In this article, we will discuss the meaning of HP printer warning lights on HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 printers and how to clear the warning lights.
Table of Contents
Attention, Resume, and Ready Lights Blinking Successively – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers
This indicates any of the following:
- A startup cycle that occurs after the printer is turned on
- Going into the Ready state after a print job was canceled
In any of the above situations, you just have to wait for the lights to stop blinking.
Solid Ready Light – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers
This means that your HP printer is ready to receive a print job. You don’t have to do anything when you see this light.
Blinking Ready Light – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers
Your printer is receiving or processing data. When you see this, wait for the printer to finish receiving or processing the data. When it is through, it will return to the ready state.
Blinking Attention Light – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers
This is an indication that a door (front or rear) is open.
Do the following steps to fix the problem:
Step 1: Completely open the printer’s front access door.
Step 2: Completely close the printer’s front access door.
Note: Doing the above steps ensures that your printer’s toner drive mechanism is working correctly.
If the attention light stops blinking after doing the above steps, you can stop troubleshooting.
However, if you still see the blinking attention light, do the step below.
Step 3: Open your printer’s rear door.
Step 4: Close your printer’s rear door.
Blinking Attention Light and Solid Resume Light – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers
When this happens, it means that your printer has encountered a continuable or temporary error.
To resolve the problem, try the solutions below:
1. Resume Printing – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers
To resume printing, check the control panel, and then press the printer’s “Resume” button.
After doing that, check if the problem is resolved. If it is, your printer will complete the data processing and print the job. In this case, you don’t have to try the next solution.
However, if the problem is not resolved, do the solution below.
2. Reset HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers
To reset your HP printer, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Turn off your HP printer by pressing the printer’s “Power” switch.
Step 2: Wait for 30 seconds.
Step 3: Turn on your HP printer by pressing the printer’s “Power” switch.
Read this article: How to Reset HP Printer [Detailed Guide] to learn other types of resets that you can perform on your HP printer.
If resetting the printer doesn’t fix the problem, do the solution below.
3. Restore your HP Printer to Default Settings – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers
To restore your HP printer to default settings, do the following steps:
Note: When you restore your HP printer to default settings, previously locked menus will be unlocked, and the items on your control panel menu will reset to factory defaults. However, this action doesn’t reset your printer’s page counts and serial number.
Step 1: Open the “Toolbox” on your Windows computer.
Windows XP
i. Click on “Start.”
ii. Click on “All Programs.”
iii. Click on “HP.”
iv. Click on your HP printer.
v. Click on “HP Color LaserJet CP1210 Series Toolbox.”
Windows Vista
i. Click the Windows icon on the taskbar.
ii. Click on “All Programs.”
iii. Click on “HP.”
iv. Click on your HP printer.
v. Click on “HP Color LaserJet CP1210 Series Toolbox.”
Step 2: Double-click on the folder labeled “Status.”
This action will open the folder.
Step 3: Click on “Device Settings.”
Step 4: Click on “Service.”
Step 5: Check the right pane and click on “Restore.”
This action will restore your HP printer to default settings.
Check if the problem is resolved.
If you still encounter the problem, do the solution below.
4. Unplug the Printer’s USB Cord and then Reset your HP Printer – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers
To unplug your printer’s USB cord and then reset your HP printer, do the following steps:
Step 1: Unplug the printer’s USB cord from your printer.
Step 2: Turn off your HP printer.
Step 3: Wait for 30 seconds.
Step 4: Turn on your HP printer.
Step 5: Wait for the printer to become silent and idle before you proceed.
Step 6: Plug the printer’s USB cord into your printer.
Check if the problem is resolved.
If the problem persists, do the solution below.
5. Perform NVRAM Reset – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers
To perform NVRAM reset on your HP printer, click on this link: HP Printer NVRAM Reset – How to Reset HP Printer, and then follow the instructions we shared.
Check if the problem is resolved.
If the problem persists, contact HP Customer Support for further assistance.
Solid Attention, Ready, and Resume Lights – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers
This occurs when your HP printer experiences a fatal error.
To resolve this problem, reset your HP printer by following the steps we shared under the “Reset HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers” section of this article.
If the reset did not resolve the error, then you need to service your printer.
To service your HP printer, contact HP Customer Support and fix a repair date for your printer. If you live in Asia Pacific will be redirected to a service center close to you.
Printers that are still under warranty will be repaired for free. However, if your printer is no longer under warranty, you will pay the repair fees.
Blinking Black Cartridge Light – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers
When this happens, it is an indication that the toner in the black cartridge is finished, or the cartridge is missing. In some cases, the “Cartridge Out Override In Use” message might be displayed on your PC.
To fix this issue, do the solutions below:
1. Ensure that Black Cartridge is Installed – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers
To ensure that the black cartridge is installed, do the following steps:
Step 1: Completely open the printer’s front access door.
Step 2: Pull the cartridge drawer out from the printer.
Step 3: Ensure that the cartridges and properly installed in their correct slots. Pay more attention to the black cartridge.
Step 4: Completely close the printer’s front access door.
Note: Doing the above steps ensures that your printer’s toner drive mechanism is working correctly.
Check if the problem is resolved.
If the problem persists, try the solution below.
2. Replace the Empty or Low Black Cartridge – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers
Although the blinking black cartridge light indicates that the toner in the black cartridge is exhausted. However, you still need to check the toner level of the cartridge to confirm if the black cartridge is the affected cartridge.
How to Check Toner Level on HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers
To check the toner level on HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 printers, do the following steps:
Step 1: Press down the printer’s “Resume” button for about 3 seconds.
Your printer will print a Configuration page as well as a Supplies Status page.
Step 2: Go through the Supplies Status page to find out the cartridge with the low or exhausted toner.
Once you are certain that the toner in the black cartridge is low or exhausted, you need to replace the black cartridge.
How to Replace the Black Cartridge in HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers
To replace the black cartridge in HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 printers, do the following steps:
Step 1: Open your printer’s front access door.
Step 2: Locate and press the cartridge drawer’s blue handle to release the print cartridge.
Step 3: Pull out the drawer.
Step 4: Grab the black cartridge at the center, and pull it out of the printer.
Step 5: Take out the cartridge from its box and packaging.
Step 6: Take away the plastic shield from the cartridge.
Note: Don’t remove the sealing tape from the cartridge.
Caution: Don’t touch the cartridge’s imaging drum (green roller) as doing so might lead to print quality issues.
Step 7: With both hands, hold the cartridge in a way that the imaging drum is facing the bottom of the cartridge drawer.
Step 8: Insert the cartridge into the right slot (the black cartridge slot).
Step 9: Pull on the tab on the cartridge’s left side to remove the sealing tape from the cartridge.
Discard the sealing tape.
Step 10: Close your printer’s cartridge drawer.
Step 11: Close the printer’s front access door.
Your printer’s control panel will display “Initializing” while your printer prepares the cartridges.
Note: It is recommended that you send the old cartridge back for recycling by putting it in the new cartridge box and following the instructions for recycling on the box.
Blinking Black Cartridge Light on HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers Workaround – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers
It is possible to print without toner in a cartridge. If you choose to do this, the print quality will be unsatisfactory.
Do the following steps to turn on the “Cartridge out override” feature:
Note: When you turn on this feature, the cartridge light will become solid instead of blinking until the cartridge is replaced.
Step 1: Open the “Toolbox” on your Windows computer.
Windows XP
i. Click on “Start.”
ii. Click on “All Programs.”
iii. Click on “HP.”
iv. Click on your HP printer.
v. Click on “HP Color LaserJet CP1210 Series Toolbox.”
Windows Vista
i. Click the Windows icon on the taskbar.
ii. Click on “All Programs.”
iii. Click on “HP.”
iv. Click on your HP printer.
v. Click on “HP Color LaserJet CP1210 Series Toolbox.”
Step 2: Click on the folder labeled “Device Settings.”
Step 3: Click on the “System Setup” page.
Step 4: Choose “On” beside the “Cartridge out override” feature.
If you want to turn off the feature later, select “Off.”
Blinking Cyan Cartridge Light – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers
When this happens, it is an indication that the toner in the cyan cartridge is finished, or the cartridge is missing. In some cases, the “Cartridge Out Override In Use” message might be displayed on your PC.
To fix this issue, do the solutions below:
1. Ensure that Cyan Cartridge is Installed – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers
To ensure that the cyan cartridge is installed, follow the steps we shared under the “Ensure that Black Cartridge is Installed” section of this article. However, instead of checking the black cartridge, check the cyan cartridge.
Once you are done with the steps, check if the problem is resolved.
If the problem persists, try the solution below.
2. Replace the Empty or Low Cyan Cartridge – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers
Although the blinking cyan cartridge light indicates that the toner in the cyan cartridge is exhausted. However, you still need to check the toner level of the cartridge to confirm if the cyan cartridge is the affected cartridge.
To check the toner level of the cartridge, follow the steps we shared under the “How to Check Toner Level on HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers” section of this article.
Once you are certain that the toner in the cyan cartridge is low or exhausted, you need to replace the cyan cartridge.
How to Replace the Cyan Cartridge on HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers
To replace the cyan cartridge on HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 printers, follow the steps shared under the “How to Replace the Black Cartridge in HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers” section of this article. However, instead of replacing the black cartridge, replace the cyan cartridge.
Blinking Cyan Cartridge Light on HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers Workaround – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers
To work around the blinking cyan cartridge light on HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 printers, follow the instructions we shared under the “Blinking Black Cartridge Light on HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers Workaround” section of this article.
Blinking Yellow Cartridge Light – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers
When this happens, it is an indication that the toner in the yellow cartridge is finished, or the cartridge is missing. In some cases, the “Cartridge Out Override In Use” message might be displayed on your PC.
To fix this issue, do the solutions below:
1. Ensure that Yellow Cartridge is Installed – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers
To ensure that the yellow cartridge is installed, follow the steps we shared under the “Ensure that Black Cartridge is Installed” section of this article. However, instead of checking the black cartridge, check the yellow cartridge.
Once you are done with the steps, check if the problem is resolved.
If the problem persists, try the solution below.
2. Replace the Empty or Low Yellow Cartridge – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers
Although the blinking yellow cartridge light indicates that the toner in the yellow cartridge is exhausted. However, you still need to check the toner level of the cartridge to confirm if the yellow cartridge is the affected cartridge.
To check the toner level of the cartridge, follow the steps we shared under the “How to Check Toner Level on HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers” section of this article.
Once you are certain that the toner in the yellow cartridge is low or exhausted, you need to replace the yellow cartridge.
How to Replace the Yellow Cartridge on HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers
To replace the yellow cartridge on HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 printers, follow the steps shared under the “How to Replace the Black Cartridge in HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers” section of this article. However, instead of replacing the black cartridge, replace the yellow cartridge.
Blinking Yellow Cartridge Light on HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers Workaround – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers
To work around the blinking yellow cartridge light on HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 printers, follow the instructions we shared under the “Blinking Black Cartridge Light on HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers Workaround” section of this article.
Blinking Magenta Cartridge Light – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers
When this happens, it is an indication that the toner in the magenta cartridge is finished, or the cartridge is missing. In some cases, the “Cartridge Out Override In Use” message might be displayed on your PC.
To fix this issue, do the solutions below:
1. Ensure that Magenta Cartridge is Installed – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers
To ensure that the magenta cartridge is installed, follow the steps we shared under the “Ensure that Black Cartridge is Installed” section of this article. However, instead of checking the black cartridge, check the magenta cartridge.
Once you are done with the steps, check if the problem is resolved.
If the problem persists, try the solution below.
2. Replace the Empty or Low Magenta Cartridge – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers
Although the blinking magenta cartridge light indicates that the toner in the magenta cartridge is exhausted. However, you still need to check the toner level of the cartridge to confirm if the magenta cartridge is the affected cartridge.
To check the toner level of the cartridge, follow the steps we shared under the “How to Check Toner Level on HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers” section of this article.
Once you are certain that the toner in the magenta cartridge is low or exhausted, you need to replace the magenta cartridge.
How to Replace the Magenta Cartridge on HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers
To replace the magenta cartridge on HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 printers, follow the steps shared under the “How to Replace the Black Cartridge in HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers” section of this article. However, instead of replacing the black cartridge, replace the magenta cartridge.
Blinking Magenta Cartridge Light on HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers Workaround – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers
To work around the blinking magenta cartridge light on HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 printers, follow the instructions we shared under the “Blinking Black Cartridge Light on HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers Workaround” section of this article.
We recommend that you read this article: HP Printer Warning [Detailed Guide] to learn about other HP printer warnings that you might encounter when using your HP printer.
Blinking Paper Jam Light – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers
This indicates that you have a paper jam in your HP printer. Therefore, to resolve this problem, you have to clear the paper jam.
How to Clear Paper Jam in HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers
To clear paper jams in HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 printers, do the following tasks:
1. Remove Loose paper
Check the printer’s tray 1 as well as the output tray for loose paper in these areas. When you find such, remove them from the printer.
Ensure that you don’t remove the jammed paper.
After removing the loose paper, check if the blinking paper jam light has stopped.
If it is still blinking, do the next task.
2. Remove Jammed Paper from Output Tray
To remove jammed paper from your printer’s output tray, do the following steps:
Note: If there is no jammed paper in the output tray, skip to the next task.
Step 1: Using both hands, hold the visible jammed paper and then pull it out of your printer’s output tray.
Note: If the paper tears while you try to pull it out of the printer, ensure that you remove all the pieces before you continue printing.
Step 2: Open the printer’s rear door and then close it.
This action should clear the blinking paper jam light.
However, if the light continues to blink, do the next task.
3. Remove Jammed Paper from Tray 1
To remove jammed paper from your printer’s tray 1, do the following steps:
Step 1: Raise the printer’s jam access door.
Step 2: Pull tray 1 out of the printer.
Step 3: Examine the inside of the printer for the paper jam.
If there is no jammed paper in tray 1, skip to the next task.
If there is paper jammed in tray 1, continue with the next step.
Step 4: Using both hands, hold the visible jammed paper and then pull it out of your printer.
Step 5: Reinsert tray 1 into the printer.
Step 6: Lower the printer’s jam access door.
Step 7: Press the printer’s “Resume” button.
This action should clear the blinking paper jam light.
However, if the light continues to blink, do the next task.
4. Remove Jammed Paper from Fuser
To remove jammed paper from your printer’s fuser, do the following steps:
Step 1: Open your printer’s rear door.
Step 2: Using both hands, hold the visible jammed paper and then pull it out of your printer’s fuser area.
Note: If the paper tears while you try to pull it out of the printer, ensure that you remove all the pieces before you continue printing.
Step 3: Close your printer’s rear door.
This action should clear the blinking paper jam light.
However, if the light continues to blink, do the next task.
5. Reset HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers
To reset an HP Color Laser CP1217 and CP1215 printer, follow the steps we shared under the “Reset HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers” section of this article.
Check if the paper jam light has stopped blinking.
If the light is still blinking, do the next task.
6. Reload the Paper
To reload paper in your HP printer, do the following steps:
Step 1: Pull the printer’s tray 1 out of the printer.
Step 2: Move the paper guides to the edges of the tray.
Step 3: To straighten the paper stack edges, tap the stack on an even surface.
Step 4: Load the paper stack into the printer’s tray 1. Ensure that all the corners of the stack are flat.
Step 5: Move the paper guides to rest on the paper stack edges.
Step 6: Push down the stack so that it doesn’t exceed the limit tabs.
Step 7: Push tray 1 into your printer.
Check if the paper jam light has stopped blinking.
If the light is still blinking, do the next task.
7. Check and Adjust the Print Settings
To check and adjust the print settings, do the following steps:
Note: The following steps may be different on certain programs.
Step 1: Click on “File.”
Step 2: Click on “Print.”
Step 3: Click on “Properties” when the print dialog box appears.
Step 4: Check and change (if necessary) the “Paper/Quality” tab settings.
Note: Changing the print settings is to ensure that the settings match the paper loaded in the printer’s tray 1.
Step 5: Click on “OK.”
Check if the paper jam light has stopped blinking.
If the light is still blinking, do the next task.
8. Clean the Printer’s Cartridge Area
To clean your printer’s cartridge area, do the following steps:
Step 1: Open the “Toolbox” on your Windows computer.
Windows XP
i. Click on “Start.”
ii. Click on “All Programs.”
iii. Click on “HP.”
iv. Click on your HP printer.
v. Click on “Toolbox.”
Windows Vista
i. Click the Windows icon on the taskbar.
ii. Click on “All Programs.”
iii. Click on “HP.”
iv. Click on your HP printer.
v. Click on “HP Toolbox.”
Step 2: Click on “Help.”
Step 3: Click on “Troubleshooting.”
Step 4: Click on “Start” when the “Cleaning Mode” area appears.
The cleaning process will begin.
A page will be printed, and then your printer will go back to the Ready state once the cleaning process is complete.
Check if the paper jam light has stopped blinking.
If the light is still blinking, then you need to service your HP printer.
How to Turn on Jam Recovery in HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers
With the jam recovery feature, your printer will reprint the pages that got damaged when a jam occurred. To turn on this feature, do the steps below:
Step 1: Open the “Toolbox” on your Windows computer.
Windows XP
i. Click on “Start.”
ii. Click on “All Programs.”
iii. Click on “HP.”
iv. Click on your HP printer.
v. Click on “Toolbox.”
Windows Vista
i. Click the Windows icon on the taskbar.
ii. Click on “All Programs.”
iii. Click on “HP.”
iv. Click on your HP printer.
v. Click on “HP Toolbox.”
Step 2: Click on the folder labeled “Device Settings.”
Step 3: Click on “System Setup.”
Step From the “Jam Recovery” drop-down list, click “On.”
How to Prevent Paper Jam in HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers
Below are tips on how to prevent paper jams in HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 printers:
i. Don’t overload the printer’s input tray.
ii. Ensure that the guides don’t squeeze the paper stack, but don’t allow it to be loose.
iii. Always align the edges of the stack you intend to load into the printer by tapping it on an even surface.
iv. Ensure that the printer’s input tray is properly installed.
v. Don’t fan the paper stack before you load it into your printer to prevent the creation of static electricity. This occurrence is usually responsible for paper sticking together.
vi. Don’t take out or add paper to the input tray during printing.
vii. Use only genuine HP paper that is compatible with your HP printer.
viii. Don’t open the printer’s cartridge door when a print job is processing.
ix. Don’t allow the paper to become too much in the printer’s output tray.
x. Ensure that your printer’s power cable is properly plugged into your printer and the wall outlet.
xi. Do not use paper with attached foreign objects or damaged paper.
xii. Keep your paper in the right environment specified on the paper pack instructions.
Blinking Paper Out Light – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers
This indicates that there is no paper in the printer’s input tray. The solution is to reload the printer’s tray 1 with paper.
How to Load Paper in HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers
To load paper in your HP printer, do the following steps:
Step 1: Pull the printer’s tray 1 out of the printer.
Step 2: Move the paper guides to the edges of the tray.
Step 3: To straighten the paper stack edges, tap the stack on an even surface.
Step 4: Load the paper stack into the printer’s tray 1. Ensure that all the corners of the stack are flat.
Step 5: Move the paper guides to rest on the paper stack edges.
Step 6: Push down the stack so that it doesn’t exceed the limit tabs.
Step 7: Push tray 1 into your printer.
Blinking Paper Out Light and Solid Resume Light – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP Color LaserJet CP1217 and CP1215 Printers
When you see this, it means that your printer is not feeding paper. The reason for this problem is that you loaded unsupported paper.
Therefore, to fix this problem you need to load your printer’s tray 1 with supported paper. Do the steps below to fix this problem:
Step 1: Pull the printer’s tray 1 out of the printer.
Step 2: Move the paper guides to the edges of the tray.
Step 3: Take out the paper in the tray.
Step 4: Get a supported paper.
Step 5: To straighten the paper stack edges, tap the stack on an even surface.
Step 6: Load the supported paper stack into the printer’s tray 1. Ensure that all the corners of the stack are flat.
Step 7: Move the paper guides to rest on the paper stack edges.
Step 8: Push down the stack so that it doesn’t exceed the limit tabs.
Step 9: Push tray 1 into your printer.
Step 10: Press the printer’s “Resume” button.
