How to Replace the Ink Cartridge on My HP 5510 Officejet

By Donna Pullen

  • Overview

    When your HP 5510 Officejet printer's lights begin flashing or remain on, or the printer just won't print, it may be time to replace the ink cartridge. Replacement ink cartridges can be purchased online through the HP website, or purchased at office supply stores. Write down the cartridge numbers and printer model before heading to the store.

    • Step 1

      Print a test page to be sure that the ink cartridges need to be replaced. To print a test page, press the Setup button on the printer. Press 1, then press 4 to select "test report." This option will automatically print a self-test report. Check the test page for missing colors, horizontal streaks or white lines. If there are missing color bars or inconsistent colors, this usually indicates a low or empty color cartridge. If there are white lines in the black color bars, this indicates a low or empty black cartridge. Streaks usually indicate that the cartridges need to be cleaned. (See the HP 5510 Officejet Manual for instructions on cleaning the cartridges and print nozzles.)

    • Step 2

      Have the replacement cartridges on hand. The old cartridges should not be removed until the replacement cartridges are available.

    • Step 3

      Turn on the printer and open the print cartridge access door. The print cartridge carriage should move to an easy access position.

    • Step 4

      Release the print cartridge after the print carriage stops moving by gently pressing on the cartridge until it releases. Carefully remove the cartridge by pulling it straight out of the slot. Only remove one print cartridge at a time. Do not attempt to remove both cartridges.

    • Step 5

      Remove the new print cartridge from the packaging. While grasping the sides of the cartridge, carefully peel off the tape by using the pull tab at the end of the tape. Be careful not to touch the print nozzles or the copper contacts, as this can cause damage to the cartridge.

    • Step 6

      Hold the black cartridge; be sure that the HP label is on top. Carefully slide the new cartridge into the proper slot. The cartridge needs to be at a slight angle into the right side for proper positioning. Press firmly until the new cartridge snaps into place.

    • Step 7

      Hold the color cartridge, again being sure the HP label is on top. The color cartridge needs to be inserted at a slight angle to the left side of the carriage. Press firmly until the color cartridge snaps into place.

    • Step 8

      Close the print carriage access door. The printer should automatically print a cartridge alignment page. The alignment will need to be performed manually according to the HP 5510 Officejet manual.

    • Step 9

      Align the cartridges and print a test page by pressing the setup button on the printer. Select 1, then select 4 for test report. The page should print properly and the ink cartridge indicator lights should return to the off position.
    • Skill: Moderately Easy
    • Ingredients:
    • HP Black Ink Cartridge #56, 19ml Black Print Cartridge
    • HP Tri-Color Ink Cartridge #57 17ml Color Print Cartridge
    • Tip: Remove only one print cartridge at a time.
    • Warning:
    • Do not use force to insert the print cartridges. If the cartridge does not easily slide into the slot, then carefully remove and retry to insert using a slight angle as directed in the previous steps.
    • Both cartridges need to be in place for the printer to operate.

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