HP error 0xc19a0013 (ink system failure, printhead check)
0xc19a0013 is a member of the 0xc19a family of ink system failures on HP inkjets with removable printheads. This specific value is logged when the printhead's electrical self-test fails, usually because the firmware cannot read the printhead's internal identification or temperature sensor. The printer shows 'Ink System Failure' and refuses to print, copy or scan.
What causes it
- Dirty, wet or corroded contacts between the printhead and the carriage
- Printhead heater or sensor failure after a cartridge ran dry and the head overheated
- Refilled or counterfeit cartridges whose chips return invalid data
- The printhead was reinstalled without being latched fully down
- Static or power surge damage to the carriage flex cable
How to fix it, in order
Work down the list and stop when the printer recovers. The steps are ordered from most likely and least invasive to last resort.
Power cycle with the cord removed
Turn the printer off with the power button, then pull the cord out of the back of the printer for at least a minute. Reconnect and turn on. If the error was caused by a single failed self-test it will not return.
Reseat the printhead
Open the cartridge door, lift the carriage latch and remove the printhead. Check that the ink nozzles on the underside are not clogged with dried ink, then put it back and press the latch down until it locks with a firm click. A printhead that is sitting one millimetre high will fail its electrical check every time.
Clean the printhead contacts
With the printhead out, wipe the copper-coloured contact strip with a lint-free cloth dampened with distilled water. Clean the matching contacts in the carriage with a dry cloth. Let everything dry for ten minutes before refitting.
Replace any cartridge that is not recognised
Open the ink level screen. A cartridge showing a question mark or 'not HP' is the most likely trigger. Install a genuine HP cartridge in that slot and restart the printer.
Try the semi-full reset from the support menu
On Photosmart and OfficeJet models of this generation the support menu is opened with a button combination (commonly Back, Back, Home, Home on Photosmart touch models, or Back then * and # on OfficeJet 6500). Choose Resets, then Semi Full Reset and let the printer restart.
Install a new printhead
If the fault survives cleaning and reseating, the printhead electronics have failed. Buy the correct HP printhead for your model, fit it with new cartridges and allow the printer to complete the 10 to 15 minute initialisation without interruption.
Stopping it happening again
When it is not worth fixing yourself
If you would rather not work through this alone, a printer specialist can take a look with you on a screen-share and tell you honestly whether the machine is worth saving.
Frequently asked questions
Does HP still sell the printhead for the Photosmart C6380?
HP no longer sells it new, but the CB326 style printhead for the Photosmart 564 family is still available from third-party sellers and refurbishers, often at low cost.
Why does the error come back as soon as I put the cartridges in?
The printer re-runs the ink system test when the cartridge door closes. If the test fails on the same printhead, it will fail again each time, which points to the printhead rather than a temporary fault.
Is 0xc19a0013 the same as 0xc19a0003?
They are in the same ink system failure family, but 0013 is tied more strongly to the printhead electrical test, whereas 0003 is a more general ink system fault. The troubleshooting steps overlap almost completely.
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