In this article, we will discuss the meaning of HP printer warning lights on HP Ink Advantage 2545, and DeskJet 2540 printers and how to clear the warning lights.
Note: The guide below is for HP Ink Advantage 2548, 2546, 2545, and DeskJet 2549, 2548, 2547, 2546R, 2546P, 2546B, 2546, 2544, 2543, 2542, 2541, and 2540 All-in-One printers.
Table of Contents
Slow Blinking Wireless Status Light and the Wireless Strength Indicator keeps Cycling through the Signal Bars – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP Ink Advantage 2545, DeskJet 2540 Printers
When this happens, it means that your HP printer is searching for available wireless connections. To fix this issue, you just have to wait for some minutes for your printer to establish the connection to your wireless access point or router.
Slow Blinking Wireless Status Light and Solid Wireless Strength Exclamation Point – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP Ink Advantage 2545, DeskJet 2540 Printers
When your printer’s wireless status light begins to blink slowly, and the wireless strength exclamation turns on and doesn’t blink, it is an indication that your printer is unable to connect to the available wireless network.
To resolve this problem, do the following solutions:
1. Allow Your Printer to Connect to the Wireless Network
Sometimes, your HP printer might need some minutes for it to connect to your wireless network (access point or router). Therefore, when the wireless light is blinking, you need to be patient while the connection is established. After waiting for some minutes, then you can check the status of the wireless light.
If a wireless connection is established, then you don’t need to do any other troubleshooting.
If the wireless light continues to blink, do the next task.
2. Check if the Wireless Network has Issues
Check the following as they might be the reason why your HP printer is not connecting:
i. The wireless network is inactive, or the signal strength is low.
To confirm that the network is active, check if your access point or router is turned on. Also, check the signal strength and confirm that it is strong.
You can move your printer closer to your router or access point to increase the signal strength. It is recommended that your printer and your router should not be farther away than 3 feet to 5 feet (1.0 to 1.5 meters).
ii. Your printer is in standby or sleep mode.
You need to check your printer and wake it from sleep mode if it is not in ready mode. We recommend that you read this article: HP Printer Sleep Mode [How To, Issues & Solutions] to learn more about HP printer sleep mode.
iii. Your computer firewall is preventing your printer from connecting to your computer and network.
In this case, you need to temporarily disable your firewall, and then check if the connection is established and the wireless light has stopped blinking.
If the light becomes solid, then the firewall is responsible for the warning light. Therefore, you have to use the printer without enabling the firewall. However, make sure that you enable it when you are done with your printer.
If your printer’s wireless light continues to blink after disabling the firewall, then the firewall is not responsible for the blinking light. Therefore, you need to enable the firewall immediately.
iv. The signal of your wireless network is being interfered with by a device that is emitting radio signals (for example a cordless telephone or microwave).
If you have such devices close to your printer or router, you need to move them away.
v. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is preventing your printer from your wireless network and computer.
After correcting each item listed above, check if the wireless light has stopped blinking.
If the wireless light becomes steady, then you don’t need to do any other troubleshooting.
However, if the light continues to blink, do the next task.
3. Connect your HP Printer to the Wireless Network
At this point, you need to connect your HP printer to your wireless network. Consult your printer manual to learn the process of doing this.
Fast Blinking Wireless Status Light and Wireless Strength Indicator – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP Ink Advantage 2545, DeskJet 2540 Printers
This happens as a result of any of the following:
i. Your printer encountered a wireless network connection failure when trying to connect with the Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS).
ii. Your printer is unable to discover and connect to a router with WPS compatibility.
iii. The network has more than one access point or router.
Note: To avoid connection issues, HP recommends that your printer’s wireless setup should have just one access point or router.
To resolve this problem, do the following solutions:
1. Turn off, and then Turn on Your Printer’s Wireless Function
To turn off and then turn on your printer’s wireless function, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Locate and press the printer’s “Wireless” button on the control panel.
This action will cause your printer’s blue wireless light to turn off.
Step 2: Press the printer’s “Wireless” button on the control panel again.
This action will cause your printer’s blue wireless light to turn on.
Check if the problem is resolved.
If the problem is resolved, stop troubleshooting.
If the problem persists, do the solution below.
2. Try to Connect your Printer to the Wireless Network via WPS Function Again
To connect your printer to your wireless network via the WPS function, use any of the methods explained below.
Note: For routers without WPS connection support, jump to the next solution.
Push Button – Method 1
To connect your printer to the wireless network via the WPS function using the push button method, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Locate and press down the printer’s “Wireless” button on the control panel for about 3 seconds.
This action will cause your printer’s blue wireless light to start blinking.
Step 2: Locate and press your router’s WPS button.
This action will cause your printer to automatically locate your router’s wireless network and then complete the connection configuration.
Note: You have 2 minutes to press your router’s WPS button after pressing your printer’s WPS button. If you don’t press your router’s WPS button within this period, your printer will turn off the WPS function, and you will have to press the WPS button again to begin the connection process.
Check if the problem is resolved.
If the problem is resolved, stop troubleshooting.
If the problem persists, do the solution below.
PIN – Method 2
To connect your printer to the wireless network via the WPS function using the PIN method, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Locate and press the printer’s “Start Copy Black” and “Wireless” buttons together.
This action will cause your printer to print out a network configuration page. The top of this page contains your printer’s WPS PIN. You’ll need it for the connection configuration.
Step 2: Locate and press down the printer’s “Wireless” button on the control panel for about 3 seconds.
This action will cause your printer’s blue wireless light to start blinking.
Step 3: Open your wireless access point or router’s configuration software or utility.
If you don’t know how to use this software or utility, you need to consult your wireless router or access point documentation.
Step 4: Enter your printer’s WPS PIN.
Check if the problem is resolved.
If the problem is resolved, stop troubleshooting.
If the problem persists, do the solution below.
3. Connect to the Wireless Network by Installing your Printer Software on HP 2545 and 2540 Printers
You can connect to the wireless network by installing your printer’s full feature software. To do this, do the tasks below to install the software on Windows devices.
1. Get Ready for the Installation
Do the following to get ready for the installation:
i. For your printer to connect to a wireless network, the following are needed:
- A Windows computer that is already connected to the wireless network you want to connect your printer to.
- Active internet access: To get the best connection when downloading the software. HP recommends the use of broadband internet.
ii. Confirm that your computer and router are powered on.
iii. Ensure that your HP printer and computer have the same wireless network connection.
iv. Set up your HP printer and then load paper into its input tray. Don’t forget to install the cartridges.
v. Turn on your HP printer.
vi. Move the printer to stay within the router’s signal range.
2. Begin the Installation Process
To begin the installation process, do the following steps:
Step 1: Visit this website.
Step 2: Click on “Download.”
Once the download is complete, the software installation process will start automatically.
Step 3: When a connection window is displayed during the software installation, don’t click on “Continue,” stop at this window.
3. Restore your Printer’s Default Wireless Settings
To restore your printer’s default wireless settings, do the following steps:
Step 1: Confirm that your HP printer is turned on; if it is not, turn it on by pressing its power button.
Step 2: If you see the printer’s wireless light blinking, jump to the next task.
Step 3: Press down your printer’s power button.
Step 4: Press your printer’s “Start Copy Black” button twice while still pressing down the printer’s power button.
Step 5: Press your printer’s “Cancel” button thrice while still pressing down the printer’s power button.
Step 6: Release your printer’s power button.
This action will cause the printer’s wireless light to blink. If the light is not blinking, repeat the above steps.
Step 7: Move to the next task.
Note: You have about 20 minutes to completely set up your printer software via the HP auto wireless connect feature.
4. Continue the Installation Process
To continue the installation process, do the following steps:
Step 1: Go back to the open installation window on your computer.
Step 2: Click on “Continue.”
Step 3: Follow the instructions on the screen until you see a “Connect Options” window.
Step 4: On this new window, choose the “Wireless – make a wireless connection to the printer” option.
Step 5: Click on “Next.”
Step 6: Any of these windows will be displayed showing the most suitable method for completing your printer’s wireless setup.
- HP Auto Wireless Connect
i. Click on “Yes.”
ii. Click on “Next.”
- Wireless Setup Using a USB Connection
i. Plug a USB cord into your printer.
ii. Plug the other end of the USB cord into a USB port on your computer.
iii. Click on “Next.”
Once the setup is complete, you will be prompted to remove the USB cord from your printer.
Step 6: Continue to follow the instructions on the screen.
Solid Wireless Status and Wireless Strength Lights – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP Ink Advantage 2545, DeskJet 2540 Printers
When the wireless status and wireless strength lights on your HP printer are both turned on, it means your printer is ready for wireless printing. In this case, you don’t have to do anything.
Blinking Attention Light – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP Ink Advantage 2545, DeskJet 2540 Printers
This is an indication that the output tray of your HP printer is closed. Another cause responsible for the blinking attention light on your HP printer is the occurrence of a scanning error.
To resolve this problem, do the following solutions:
1. Open your Printer’s Output Tray
To open your printer’s output tray, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Lower your printer’s output tray.
Step 2: Pull out the printer’s output tray extender.
Check if the attention has stopped blinking.
If the light has stopped blinking, then the issue has been resolved and you can stop troubleshooting.
However, if the light continues to blink, do the solution below.
2. Resolve the Scanning Error
To resolve the scanning error, do the following tasks:
Note: Don’t do this task if the problem didn’t occur when you were scanning a document. If this problem occurred when you weren’t scanning a document, then you need to service your HP printer. Check the instructions under the “Service your HP Printer” section later in this article to learn how to service your printer.
If the problem was caused by a scanning error, your printer will still be able to print a document by will be unable to scan.
1. Turn off and then Turn on your printer
To turn off and then turn on your HP printer, do the following steps:
Step 1: Turn off your HP printer by pressing its power button.
Step 2: Wait for about 15 seconds.
Step 3: Turn on your HP printer by pressing its power button.
Step 4: Check if the attention light has stopped blinking.
Step 5: Try to scan the document again.
2. Print out a Printer Status Report
To print a printer status report, do the steps below:
Step 1: Load your printer’s input tray with plain, white A4 or U.S. Letter paper if there is no paper in the printer.
Step 2: Press down your printer’s power button.
Step 3: Press down your printer’s “Cancel” button without releasing the power button for about 3 seconds.
This action will cause your printer to print a test page.
If the problem was resolved and the printer was able to print the test page, stop troubleshooting. Plug in the USB cord, and then scan the document again.
If that doesn’t resolve the problem, do the next task.
3. Service your HP Printer
To service your HP printer, contact HP Customer Support and fix a repair date for your printer. If you live in the Asia Pacific, you 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 Attention Light and Media Error Indicators – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP Ink Advantage 2545, DeskJet 2540 Printers
When the attention light and media error indicators begin to blink on your HP printer, it is an indication that the input tray of your printer is empty. Another reason might be that there is paper jammed in your printer.
To solve this problem, do the solutions below:
1. Load your Printer with Paper
To load your printer with paper, do the steps below:
Step 1: Raise your printer’s input tray.
Step 2: Lower your printer’s output tray.
Step 3: Pull out the printer’s output tray extender.
Step 4: Load your printer’s input tray with A4 or U.S. Letter paper.
Ensure that the print side is facing up while the paper’s short edge goes into the printer.
Step 5: Push the paper stack into your HP.
Step 6: Move the width guide on the tray to rest on the side of the stack of paper.
Check if the problem is resolved.
If the problem is resolved, you can stop troubleshooting.
However, if the problem persists, do the solution below.
2. Reset your HP Ink Advantage 2545, DeskJet 2540 Printer
To reset your HP printer, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Turn on your printer if it isn’t turned on.
Step 2: Remove the power cable from your HP printer.
Step 3: Disconnect the power cable from the power source (wall outlet, power strip, surge protector, etc.)
Step 4: Wait for about 15 seconds.
Step 5: Reconnect the power cable to an outlet rather than any other power source.
Note: Your HP printer should always be connected to an outlet according to HP’s recommendation.
Step 6: Turn on your HP printer.
You can read this article: How to Reset HP Printer [Detailed Guide] to learn about other resets that you can perform on your HP printer.
After doing the above steps, print out a test page.
To print a test page, follow the steps we shared under the “Print out a Printer Status Report” section of this article.
Check if the problem is resolved.
If the problem is resolved, you can stop troubleshooting.
However, if the problem persists, do the solution below.
3. Clear the Paper Jam from HP Ink Advantage 2545, and DeskJet 2540 Printers
To clear the paper jam from your HP printer, do the tasks below.
How to Clear Paper Jam from the Input Tray of HP Ink Advantage 2545, DeskJet 2540 Printers
To clear the paper jam from the input tray of HP Ink Advantage 2545, and DeskJet 2540 printers, do the following steps:
Step 1: Gently pull out the jammed paper from your printer’s input tray with both hands to prevent the paper from tearing.
Step 2: Remove the pieces of paper from the input tray if you find any. This will reduce the possibility of paper jams occurring in the future.
If you can’t see inside the printer’s input tray clearly, you can illuminate the area with the aid of a flashlight.
Check if the problem is resolved.
If the problem is resolved, you can stop troubleshooting.
However, if the problem persists, do the task below.
How to Clear Paper Jam from the Output Tray of HP Ink Advantage 2545, DeskJet 2540 Printers
To clear the paper jam from the output tray of HP Ink Advantage 2545, and DeskJet 2540 printers, do the following steps:
Step 1: Gently pull out the jammed paper from your printer’s output tray with both hands to prevent the paper from tearing.
Step 2: Remove the pieces of paper from the output tray if you find any. This will reduce the possibility of paper jams occurring in the future.
If you can’t see inside the printer’s output tray clearly, you can illuminate the area with the aid of a flashlight.
Check if the problem is resolved.
If the problem is resolved, you can stop troubleshooting.
However, if the problem persists, do the task below.
To remove foreign objects, debris, or loose paper from the trays of HP Ink Advantage 2545, and DeskJet 2540 printers, do the following steps:
How to Remove Foreign Objects, Debris, or Loose Paper from the Trays of HP Ink Advantage 2545, DeskJet 2540 Printers
Step 1: Turn your HP printer off.
Step 2: Remove the USB cord from your HP printer.
Step 3: Remove the power cable from your HP printer.
Warning: Ensure that you remove the power cable from your HP printer before placing your hand inside your printer to prevent electric shock or injuries.
Step 4: Remove loose paper sheets from your printer’s input tray.
Step 5: Tilt your printer in a way that it is lying on its back.
Step 6: Move the pick mechanism within the input tray with your fingers.
When you do this, foreign objects or debris might fall out.
Step 7: Return your printer to its normal position.
Check if the problem is resolved.
If the problem is resolved, you can stop troubleshooting.
However, if the problem persists, do the next task.
How to Clear Paper Jam from the Ink Cartridge Access Area of HP Ink Advantage 2545, DeskJet 2540 Printers
To clear the paper jam from the ink cartridge access area of HP Ink Advantage 2545, and DeskJet 2540 printers, do the following steps:
Step 1: Turn your HP printer off if it is still on.
Step 2: Remove the USB cord from your HP printer.
Step 3: Remove the power cable from your HP printer.
Warning: Ensure that you remove the power cable from your HP printer before placing your hand inside your printer to prevent electric shock or injuries.
Step 4: Open your printer’s ink cartridge access door.
Step 5: Carefully pull out the jammed paper from your printer.
Step 6: Close your printer’s ink cartridge access door.
Check if the problem is resolved.
If the problem is resolved, you can stop troubleshooting.
However, if the problem persists, do the next task.
How to Clear Paper Jam from the Underside of HP Ink Advantage 2545, DeskJet 2540 Printers
To clear the paper jam from the underside of HP Ink Advantage 2545, and DeskJet 2540 printers, do the following steps:
Step 1: Remove the power cable from your HP printer.
Step 2: Turn your HP printer in a way that allows you to access the underside.
Caution: Before you turn the printer, hold the printer’s scanner lid to prevent damage to this printer part.
Step 3: Open the printer’s cleanout door by pressing the tabs on any side of the door.
Step 4: Carefully take out the jammed paper from your printer.
Step 5: Remove the pieces of paper from the output tray if you find any. This will reduce the possibility of paper jams occurring in the future.
If you can’t see inside the printer’s output tray clearly, you can illuminate the area with the aid of a flashlight.
Step 6: Reattach your printer’s cleanout door.
Step 7: Close your printer’s cleanout door by carefully pushing it towards your printer until the latches click into their position.
Step 8: Turn over your printer to the normal position.
Step 9: Plug the power cable back into your HP printer.
Step 10: Turn on your HP printer by pressing its power button.
After doing the above task, print out a test page.
To print a test page, follow the steps we shared under the “Print out a Printer Status Report” section of this article.
Check if the problem is resolved.
If the problem is resolved, you can stop troubleshooting.
However, if the problem persists, do the solution below.
4. Ensure that the Carriage is Moving Freely
To ensure that the carriage is moving freely, do the following steps:
Step 1: Turn on your HP printer if it is turned off.
Step 2: Open your printer’s ink cartridge access door.
This action will cause the carriage to move to the middle area of your HP printer.
Step 3: Allow the carriage to become silent and idle before you proceed.
Step 4: While your printer is still on, remove the printer’s power cable from your HP printer.
Step 5: Disconnect the power cable from the wall outlet or power source.
Warning: Ensure that you remove the power cable from your HP printer to prevent electric shock or injuries before moving the carriage with your hand to reset the printer’s paper feed mechanism.
Step 6: Look for objects or paper that might prevent the carriage from moving freely. If you find any, remove them.
If you can’t see clearly, illuminate the area with the aid of a flashlight.
Caution: In case the paper gets torn when you try to pull it out from the rollers, inspect the rollers as well as the wheels for the torn paper pieces. Remove the pieces when you find them. This is important to prevent future jams.
Step 7: Place your hand inside your printer via the cartridge door.
Step 8: Move the printer’s carriage with your hand.
- Move it to the left if it is on the right side.
- Move it to the right if it is on the left side.
- Move it to the right if it is in the center of your HP printer.
Step 9: Take out the obstructions or loose paper you might find.
Step 10: Push the carriage to the right and then to the left to confirm that the carriage can move freely from side to side.
Step 11: Close your printer’s ink cartridge access door.
Step 12: Reconnect the printer’s power cable to your HP printer.
Step 13: Plug the printer’s power cable into the electrical wall outlet.
Step 14: Turn on your HP printer.
After doing the above steps, print out a test page.
To print a test page, follow the steps we shared under the “Print out a Printer Status Report” section of this article.
Check if the problem is resolved.
If the problem is resolved, you can stop troubleshooting.
However, if the problem persists, do the solution below.
5. Clean the Paper Rollers Inside your Printer’s Cartridge Access Area Manually
To clean the paper rollers inside your printer’s cartridge access area manually, do the following steps:
Step 1: Turn your HP printer off.
Step 2: Remove the printer’s power cable from your HP printer.
Warning: Ensure that you remove the printer’s power cable from the outlet before you reach inside your printer to prevent electric shock or injuries.
Step 3: Remove the USB cable from your HP printer (if connected).
Step 4: Lift the printer’s input tray.
Step 5: Locate the paper rollers by looking through the input tray.
If the inside of the printer is too dark, get a flashlight to brighten the area.
Step 6: Get a fluff-free fabric and dampen it using distilled water.
Step 7: Squeeze excess water from the fabric.
Step 8: Press the fabric to rest on the rollers.
Step 9: Use your fingers to rotate the rollers in an upward motion. Apply some pressure to ensure the removal of dirt buildup and dust.
Step 10: Wait for about 10 minutes for the pickup rollers to get dry.
Step 11: Plug the printer’s power cable into your HP printer.
Step 12: Plug the USB cord into your HP printer.
Step 13: Turn on your HP printer.
After doing the above steps, print out a test page.
To print a test page, follow the steps we shared under the “Print out a Printer Status Report” section of this article.
Check if the problem is resolved.
If the problem is resolved, you can stop troubleshooting.
However, if the problem persists, then you need to service your HP printer.
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 Attention and Both Ink Cartridge Lights – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP Ink Advantage 2545, DeskJet 2540 Printers
When the attention light and ink cartridge lights begin to blink on your HP printer, it is an indication that the cartridge access door of your printer is open. Another reason might be that there is a carriage jam.
To solve this problem, do the following:
1. Close your Printer’s Cartridge Access Door
To close your printer’s cartridge access door, do the following steps:
Step 1: Close your printer’s ink cartridge access door.
Step 2: Check if the lights are still blinking on your printer.
If the problem is resolved, stop troubleshooting.
If the problem persists, do the solution below.
2. Reset your HP Printer
To reset your HP printer, follow the steps we shared under the “Reset your HP Ink Advantage 2545, DeskJet 2540 Printer” section of this article.
After resetting your printer, check if the problem is resolved.
If the problem is resolved, stop troubleshooting.
If the problem persists, do the solution below.
3. Look for, and Clear Paper Jam
To look for and clear paper jams from your printer, do all the tasks we shared under the “Clear the Paper Jam from HP Ink Advantage 2545, and DeskJet 2540 Printers” section of this article.
After clearing the paper jam from your printer, check if the problem is resolved.
If the problem is resolved, stop troubleshooting.
If the problem persists, do the solution below.
4. Ensure that the Carriage is Moving Freely
To ensure that the carriage is moving freely, do the instructions we shared under the “Ensure that the Carriage is Moving Freely” section of this article.
After you’ve confirmed that the carriage is moving freely, check if the problem is resolved.
If the problem is resolved, stop troubleshooting.
If the problem persists, do the solution below.
5. Remove and then Reinstall the Cartridges
If the cartridges are not installed correctly, it might cause a carriage jam error. Therefore, removing and then reinstalling the cartridges should fix the error.
To remove and then reinstall the ink cartridges into your HP printer, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Turn on your HP printer by pressing its power button if it isn’t turned on.
Step 2: Wait for your printer to become silent and idle before you continue.
Step 3: Open your printer’s ink cartridge access door.
This action will cause the printer carriage to move to the middle of your printer.
Step 4: Wait for the carriage to become silent and idle before you proceed.
Step 5: Gently press down the ink cartridges one after the other to free them from their slots.
Step 6: Pull out the cartridges from their slots.
Caution: Ensure that you don’t touch the ink nozzles or copper contacts. Do not change the contact’s protective tape. If you touch these parts, it could lead to poor electrical connections, ink failure, and clogs.
Step 7: Check around and under the carriage for obstructions. If you find any, remove them.
If the area is not well-lit, you can use a flashlight to illuminate the area.
Step 8: Grasp the new cartridge at both sides and direct the nozzles to face your printer.
Step 9: Insert the cartridge into the correct slot.
- The right slot is for the black cartridge.
- The left slot is for the tri-color cartridge.
Step 10: Push in the cartridge and ensure that it clicks into place.
Step 11: Close your printer’s cartridge access door.
After doing the above steps, print out a test page.
To print a test page, follow the steps we shared under the “Print out a Printer Status Report” section of this article.
After printing the status report, check if the problem is resolved.
If the problem is resolved, stop troubleshooting.
If the problem persists, do the solution below.
6. Plug your Printer’s Power Cable Straight into a Wall Outlet
Follow the steps below to plug your HP printer’s power cable directly into a wall outlet:
Step 1: Remove the printer’s power cable from your HP printer.
Step 2: Remove the printer’s power cable from its connected power source (surge protectors, power strips, etc.)
Step 3: Connect the printer’s power cable directly to a wall outlet.
Step 4: Plug the cable into your HP printer.
Step 5: Turn on your HP printer.
After doing the above steps, print out a test page.
To print a test page, follow the steps we shared under the “Print out a Printer Status Report” section of this article.
After printing the status report, check if the problem is resolved.
If the problem is resolved, stop troubleshooting.
If the problem persists, then you need to service your HP printer.
All the Lights on the Control Panel are Blinking – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP Ink Advantage 2545, DeskJet 2540 Printers
When all the lights on your printer’s control panel are blinking, it means that your HP printer has entered into an error state.
To resolve this error, do these solutions:
1. Reset your HP Printer
To reset your HP printer, follow the steps we shared under the “Reset your HP Ink Advantage 2545, DeskJet 2540 Printer” section of this article.
After resetting your printer, check if the error is resolved.
If the error is resolved, stop troubleshooting.
If the error persists, do the solution below.
2. Plug your Printer’s Power Cable Straight into a Wall Outlet
To plug your printer’s power cable directly into a wall outlet, follow the steps we shared under the “Plug your Printer’s Power Cable Straight into a Wall Outlet” section of this article.
After doing the above solution, check if the error is resolved.
If the error is resolved, stop troubleshooting.
If the error persists, then you need to service your HP printer.
Blinking Ink Cartridge Lights (One or Both) – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP Ink Advantage 2545, DeskJet 2540 Printers
This issue can occur in different ways. The tri-color ink cartridge light might be blinking, the black color ink cartridge light might be blinking, or both might be blinking at the same time.
The above conditions can be caused by any of the following:
i. One or both cartridges aren’t compatible with your HP printer.
ii. The protective plastic tape on the nozzles of one or both cartridges hasn’t been removed.
iii. One or both cartridges are defective.
iv. One or both of the cartridges have encountered a problem.
To resolve this problem, do the following solutions.
1. Check the Compatibility of the Cartridge with your HP Printer
You need to check and confirm the compatibility of the installed ink cartridges. You can do that via the HP Store; however, using this method requires that you purchase the cartridges.
If your HP printer is compatible with the cartridges, do the next solution.
If your HP printer is not compatible with the cartridges, do replace the affected cartridge or cartridges. To replace the cartridge, check the subsection below where we guide you on how to replace the installed ink cartridge.
2. Ensure that the Cartridges are Installed Correctly
To ensure that the cartridges are installed correctly, do the following steps:
Step 1: Turn your HP printer on if it is turned off by pressing the power button.
Step 2: Open your printer’s cartridge access door.
The carriage will move to the middle of your HP printer.
Step 3: Wait for the carriage to become silent and idle before you proceed.
Step 4: Slightly press down the cartridge to free it from the slot.
Step 5: Pull out the cartridge from the slot.
Caution: Ensure that you don’t touch the ink nozzles or copper contacts. Do not change the contact’s protective tape. If you touch these parts, it could lead to poor electrical connections, ink failure, and clogs.
Step 6: Check the contacts and confirm that the protective tape has been removed. If you find the tape on the contacts, remove them.
Step 7: Grasp the cartridge at both sides and direct the nozzles to face your printer.
Step 8: Insert the ink cartridge into the correct slot.
- The right slot is for the black cartridge.
- The left slot is for the tri-color cartridge.
Step 9: Push in the cartridge and ensure that it clicks into place.
Step 10: If the other cartridge was affected, repeat the above steps to change it as well.
Step 11: Close your printer’s ink cartridge access door.
Check if the problem is resolved.
If the problem is resolved, stop troubleshooting.
If the problem is not resolved, do the solution below.
3. Clean the Contacts on the Cartridge
To clean the contacts on the cartridge, do the following steps:
Step 1: Get these materials:
- Dry fluff-free fabric, foam-rubbers swabs, or any material that is soft but doesn’t leave fibers behind (you can use coffee filters).
- Distilled, bottled, or filtered water. Do not use tap water to prevent the cartridges from getting damaged by the impurities they might contain.
Caution: Don’t use alcohol or platen cleaners to clean the contacts on the cartridge to prevent the cartridge from getting damaged.
Step 2: Turn on your HP printer by pressing your printer’s power button.
Step 3: Open your printer’s ink cartridge access door.
The carriage will move to the middle of your printer.
Step 4: Wait for the carriage to become silent and idle before you proceed.
Step 5: Remove the printer’s power cable from your HP printer.
Step 6: Press down the cartridge to free it from its slot.
Step 7: Pull out the cartridge from its slot.
Caution: Ensure that you clean the cartridges one after the other. Therefore, both cartridges should not be taken out of your printer together. The cartridges shouldn’t be outside your printer for more than 30 minutes to prevent them from getting damaged.
Step 8: Grasp the cartridge on both sides.
Step 9: Check the contacts for debris and ink buildup.
Step 10: Clean the debris or inks on the contacts with a fluff-free fabric or dry swab. Clean the contacts until there is no debris or ink on them.
Caution: Ensure that you clean the contacts only. Do not allow debris or ink to smear on any part of the cartridge.
Step 11: Dampen the fluff-free fabric or foam rubber swab with distilled water.
Step 12: Squeeze excess water from the cotton swab.
Step 13: Clean the contacts on the cartridge.
Step 14: Wait for the cartridge to get dry; it should take about 10 minutes.
Step 15: Get another foam-rubber swab, and use distilled water to dampen it.
Step 16: Squeeze excess water from the cotton swab.
Step 17: Locate the carriage contacts inside your printer.
Step 18: Clean the carriage contacts.
Step 19: Wait 10 minutes for the contacts to get dry or get another dry cotton swab to dry the contacts.
Note: Ensure that the cartridges aren’t outside your printer for more than 30 minutes to prevent them from getting damaged.
Step 20: Grasp the cartridge at both sides and direct the nozzles to face your printer.
Step 21: Insert the ink cartridge into the correct slot.
Step 22: Push in the cartridge and ensure that it clicks into place.
Step 23: If the other cartridge was affected, repeat the above steps to clean its contacts as well and then reinstall the cartridge into your printer.
Step 24: Close your printer’s cartridge access door.
Step 25: Plug the printer’s power cable into your HP printer.
Step 27: Turn on your HP printer by pressing its power button if it fails to automatically turn on.
Check if the problem is resolved.
If the problem is resolved, stop troubleshooting.
If the problem is not resolved, do the solution below.
4. Reset your HP Printer
To reset your HP printer, follow the steps we shared under the “Reset your HP Ink Advantage 2545, DeskJet 2540 Printer” section of this article.
After resetting your printer, check if the problem is resolved.
If the problem is resolved, stop troubleshooting.
If the problem is not resolved, do the solution below.
5. Remove and then Reinstall the Cartridges Again
To remove and then reinstall the cartridges again, follow the steps we shared under the “Ensure that the Cartridges are Installed Correctly” section of this article.
After removing and then reinstalling the cartridges again, check if the problem is resolved.
If the problem is resolved, stop troubleshooting.
If the problem is not resolved, do the solution below.
6. Clean the Contacts on the Cartridge Again
To remove and then reinstall the cartridges again, follow the steps we shared under the “Clean the Contacts on the Cartridge” section of this article.
After cleaning the contacts on the cartridge again, check if the problem is resolved.
If the problem is resolved, stop troubleshooting.
If the problem is not resolved, do the solution below.
7. Replace the Cartridge
To replace the cartridge, do these tasks:
How to Replace the Cartridge in HP Ink Advantage 2545, DeskJet 2540 Printers
To replace the cartridge in HP Ink Advantage 2545, and DeskJet 2540 printers, do the following steps:
Step 1: Turn on your HP printer by pressing your printer’s power button.
Step 2: Load your printer’s input tray with plain A4 or U.S. Letter paper.
Step 3: Open your printer’s ink cartridge access door.
The carriage will move to the middle of your printer.
Step 4: Wait for the carriage to become silent and idle before you proceed.
Step 5: Press down the cartridge to free it from its slot.
Step 6: Pull out the cartridge from its slot.
Step 7: Take out the cartridge from the packaging.
Step 8: Remove the protective plastic tape by pulling the orange tab.
Caution: Ensure that you don’t touch the ink nozzles or copper contacts. Do not change the contact’s protective tape. If you touch these parts, it could lead to poor electrical connections, ink failure, and clogs.
Step 9: Grasp the cartridge on both sides.
Step 10: Check the contacts for debris and ink buildup.
Step 11: Insert the ink cartridge into the correct slot.
- The right slot is for the black cartridge.
- The left slot is for the tri-color cartridge.
Step 12: Push in the cartridge and ensure that it clicks into place.
Step 13: If the other cartridge was affected, repeat the above steps to change it as well.
Step 14: Close your printer’s ink cartridge access door.
Step 15: Follow the on-screen prompts.
Step 16: Wait for about 30 seconds.
Your printer will automatically print an alignment page.
Note: When a new cartridge is installed, your HP printer will print an alignment page.
How to Align the Installed Cartridge in HP Ink Advantage 2545, DeskJet 2540 Printers
To align the installed cartridge, do the following steps:
Step 1: Lift your printer’s scanner lid.
Step 2: Take the alignment page that was printed after the cartridge was installed and place it on the scanner glass with the print side facing down.
Check the engraved guides surrounding the scanner glass for assistance on how to load the alignment page.
Step 3: Close your printer’s scanner lid.
Step 4: Press your printer’s “Start Copy Color” or “Start Copy Black” button.
Your printer will align the installed cartridge.
Check if the problem is resolved.
If the problem is resolved, stop troubleshooting.
If the problem is not resolved, then you need to service your HP printer.
Solid Ink Cartridge Lights (One or Both) – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP Ink Advantage 2545, DeskJet 2540 Printers
This issue can occur in different ways. The tri-color ink cartridge light might be turned on, the black color ink cartridge light might be turned on, or both might be turned on at the same time.
The above conditions can be caused by any of the following:
i. One or both cartridges aren’t compatible with your HP printer.
ii. The protective plastic tape on the nozzles of one or both cartridges hasn’t been removed.
iii. One or both cartridges are low on ink.
To resolve this problem, do the following solutions.
1. Check the Compatibility of the Cartridge with your HP Printer
To check the compatibility of the cartridge with your HP printer, follow the instructions under the “Check the Compatibility of the Cartridge with your HP Printer” section of this article.
After confirming that the cartridge and your printer are compatible, check if the problem is resolved.
If the problem is resolved, stop troubleshooting.
If the problem is not resolved, do the solution below.
2. Ensure that the Cartridges are Installed Correctly
To ensure that the cartridges are installed correctly, follow the steps we shared under the “Ensure that the Cartridges are Installed Correctly” section of this article.
After confirming that the cartridges are installed correctly, check if the problem is resolved.
If the problem is resolved, stop troubleshooting.
If the problem is not resolved, do the solution below.
3. Replace the Cartridge
To replace the empty or low cartridge, follow the instructions we shared under the “Replace the Cartridge” section of this article.
After replacing the empty or low cartridge, check if the problem is resolved.
If the problem is resolved, stop troubleshooting.
If the problem is not resolved, then you need to service your HP printer.
Blinking Power Light – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP Ink Advantage 2545, DeskJet 2540 Printers
This is an indication that your printer is processing a maintenance, copy, scan, or print job. Do the following to fix this:
1. Allow the Printer to Complete the Current Task
Since your printer is carrying out a task, you need to allow it to complete the task before you begin another one.
If your printer’s power button stops blinking after completing the task, then the issue is resolved. Therefore, you can stop troubleshooting.
If your printer continues to blink after completing the task, do the solution below.
2. Reset your HP DeskJet Printer
To reset your HP printer, follow the steps we shared under the “Reset your HP Ink Advantage 2545, DeskJet 2540 Printer” section of this article.
After resetting your printer, you need to print a test page.
To print a test page, follow the steps we shared under the “Print out a Printer Status Report” section of this article.
After printing the status report, check if the problem is resolved.
If the problem is resolved, stop troubleshooting.
If the problem persists, then you need to service your HP printer.
Fast Blinking Power Light for 3 Seconds before it becomes Solid – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP Ink Advantage 2545, DeskJet 2540 Printers
When the printer power light is blinking fast for 3 seconds before it turns on, it shows that your printer is carrying out another task.
To resolve the problem, do these solutions:
1. Allow the Printer to Complete the Current Task
Since your printer is carrying out a task, you need to allow it to complete the task before you begin another one.
If your printer’s power button stops blinking after completing the task, then the issue is resolved. Therefore, you can stop troubleshooting.
If your printer continues to blink after completing the task, do the solution below.
2. Reset your HP DeskJet Printer
To reset your HP printer, follow the steps we shared under the “Reset your HP Ink Advantage 2545, DeskJet 2540 Printer” section of this article.
After resetting your printer, you need to print a test page.
To print a test page, follow the steps we shared under the “Print out a Printer Status Report” section of this article.
After printing the status report, check if the problem is resolved.
If the problem is resolved, stop troubleshooting.
If the problem persists, then you need to service your HP printer.
Power Light goes Dim and then Gets Bright – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP Ink Advantage 2545, DeskJet 2540 Printers
This happens when your printer goes into sleep mode usually after 5 minutes of being idle.
To fix this issue, do any of these to wake up your printer from sleep mode:
i. Press any button.
ii. Open your printer’s cartridge access door.
iii. Send a print job to your printer from your control panel.
All the Lights on the Control Panel are Turned Off, and the Printer is not Responding – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP Ink Advantage 2545, and DeskJet 2540 Printers
This happens because your printer is turned off. In that case, you just need to turn on your printer. Another reason why this happens is that the power supply has an issue.
To fix this problem, do the following solutions.
1. Turn your HP Printer On
To do this, press your printer’s power button.
If your HP printer turns on, stop troubleshooting.
However, if it doesn’t turn on, do the solution below.
2. Ensure that your HP Printer is Connected to a Power Source
To ensure that your HP printer is connected to a power source, do the following steps:
Step 1: Remove the printer’s power cable from your HP printer.
Step 2: Plug the power cable back into your HP printer.
Ensure that it is properly fitted into your printer’s power socket.
Step 3: Disconnect the printer’s power cable from the wall outlet.
Step 4: Plug the power cable into a different but working wall outlet.
Step 5: Turn on your HP printer.
If your HP printer turns on, stop troubleshooting.
However, if it doesn’t turn on, do the solution below.
3. Confirm that the Printer and the Power Supply are Compatible
To confirm that the printer and the power supply are compatible, do the following steps:
Note: It is recommended that you use the power supply that came with your printer. If you must use another power supply, ensure that it is an original HP power supply.
Step 1: Check the amperage and voltage specifications on the power module and the specifications on your printer and confirm that they match.
Step 2: If the specifications match, confirm that the power cord’s connector has the same color and shape as your printer’s connector.
Warning: Don’t force an incompatible power cord into your printer.
If you are sure that the power supply and your printer are compatible, but your printer is not turning on and fails to respond, do the solution below.
If the power supply and your printer are not compatible, you need to change the power supply to one that is compatible.
4. Reset the Printer Power Module and then Test your Printer’s Power
To reset the printer power module, and test your printer’s power, do the tasks below:
How to Reset Printer Power Module
To reset your printer power module, do the following steps:
Step 1: Remove the printer’s power cable from your printer.
Step 2: Unplug the printer’s power cable from the wall outlet.
Step 3: Disconnect the power cable from the power module.
Step 4: Wait for 15 seconds.
Step 5: If your printer’s power module has a detachable power cord, plug the power cord into the module.
Step 6: Plug the printer’s power cable into your printer.
Step 7: Plug the printer’s power cable into a wall outlet.
Don’t plug the cable into a surge protector or power strip.
Step 8: Check if there is an indicator light on the power module.
Note: Some power modules do not have an indicator light.
Step 9: Do any of the options below depending on the status of the indicator light:
- If the indicator was on before you connected the power module to your printer but went off after it was connected, then you need to service your HP printer.
- If the indicator turns on, follow the instructions under the “Test your Printer’s Power” section below.
- If the indicator is off, follow the instructions under the “Test your Printer’s Power” subsection below.
Test your Printer’s Power
To test your printer’s power, do the following steps:
Step 1: Ensure that the power cord is securely plugged into your printer and an electrical wall outlet.
Step 2: Press and then quickly let go of the printer’s “Power” button.
This action will begin a Power On/Off cycle.
Warning: Don’t press down the power button for a long time as this might cause the printer to turn on and off without entering the power on/off cycle. If this occurs, press and then quickly let go of the printer’s power button.
If the above instructions resolved the problem, stop troubleshooting.
If the problem persists, do any of the options below depending on the status of the indicator light:
- If the power module’s indicator light is off, do the solution below.
- If the power module’s indicator light is on and your printer doesn’t turn on or respond, then you need to service your HP printer.
5. Test your printer using another Compatible Power Cord
In some cases, the printer’s power cord might be faulty. Therefore, to confirm that the cord is not faulty, use another cord to reset your printer’s module and then test your printer’s power.
If your HP printer turns on when using another cord, then the initial cord is faulty. Therefore, you need to get a new power cord.
If using another power cord didn’t resolve the problem, then you need to service your HP printer.
6. Get a Replacement Power Module
You need to get a replacement power module if its indicator light is off. If your power module is designed without an indicator light, you need to replace it after doing all the solutions we have shared so far.
Important: If the module’s indicator light is on, you don’t have to replace it.
If replacing the power module doesn’t resolve the problem, then you need to service your HP printer.
You can also read this article: HP Printer is Not Responding [Proven Solutions] to find other solutions if your HP printer won’t respond.
