HP Photosmart 8250 Printer
HP · Model Photosmart 8250 Printer
Photosmart 8250 Printer HP [b]*This product is no longer sold or manufactured by the manufacturer*[/b]
Typical Failure Modes
Compiled for this model from its own documentation and established engineering knowledge for this equipment class - not from a verified service record. Confirm against the manufacturer's service manual.
Print-quality defects
MediumSymptoms: Missing colours, banding, streaks, faded output on photo prints.
Root cause: Clogged or empty ink cartridge nozzles, or a print head needing cleaning / alignment.
Paper jams / misfeeds
MediumSymptoms: Repeated jams, multi-feeds, or paper not picking from the tray.
Root cause: Worn pickup rollers, or damp / wrong-weight photo paper.
Carriage jam / stall
MediumSymptoms: "Carriage jam" error, print head does not move.
Root cause: Obstruction on the carriage rail or a dry / worn belt.
USB / card-reader / connectivity fault
LowSymptoms: PC does not see the printer, memory card not read.
Root cause: USB cable / port or the card-reader board.
Serviceable Parts & Consumables
Serviceable items for this model, compiled from its documentation and engineering knowledge for this equipment class. Service class and relative cost are estimates, not manufacturer figures; no part numbers are given. Confirm intervals and pricing against the manufacturer.
Ink cartridges
Class Frequent wear itemRel. cost $R&R Easy
Print head
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $$R&R Fairly easy
Pickup roller kit
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $R&R Fairly easy
Carriage belt
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $R&R Moderate
USB cable
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $R&R Easy
| Part | Service class | Relative cost | R&R difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ink cartridges | Frequent wear item | $ | Easy |
| Print head | Periodic replacement | $$ | Fairly easy |
| Pickup roller kit | Periodic replacement | $ | Fairly easy |
| Carriage belt | Periodic replacement | $ | Moderate |
| USB cable | Periodic replacement | $ | Easy |
Relative cost: $ lowest · $$$$ highest service-part cost for this equipment class. Not a price.
Error Codes
Extracted directly from this unit's own service manual.
Paper jamPaper jam. Clear jam then press OK.
Turn off the printer, then unplug it from the power source. Clear the printer of any paper that may be obstructing the paper path. Remove the rear access door. Gently remove the jammed paper from the printer, then replace the rear access door.
Out of paperOut of paper. Load paper then press OK.
Load paper, then press OK to print again. For paper-loading instructions, see Loading your paper.
Unsupported media sizeThe printer cannot use the size of paper loaded in the paper tray.
Press OK, then load a supported paper size instead. For a list of supported paper sizes, see Printer specifications.
Automatic paper sensor failedThe automatic paper sensor is obstructed or damaged.
Try moving the printer out of direct sunlight, then press OK and try printing again. If this does not work, go to www.hp.com/support or contact HP Customer Care.
Wrong ink cartridge(s) installedThe first time you set up and use your HP Photosmart printer, make sure to install the ink cartridges that were shipped with your printer.
To resolve this error, replace the affected ink cartridge(s) with the ink cartridges that were shipped with your HP Photosmart printer.
Incorrect ink cartridgeThe wrong ink cartridge(s) are installed.
Replace the ink cartridge(s) with the appropriate ink cartridges for your HP Photosmart printer. The cartridge numbers you can use with this printer appear on the back cover of this printed guide.
Replace cartridges soonThe indicated ink cartridge(s) are low on ink.
You might be able to continue printing for a short period of time with ink remaining in the print head assembly. Replace the indicated ink cartridge(s) or press OK to continue.
Ink cartridge(s) are emptyThe indicated ink cartridge(s) are out of ink.
Replace the indicated ink cartridge(s) with new ink cartridge(s). If the black ink cartridge is empty, you can continue printing with the other color ink cartridges by selecting that option in the displayed printer screen prompts. If a color ink cartridge is empty, you can continue printing with the black ink cartridge by selecting that option in the displayed printer screen prompts.
Cannot printThe indicated ink cartridge(s) are out of ink.
Replace the indicated ink cartridge(s) immediately so that you can resume printing. The HP Photosmart printer cannot continue printing until the indicated ink cartridge(s) are replaced. All printing will stop.
Ink cartridge problemThe indicated ink cartridge(s) are missing or damaged.
Replace the indicated ink cartridge(s) immediately so that you can resume printing. If there are no ink cartridges missing from the HP Photosmart printer, the ink cartridge contacts might need to be cleaned.
Ink expiration nearThe ink in the indicated ink cartridge(s) is near expiration.
If the current date is near the expiration date, consider replacing the ink cartridge(s) to achieve best print quality. You can continue printing by pressing OK. HP cannot guarantee the quality or reliability of expired ink.
Ink cartridge(s) are expiredThe ink in the indicated ink cartridge(s) is at the expiration date.
If the ink cartridge(s) are expired, replace the ink cartridge(s) to achieve best print quality. You can continue printing by pressing OK. HP cannot guarantee the quality or reliability of expired ink.
Troubleshooting Approach
A starting sequence for this model, compiled from its documentation and engineering knowledge for this equipment class. Follow the manufacturer's service documentation for the actual procedure.
Symptom: Poor print quality
- Run the printer's clean-print-head and align routines from the menu.
- Replace any low or empty cartridge.
- Print a test / diagnostic page.
- Replace the print head if cleaning does not restore output.
- Use the correct photo paper and profile.
Symptom: Paper jams
- Clear all trapped paper and check for scraps.
- Fan and reload the correct paper, adjusting the tray guide.
- Clean or replace the pickup rollers.
- Check the carriage rail for obstructions.
- Run several test pages.