Hp Ink System Failure: Ink System has failed. Unable to print. Refer to Printer documentation. Error: “0xc18a…”
Products that may encounter this problem: (A survey based on Fixya.com database)
HP Photosmarts:
C6180, C6288, C3210, C3310, C5180, C7280, C6188, D7460, C8250, C7180, C5183, C6288, C7268, C6150, C7360, C7160,c309a, C6380 . (Ink System Failure)
As you can see, only Photosmarts encounter this problem, however that does not mean that other HP printers types wont be affected.
Common Error Codes:
0xc19axxxx, 0xc18a0001, 0xc18a030a, 0xc19a003f, 0xc18a0201, 0xc19a0003, 0×05d1281, oxc18a0307, 0xc18a101, 0xc052281, 0xc05d0281, 0xc18a0306, 0xc19ac3ff, 0xc18a0101, 0xc19a0031, 0xc18a0007, 0xc18a506
Troubleshooting:
When you have one these error messages on your printer screen there are two things that you need to consider to enlighten yourself on what to do when you are in this kind of situation.
Is your product in warranty or out of warranty?
For In-Warranty products, please do not do any self troubleshooting. Immediately contact HP technical support to have them troubleshoot the problem for you. In most cases, printers with these error messages are replaced but you must also be patient and follow the technical support’s instructions and basic troubleshooting. I recommend you to read our article on how to contact HP technical phone support.
For Out-of-Warranty products, I am afraid you have to exert extra effort to be able to resolve this issue on you HP printer. Below are ways that I recommend to resolve this.
You need to do some basic troubleshooting steps below and hope that it would fix the problem.
- Disconnect the Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable from the back of the product, but leave the product turned on.
- Open the cover of the product and remove the print cartridges.
- Close the cover and wait for the Insert Ink Cartridges message to display.
- Disconnect the power cord from the back of the product and the wall socket, then wait for one minute.
- Reconnect the power cord. If the product does not automatically turn on, press the Power button.
- Open the cover and reinsert the print cartridges.
- Close the cover. If prompted, print a calibration page.
- Print a Self Test to verify product is functional.
- Reconnect the USB cable, and try to print from the computer.
- If the error is still there continue reading…
Generally, when you have this type of error message displayed on your printer screen your printer may be permanently damage, resetting your hp printer may fix it in some cases but it is almost certain that the problem wil reoccur.
“0xC18″ errors may also mean that the printer’s temperature is below 40F/5C.. Try warming up the printer and try again. If you have reached this part already and still the problem is not yet fixed, do not worry I still have 3 more suggestions to help you with this problem.
1. Chat for free in real time with an HP online support agent. Hopefully, HP can be able to support you on this.
2. I have stumbled upon a solved problem at fixya wherin user SagarJD was able to provide a special reset for the ink system and was able to successfully solve the ink system failure with error:OXC18a0205. You can try following his procedure.
3. If you have reached this part already, then most probably your product’s Ink System is permanently damaged and it is certainly unrecoverable. Servicing the printer is not what I recommend on this. Instead, I suggest you call HP tech support and upgrade your printer to newer model.
By the way, there is another way. By now you are getting ready to replace your printer, right? Why don’t you this last solution, and try it to resolve this issue. This step is only intended for OUT-OF-WARRANTY products ONLY as doing this step on IN-WARRANTY products can VOID YOUR WARRANTY. Do this step at your own risk.
There is a CMOS battery inside your printer that keeps track on your printer’s history. Ink replacements, resets, etc… Try resetting the data stored on your Hp product by removing the CMOS battery and then putting it back in after 30 minutes. Unfortunately I could not tell where you can find this battery inside your product as location differs for different products but here’s what the battery should look like inside your printer.
Related Links:
- This link is a resolved issue regarding an Ink System Failure error message on a Photosmart C6180. It features an online dialogue between the author and an HP chat support technician.
- Natong’s procedures on the comments Below seems to have helped a lot of people. Check it out.
FIxed!! Thanks to you!
the battery is the circular thing on the left… tried removing it and placing it back in and it worked! thanks to the author! you saved me some $.
How do you get to the Battery from the bottom?
Thanks for the CMOS battery comment. I know you said you don’t know where the location of the battery is…I’ve looked at it and can’t find it anywhere. I have taken it apart–is that what I have to do with a screwdriver? Any clue as to the location of it? Would it be internal or external. Any advice is greatly appreciated.
the “CMOS Battery SOlution” unfortunately yielded very low success results.. Only 2 out of 11 has success with it. I do not recommend it anymore…
What I could suggest, if the resetting the printer does not resolve the issue, is to call HP and have your printer upgraded (available for out of warranty products only)…. It is a refurbished printer but you can actually save with it up to $100 dollar savings. Plus it has a normal warranty with it of 1 year! You also have the option for extended warranty up to 2 years at very low prices as low as 20 dollars.
Basically it would be like buying a refurbished printer that is cheaper, and if you add a 2 year extended warranty on it, your investment will be protected for 2 years + 1 year normal warranty = 3years. Any hardware failures such as this one HP will prioritize your replacement and sent it on the next business day which is standard for extended warranties, unlike normal warranties which usually takes 12 days to arrive.
thanks so much, this worked for my mom. i am so mad at hp, how do they sleep at night pullin this s***. this is outright theivery in my opinion. i have used hp printers since the 80’s but not any more, no more new ones for us.
This is total scam on HP’s part. The printer is set to fail at a certain point, so HP can “conveniently,” offer people a referbished printer. Wouldn’t be surprised if it my printer that I get back once they reset it! How obvious is it when dozens of people have problems with ink errors or new cartritges that the printer reads as being empty. Won’t print in color. HP, you got this thing wired!
It works for my case.
This is what i have done.
1. press LEFT and RIGHT buttons at the same time
2.Enter code 123
Press Right button to Print Tests Menu -> OK
3. Nozzle Test -> OK
Then reset the printer:
1. Power OFF
2. Press OK and Cancel then power on
that's all! Good luck
I have the same problem. My printer is the model 3210.
I tried the steps you say but does not solve. I can do more?
The following partially worked for me:
- press LEFT and RIGHT buttons at the same time
- Enter code 123
- Press Right button until System Config Menu. – Press OK
- Hardware Failure Status. Press OK
- Press OK to Clear.
- Cancel
- Press Right button to Ink Initialization Status -> Press OK (change to Set)
- Cancel
- Cancel
- Ink initialisation now starts
Also try the nozzle check as described in an earlier post.
The error does keep coming back after powering off, but in the meantime I can print.
How would you enter 123 without a keypad? I have the c5180 all-in-one model. I don’t have a number pad on mine?
“Hardware Failure Status. Press OK”
it worked! thanks…
Ultimate Solutions given.
Thanks For everything.
Regards
ALICE
I have a c5180 hp all in one printer. It said the cyan and the black were empty. So I went out and bought all brand new cartridges. Put them in and it still says the cyan and black are empty? What would be wrong with the printer? Micro pump? Print head? Is there a magical trick to make it work again, lol? Any help ould be greatly appreciated. I really don’t want to take it in to get fixed, would cost big bucks I think.
Hello Jason! First thing you need to do is clean the cartridge contacts (the copper part) also the contacts inside the printer. If it does not resolve the problem, go ahead and reset the printer
The “reset the printer” link does not refer to reset my printer. I have the c5180 All-In-One Model.
Also, I tried cleaning all the contacts. I also cleaned the cartridge contacts.
Do you have reset link for the c5180 model? Thanks.
Hi Jason, Have a look for master reset on http://www.fixya.com/support/t222625-ink_system_failure
Thank you Andrew sooooooooooo muchfor the site where I found my help. I was about to throw this printer out and buy a new one but not *HP* until I ran across someone from the link you provided to fix my error… 0xc18a0001 ink system failure… and it worked… I was skeptical because I had tried alot of these to no avail… but I finally found one and I do believe that if any one is having the same or similar error.. all that needs done is a RESET>>>>>>>>>>>>>.. thank you so much
Diana
Thank you Andrew sooooooooooo muchfor the site where I found my help. I was about to throw this printer out and buy a new one but not *HP* until I ran across someone from the link you provided to fix my error… 0xc18a0001 ink system failure… and it worked… I was skeptical because I had tried alot of these to no avail… but I finally found one and I do believe that if any one is having the same or similar error.. all that needs done is a RESET>>>>>>>>>>>>>.. thank you so much
Diana
how do you clean the copper heads?
Use a clean cloth. Make sure there is no ink on the copper contacts. Also clean contacts inside the printer.
Excellent – the link to the fixta sorted me out. I didn’t need to take out the battery just go through the engineers menu option on the printer to clear the fault. One wonders how much a shop would have charged for doing exactly that!
Yes, Sagarjd’s solution has turned out to very effective in resolving this issue for certain HP printers… Thank you for your comment by the way..
Regards,
Nik
I had a trouble: error system 0xc05d0381. I tried to reset the machine but it showed different messages, I localized the CMOS battery and retired for 30 minutes and problem solved. My printer is Photosmart C7280, and the CMOS battery is at the right side of the printer, under a green plaque.
Thank you so mauch for your help.
My HP printer is not an all in one but I continue to get the 0xc18a0101 error after all the troubleshooting I’ve done. I’m to the point of trash or try to find the battery to remove and reset. any suggestions for a photosmart printer? It is smarter than I am just now.
May I knwo what is the model of your printer?
Try Natong’s instructions on this page – it just worked for me.
My printer is C7280 and error code is 0xc18a0505.
1. press * and # to enter a secret support menu.
2. Enter code 123
3. Press Right button until “System Config Menu”. Press OK.
4. Hardware Failure Status. Press OK
5. Press OK to Clear.
6. Cancel
7. Press Right button to Ink Initialization Status. Press OK
8. Cancel and Cancel to the secret support main menu.
9. Press Right button until “Print Tests Menu”. Press OK.
10. Nozzle Test. Press OK
11. Wait until the print test is finish.
12. Press Cancel and Candel until the error 0×00000000 appear and then power off.
13. Power On again. The error disappear.
NATONG: You are a lifesaver! My one & 1/2 yr old C7280 all in one flashed the “ink system failure – Error: 0xc18a0101″, and stopped working. HP somewhere in India told me to trash it – it could not be fixed and pressured me to buy a refurbished model from them – for more than I bought this one for, new, at Office Depot! What a scam! Luckily I found your set of instructions and in 5 minutes – I restored it to normal function. I don’t know if the fix is permanent or not, but at least I don’t have to send it to the trash just yet. I am distrustful of HP now, and I believe they would not offer me the simple assistance that you did – simply out of greed and a need to sell more products. I hope others with the same problems I had – read your instructions and have success in restoring their printers.
you are the man !!!!! it worked for my c6180 thank you !!
Thankkkkkkkkk
My printer is C7280 and error code is 0xc18a0505.
1. press * and # to enter a secret support menu.
2. Enter code 123
3. Press Right button until “System Config Menu”. Press OK.
4. Hardware Failure Status. Press OK
5. Press OK to Clear.
6. Cancel several times until the error 0×00000000 appear and then power off at lease 30 seconds.
7. Power On again. The error disappear.
You welcome! Natong
Hi My printer is the HP photosmart 3310 allinone. I’m getting the error message ” ink catridge problem – The following ink catridge missing”
Kindly help.
Are u using genuine HP ink cartridges?
If yes, then follow these HP documents:
Ink Cartridge Missing Solution Document
If not,
then replace inks with geuine HP..
Regards,
Nik
Hi Nik
I got the refilled ink catridges. Will it work if I get the geniune ones?
Thanx
Suj
1) Hold ok,cancel,black & color buttons opon power on to reset.
if that dont work try photo tray & instant share buttons
Use pin on the two tubs in print head. (Follow the holes on the ink cartridge)
Hi Sammy,
for my photosmart 3310 (with error 0xc18) was this the solution for a real reset:
1) Hold ok,cancel,black & color buttons opon power on to reset.
There were no hardwareproblem!!!!!! The printer works like a new one.
Much thanks and regards from
Ingo
Weyhe, Germany
Yes, this works, although probably with small changes. My HP C7180 gave me the 0xc18a0007 ink system error. * & # got me to the secret menu, and I did as the poster suggested with “system config menu” and “ink nozzle” menu. Except I was never able to get the 0×0000000 screen. Instead it told me none of the cartridges were the right ones (They were all genuine HP ink cartridges, all more than 50% full!) I happened to have a new package of color ink cartridges, so I put those in, and tried to print a test report. It wouldn’t do it, so I hit “cancel.” Then it froze. So I unplugged it, waited, plugged it back in, and now it works fine. The only issue is that it gives me the wrong date (months ago) for installing the new cartridges. It took me three hours+ to fix. I suggest you don’t give up, put in new cartridges, and keep playing with it. Clearly there is nothing mechanically wrong with the printer. It’s just its internal software that is screwed up. (By the way, HP support has never gotten back to me–except with e-mails saying they WILL get back to me. But they never did.) If this is such a common problem, why doesn’t HP post the fix on their own Web site? Or, better yet, figure out what causes the problem (obviously something to do with the ink cartridges) and fix it?
Thank you! Our C7180 was displaying Ink System failure 0xc18a0201. This solution fixed the problem.
Hello Nikolai!
A comment on your comment above :”refilled ink cartridges sometimes damage the printer”. OK, it is not impossible that it really might happen but my experience with more than twenty dreadful “Inc failure problems” during the years (with different number-codes) says me that it is only a HYPOCONDRIC problem created by HP (Never a physical (hardware) problem but only in the mind (CMOS-memmory). I have sucessfully solved all of them although I use refilled inc cartridges!.
When the recommedations above with reset, battery etc didnt work anymore I tried a really drastic method since I had already decided to throw away the piece of HP-shit anyway.
I found out that the CMOS-memmory sometimes “remembered” the error code even when the CMOS-battery was removed, probably due to some capacitors.
I took out the circuit card with the CMOS-memmory and battery (HP 3310), removed the battery and tried to discharge all capacitors by applying soaking wet paper directly on the card. This might be enough but it has happen that I had to do it even more thoroughly with a piece of copper wire with free and fine copper threads at both ends like two small copper brushes which I randomly “painted” the circuit and especially in the slit around the sheltered CMOS-memmory.
I really cant recommend my drastic methods since it really might damage your printer for real, but instead of throwing it away….
Peter,
Your methods may just be the solution for unresolved ink system failures on HP printers. Thank you for sharing it.
Nik
how to reset Hp photosmart c 7200 ink system failure
I believe what you are looking for is within this page. Thank you.
Hi,
I think the solution is shown itself in this page mr prakash!!
Just apply it asap n cheers or do call me i vil help you
my numbers 9892409318.
Taher
Hi I a problem in the HP C7280 has a problem with the ink system has fail ed unable to copy receive faxes or print refer to printer documentation error 0×18a0306 turn power off then on again please help me thank you
Try this if you want to see what service personal at HP doing when you give them your printer to fix:
Press Left right / or / *# on HP3110
Press 123
Press 7664
Have fun!
Solution for Photosmart C7280 all-in-one, error 0xc18a0106.
I used the solution by Nathong:
1. press * and # to enter a secret support menu.
2. Enter code 123
3. Press Right button until “System Config Menu”. Press OK.
4. Hardware Failure Status. Press OK
5. Press OK to Clear.
6. Cancel several times until the error 0×00000000 appear and then power off at lease 30 seconds.
7. Power On again. The error disappear.
IT WORKED!!!!
I called HP support, the first time a guy from India told me that It was an hardware error “inside the port”, and the only solution was to upgrade to a better printer.
I was mad, the printer is only 2 years old and I had a lot of HP ink in stock (all the new printers uses different cartridges).
I called again HP support few days later (in the night) and another guy from India told me that my printer was out of warranty; but paying $34.99 for a one-call-plan-support (or $65.99 for a 1-year-plan-support) he could fix the problem transferring me to the technicians and that the problem was an hardware one but it could be fixed by the phone. He was REALLY SURE about it. It did not propose me any upgraded printer.
Suspicious, I hanged up and started a long night reading as much forum as possible. I tryed all the switch on/off, remove cartridges, untill at 1 am I went throu Nathong procedure.
IT WORKS!!!!!
Suggestions:
- try HP support (if you are in warranty, it is ok);
- if you are out of warranty, try to figure out if it is a fixable problem or not;
- read the forums and good luck…
BTW I suspect the procedure I did was able to reset the CMOS without removing it!
Thank you again.
It works for my C6180 Thank you guys….
I used NATONG method. The error disapper at lease ~ 10 pages and then come again and again every ~10 – 12 pages printed.
Fix Paper Mismatch Error
1. Press * and # at the same time, and then release both keys.
2. The display reads “Enter Special Key Combo”. Press 329.
3. The display window should read “Service: R0622M” with a revision number. Press the right arrow button once.
4. The display should read “System Configuration”. Press Enter or OK.
5. You will be prompted to enter serial number. Do not enter any information.
6. Press the right arrow button until “media sense calibration” appears in the display.
7. Load Paper into the unit and then press Enter or OK.
8. Media Sense Calibration process will take place.
Play game
1. Press * and # at the same time, and then release both keys.
2. The display should read “Enter Special Key Combo”. Press 7664.
I have a C7180 Photosmart and tried the solution given by Natong. Now I get an error message telling me that the original cartridges that were supplied with the product must be installed. I don’t have these cartridges so where do I go now? Any help would be much appreciated.
R18
Farkn HP wankers Time and money!!! well they have both.. I have a wanker (Hp) photosmart 3110 All in one.. After spending $160.00 on new ink cartridges, whats wrong with the ones allready in there thats write they have expired!!!! and still full. Strange how you can buy a new printer for under $200.00 just dump ya old one!! I could go on an on!!!!
Any way THANK YOU SAMMY Hold ok cancel black color button and at the same time turn off the printer, has reset the printer and is working like new.
Ps to every body eles thank you I tryed them all,
Regards Granta
Man I messed up. I accidentally reset my ink levels in the secret support menu. Now it says I have the wrong cartridges. Is there a solution to this problem?
NaTong, I have accidentally reset my ink levels in the secret menu. It tells me that I new have the wrong cartridges in my printer. How can I fix this problem? HP C6180
I used the Natong solution for my printer C6180 for the error “ink delivery system failure.” I was just about ready to give up and buy a new printer. This may be a temporary fix, but I appreciate not having to spend extra $ during the holidays.
The solution was posted on August 2nd. But I pasted it below for easy access.
Thanks Natong.
1. press * and # to enter a secret support menu.
2. Enter code 123
3. Press Right button until “System Config Menu”. Press OK.
4. Hardware Failure Status. Press OK
5. Press OK to Clear.
6. Cancel
7. Press Right button to Ink Initialization Status. Press OK
8. Cancel and Cancel to the secret support main menu.
9. Press Right button until “Print Tests Menu”. Press OK.
10. Nozzle Test. Press OK
11. Wait until the print test is finish.
12. Press Cancel and Candel until the error 0×00000000 appear and then power off. (***note, this step did not happen for me*** the printer just worked like normal)
13. Power On again. The error disappear.
SLIGHTLY more than JUST a Software FIX
I tried this great site and another Link for my C6180 problem – INK SYSTEM FAILURE (Other Link was http://fix-your-printer.blogspot.com/2009/03/ink-system-failure-on-hp-photosmart.html
I know the fix works for most problems – and I tried it several times – but my C6180 was really noisy – and the error persisted.
I’m not a techi – but saw the very 1st posting here – so I started looking inside and then found the problem. I lifted up the COVER TOP – and while looked past the Cartridges – through the oblong aperture to the LEFT side – noticed there should be 2 white nylon gears (Together). BUT the smaller 1 was missing – just an empty shaft?
Only realized what was wrong because I have 2 C6180’s (Both out of Warranty).
The 2nd part was a little more tricky!!
(NB – ONLY try this if your machine is out of warranty – you turn off all power – and are prepared to be adventurous, careful, but FIRM)
After picking up the machine and shaking it in all directions – I eventually heard the missing Gear – BUT ONLY found it by removing the LEFT side cover (Not too difficult)
I then replaced the cog – it just clipped back onto the shaft – and after a restart the GEAR was intitially used constantly while the INK CHECK was being done – NOW all works perfectly!!
This fixed the error code “Wrong Cartridges”.
Performing a semi-full reset of the All-in-One
1.
Use the On button to turn on the product.
2.
Remove the power cord from the product.
3.
Press and hold the # and 6 buttons.
4.
While holding the buttons down, connect the power cord to the product.
5.
Continue to hold the buttons down until the color graphics display becomes blank, then release the buttons.
6.
Use the On button to turn on the product. The reset information appears on the color graphics display.
Just threw our 7360, exactly one year old, in the trash due to the ink system failure. It’s a real shame HP feels it must put this kind of junk on the market to support huge bonuses for its management. Someone said thievery… I agree. Will never purchase another HP product.
i have a HP c8180 with Ink system failuer after I changed a third cartridge. No support, no help just through it away as they have your cash and they wonder why piracy and 3rd party products are used??????? They are the PIRATES!!!!!!
Have HP 3210 all-in-one. Getting the “ink system failure” error message. Followed Nik’s procedure, but there is no “System Configuration” menu option. No ink system reset option. This procedure seems to work for other models.
I tried the OK / Cancel / Color / Black & power off procedure. When I turn it back on I see “OOB NVR reset” (or similar) message which means it reset the error memory. But error remains.
I guess I really do have a hardware failure.
Ideas? Suggestions?
Thanks.
i got same problem on my hp 8250 i got refillable cartidages 02
error code is 0xc18a0401 pls sendme som tips to mjackal@hotmail.com thx
It’s like a miracle that somehow I found you at a time when I was just about to order online another hp photosmart printer. I had the ink system failure message on a C7280. You saved me, I can’t afford another printer. Of course, the tech indians pulled the alledged return old, get $5 on new. So because of you, my C7280f works now. A printer like this can’t malfunction after 2yrs. I’m a professional magician and with you I did real MAGIC!!
That’s Good to Hear! Do not hesitate to ask help, if you need assistance next time. Good luck!
Honestly Suj, there’s no guarantee as refilled ink cartridges sometimes damage the printer.. If you have old genuine cartridges try those first and check if they get detected. If they do, then buying genuine cartridges should fix it!
By the way, where is your location? so that I can provide you the nearest service center just in case you have a hardware problem in the printer.
Thanx again Nik
I live in Colliers Wood. If there is a service center near by then I’ll take it there.
Cheers
Suj
You can contact HP for support here. Ask for the nearest service center. About those refilled inks, just keep it to yourself do not inform HP techs, they would most probably deny you support.