD removal and thorough cleaning of the electrical surfaces on the PRINTHEAD and on the CARRIAGE ASSEMBLY:
http://www8.hp.com/h22157/video-gallery/us/en/customer-care/printers-and-all-in-ones/replace-ink-and-toner/2286857593001/replacing-the-printhead---hp-officejet-pro-8600-e-all-in-one-printer/video/

For HP Officejet 6600 / 6700 printer models which suffer a calibration error, more than likely either the PRINTHEAD has connectivity issues (i.e. remove, clean all contact points, and reinstall), compatible/clone ink cartridge chips are causing the issue, the PRINTHEAD is approaching end of life, or not all ink nozzles are firing and therefore the printer is unable to calibration. Perform the following diagnostic checks to help make a determination:

Tap 41 PRINTHEAD Health Diagnostics (NOTE: applies to touchscreen 6600/6700/8600/8700 printer models only):


1.Press 'Return' button (lower left side) four (4) times until 'Support' menu is displayed.
2.At 'Support' Menu, using the arrow key, navigate to the 'Service Menu', press Ok.
3.Use arrow keys to advance to the 'Special Reports' Menu. Select OK.
4.Use arrow keys to advance to the 'print mech button tap' menu. Select Ok.
5.'code = 0' will be displayed. Use arrows keys to change value to '41' (i.e. press and hold right arrow key).
6.When 'Code = 41', select 'OK'. The diagnostic test pattern will print.
7.Check the 4th line at the top of the printed report; an electrically good/stable PRINTHEAD will state "Pen Status: Pen OK".........if any other message is displayed then the PRINTHEAD may have failed and may need to be replaced. Re-seat PRINTHEAD and/or clean rear electrical contacts and repeat 'Tap 41' test to verify connectivity is not the issue.

Nozzle test (use to determine if all ink cartridge nozzles/printhead is firing all colors properly)
Press return arrow 4 times
2.Press support menu
3.Press right arrow 5 times to print diagnostic menu and press ok
4.At nozzle test press ok


Self test/printer status (use to print internal printer settings)
Press return arrow 4 times
2.Press support menu
3.Press right hand arrow 7 times to reports menu and press ok
4.At self test report press ok


Extended self test (use to evaluate color performance and obtain total page count)
Press return arrow 4 times
2.Press support menu
3.Press right hand arrow 7 times to reports menu and press ok
4.Press right hand arrow 1 time to extended self-test and press ok


Print Quality Diagnostic Page (use to determine if printing alignment is correct)
Press return arrow 4 times
2.Press support menu
3.Press right hand arrow 7 times to reports menu and press ok
4.Press right hand arrow 2 times to Print Quality diagnostic report and press ok
Print head recovery (runs 'intensive' printhead service cleaning routines, i.e. for a clogged printhead)

1.Press home key twice
2.Then return key
3.Then home key twice
4.Then return key
5.Then home key twice...............this will gain access to the Engineering Menu
6.Press the 'service menu'
7.Press right arrow 4 times to 'service test' and press ok
8.Press right arrow:
a.16 times to 'print head rec level 1' (basic recovery)
b.17 times to 'print head rec level 2' (medium recovery)
c.18 times to 'print head rec level 3' (thorough recovery)....suggested for severe streaking
9.Press 'ok' to activate either of the 3 selections above.


Semi full reset (can be used to help address intermittent or incorrect printer behavior issues)

1.Press return arrow 4 times
2.Press support menu
3.Press right hand arrow 2 times to Resets menu and press ok
4.Press right hand arrow 2 times to semi full reset and press ok (Note: this will return printer to factory default condition; regional setup will be required following this action)

For more information on inkjet printer recovery tips, or solutions for a different printer model, please visit http://www.inkjet411.com

-Thank you

Try a brand new document and cover the page in characters and test print. If the issue persists, then please call for service.

Print a diagnostic page If the steps above have not helped, print and evaluate a diagnostic page to see if the cartridges or the printer is causing the problem.

1. Make sure the printer is on and loaded with unused, plain, white paper.
2. Press and hold the Power button and then press the Cancel button. Release both buttons. The diagnostic page prints. Figure 1: Power and Cancel buttons 1 - Cancel button 2 - Power button

Step 4: Note which cartridges printed which areas of the diagnostic page You must identify which cartridge printed which part of the diagnostic page, so that if you find defects on the page, you will know which cartridge is the problem. However, you can install different combinations of print cartridges in your printer, and different cartridge combinations print different diagnostic page patterns. Your diagnostic page may not look exactly like the picture below, but the right and left cartridges will print in the same areas of the page no matter which cartridges are installed. Figure 2: Diagnostic page layout (the patterns in each area may look slightly different on your page) 1 - Printed by the right cartridge 2 - Printed by the left cartridge NOTE: If you are printing in reserve mode (one cartridge is missing), the missing cartridge's area of the diagnostic page will be blank. Step 5: Check ink levels NOTE: If you have installed a refilled or remanufactured ink cartridge, or a cartridge that has been used in another product, the ink level indicator is inaccurate or unavailable. Look in the middle of the diagnostic page. The bars with "E" (for "empty") and "F" (for "full") at each end show the ink levels in the cartridges. As ink is used, the solid color changes to a faded color. Figure 3: Left (tri-color) cartridge almost full - right cartridge empty Figure 4: Both left and right cartridges almost full

Try the following steps

1. Unplug power
2. USING THE FINGER HOLDS ON EITHER SIDE, lock scanner cover into open position
DO NOT TOUCH THE ENCODER STRIP (clear plastic strip in front of the white vinyl band)
3. Remove jammed paper/foreign objects (check under the print head; if the print head is in the middle, slide it to the either the left or the right side, & check for paper scraps underneath the print head)
[IF WHEN THE SCANNER COVER WAS OPENED, THE PRINT HEAD IS ON THE LEFT SIDE]
4. Move the print head to the middle
5. With the print head in the middle, remove any ripped paper/foreign objects from the left corner (SINCE THE RIPPED PAPER COULD BE VERY SMALL, USE A FLASHLIGHT TO INSPECT)
6. Close the scanner cover & plug the machine back into the power outlet
[PERSISTENCE OF THIS ERROR MESSAGE OR NO PAPER SCRAPS/FOREIGN OBJECTS FOUND MEANS THAT THE ENCODER STRIP WILL REQUIRE CLEANING]
[IF WHEN THE SCANNER COVER WAS OPENED, THE PRINT HEAD IS ON THE RIGHT SIDE]
7. Plug the power cord back into the power outlet...LCD will show "Cover is Open"
8. Press Stop/Exit for approximately 5 seconds until the print head moves to the middle
9. UNPLUG MACHINE FROM POWER OUTLET
10. USE A FLASHLIGHT & TWEEZERS TO INSPECT: Remove any debris from the right corner
11. USING THE FINGER HOLDS ON EITHER SIDE, close scanner cover & plug machine into power outlet
[PERSISTENCE OF THIS ERROR MESSAGE OR NO PAPER SCRAPS/FOREIGN OBJECTS FOUND MEANS THAT THE ENCODER STRIP WILL REQUIRE CLEANING]

TO CLEAN THE ENCODER STRIP... (clear plastic strip in front of the white vinyl band)
[Markings & debris can adhere on the surface of encoder strip FROM HAND CONTACT &/OR GREASE CONTACT INCURRED FROM REMOVAL OF JAMMED PAPER]
DO NOT USE FLAMMABLE SUBSTANCES NOR ANY TYPE OF SPRAY TO CLEAN INSIDE/OUTSIDE MACHINE
1. Unplug machine from power outlet
2. USING THE FINGER HOLDS ON EITHER SIDE, lock scanner cover into open position
3. Clean both sides of encoder WITH ONLY A DRY, LINT-FREE CLOTH
DO NOT FORCEFULLY PULL ON ENCODER STRIP
DO NOT TOUCH ENCODER STRIP WITH BARE HANDS
DO NOT FORCEFULLY SCRUB ENCODER STRIP (THAT COULD SCRATCH ITS SURFACE)
4. Clean encoder strip from right to left--stopping just before the left corner
5. Clean encoder strip from left to right--stopping just before the right corner
6. Repeat steps 5 & 6 two or three times to clean thoroughly
7. After cleaning encoder strip, USE FINGER HOLDS TO close scanner cover
8. Plug machine back into power outlet.

inti.50 error code please solve this priblem

There are several issues that can cause an Unable to Print message. Try the following in succession until the printer works.
1) Get a lint free cloth and clean the encoder strip. Lift the scanner unit until it locks open and slide the print head to the right if it isn't there. The encoder strip is in front of the white vinyl band. There is a warning to not touch the encoder strip - this applies to touching it with your hands. Grab the encoder strip (both sides) with the cloth. Wipe vigorously from one end to the other and return at least three times (left to right then right to left each time).
2) Check for any foreign objects (paper or anything else) in the print head path. Use a flashlight to check the corners of the unit. Check under the print head (including that right hand side where it rests during the cleaning of the encoder strip). Move it to the left to check if you moved it to the right.
3) Open the back Jam Clear Cover and check for any jammed paper. Remove anything you find that doesn't belong. Close the Jam Clear Cover.
4) Now close the scanner unit. (If you do this before opening and closing the Jam Clear Cover, the error will not reset at all.) If the error is not cleared, clean the encoder strip again.
5) If the error continues to persist, cycle the power by unplugging the printer for at least two seconds. Then plug it back in.
6) When the error message is gone, run a test by printing the Help List. Press Menu and select Print Reports > Help List and then press Black Start.
7) If the report prints, you have fixed the printer. If it doesn't print and you have cycled the power, the unit needs service. If it is under warranty contact Brother. Before having the unit serviced transfer any faxes in memory to another fax machine if you can. To do this you need to have set a Station ID for this printer (before the error message). If you do have this set, press Menu and go to Service > Data Transfer > Fax Transfer. If you are prompted to enter a fax number, you have faxes in memory. Enter the fax number of the unit that can store the faxes and press Black Start. (If No Data appears, there are no stored faxes. Press Black Start to exit the menu.)

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells

There could be 4 possibilities.

1. Ink cartridges lids are open which is not allowing cartridges to move freely.
2. Ink cartridges carriage will not move from its original position(left) when front cover is opened
3. Encoder strip is Dirty.
4. Encoder strip is Out of position.

Solution:
1. Open the front cover and check if ink cartridges lids are properly snapped in.

2. Turn the printer off and pull out the power cable from power socket, open the front cover and manually center the ink cartridges carriage.
Clean the metallic rod inside the printer using WD40 or Kleenex from Left corner to right corner properly.

3. Cleaning the encoder strip:
a. printer should be off and disconnected from power.
b. open the front cover.
c. Using a dry, lint free cloth, pinch the encoder strip on the right-hand side of the cartridge carriage and pull your fingers across it toward the right-hand side of the printer and you can move the cartridges carriage to clean the strip completely.
d. Note: The encoder strip is a narrow band of clear plastic and can be difficult to see without direct lighting running parallel to metallic rod.
e. Close the printer and try again to print.

4. Repositioning the Encoder strip.
a. Remove the power cord from the printer.
b. Open the front cover.
c. Gently slide the ink cartridge carrier to the middle of the printer.
d. Gently move the top part of the printer belt to the right.
e. Using an index finger, gently push encoder strip down and then back up, to get it back into the slot located on the back of the ink cartridge carrier.
f. Gently press the strip first to the rear, and then forward, to ensure that it is seated correctly.
g. Manually move the ink cartridge carrier to the left, then to the right, to check the positioning of the encoder strip.
h. Once the encoder strip has been re-seated, close the scanner lid.
i. Re-connect the power cord to the printer and try again to print.



Incorrect position of encoder strip




Correct position of Encoder strip




Hope it should fix the issue.

I had this eror. It was caused by indexing error left to right.Would print some then cancel after starting to make clunking and left to right error gets to large.(white edge up the side of full page print).
There is a toothed print head carriage drive belt and a clear indexing strip above the heavily white greased bar behind print head carriage.
If this clear indexing strip gets grease or anything else on it the print head cannot index.
With print head at full right position,power off, I carefully wiped the clear strip by pinching between clean dry fingers and wiping up and down the strip a few times,maybe use cotton wool buds and IPA or methalated spirit if you can't get your fingers in there without breaking the strip. then with power on print head in change cartridge position,push carriage to far left and wipe right side of clear strip.I pushed carriage full left to right a few times,Then ran print head alignment.Fixed without taking apart.

Hi Did you have any print jobs sent to the printer before replacing the printhead. It seems that the printer is trying to print a job and since the usb cable has been disconnected and reconnected the printer is printing blank pages or misc text.