This new printer s____! I keep getting a printhead error. In a different thread somebody (Mary maybe?) said she had the same problem with her Dell printer (don't know if it is the same model). I have taken it out and put it back in a hundred times. I have cleaned it. I have tried to email Dell's tech support but apparently they do not provide email support for this product and I am too tired right now to "chat" on-line or by phone. The printhead is made of cheap plastic that I am sure to break if I keep fiddling with it. It worked a bit and then got the error, I fiddled with it and it worked a bit again then got the error again. Now I can't get it working at all. I don't know if it's not in right or when it was in and working why it stops again. I can try calling or chatting tomorrow I guess but if anybody has any suggestions, I'd really appreciate it.
Thank you.

What's the error it's giving you?
Or does it just say "printhead error" and nothing else?

Have you tried cleaning it as described in #4 on ***this page***?

***Amazon reviewers*** seem to agree with your first sentence about this printer. Is it too late to return it?

Yes, it was me that posted about the same problem. My printer is a 313 and does the same darn thing.
So far, it's been a nuisance that I can solve by opening the cover, letting the printer reset the inks and printhead and closing back down and it works. For me, it's too late to return, but since it's just a home printer, I've learned to live with it. It did this right from the beginning. Interesting to hear that others have the same problem.

The error says "There is a problem with the printhead. Please consult the users guide." The users guide doesn't say really what to do though. Yes, I cleaned it as shown in #4 of your link. Why oh why, did I not do the research I planned on doing before purchasing????

If I could at least do what Mary does by opening and closing the cover and as one of those Amazon reviewers said, I could live with it but that just doesn't work for me. A lot of those reviewers talked about the ink but I haven't been able to get far enough with the printer to know about that.

I've had the printer since March but only set it up in May. I think it is returnable but will have to contact them to find out for sure. One way or the other though, I think I need to get something else.

Good luck.
I hope they'll let you return it.

oldbroad, I got a deal on a Brother DCP 165C (which I think is an older one, anyway not the newest) at Newegg and so far it's performing like a champ. Not that I print a whole lot but it hasn't even had a paper jam, which, if you ask me, is remarkable! Anyway, if you get another, you might look into a Brother.

Gil.

Thanks traveler. I will keep that in mind. I still have not contacted Dell. There's just been too much going on and I just don't feel up for the fight!

I have a 715w that just started doing exactly the same thing when I need it most,and nothing I try with the printer head seems to help. Looks like all their printers have issues. I'm definitely staying away from Dell next time.

You and me both! Their quality has certainly declined.

Good luck with yours. I still haven't (sucessfully) contacted them. I tried the chat line which was "busy" and I was directed to email but email replied that I have to use chat or phone. I keep putting it off because I am just to annoyed to deal with it. I did however, start looking into other printers and may end up eating this Dell.

Since my "finicky" Dell printer now is adding "I'll only print when I feel like it" to it's agenda, this makes it more that just a "nuisance" to deal with. Too bad, because I liked the features.

I would like this one too Mary, if only it would work!

Dell used to be the number one company to go to as far as computers and such were concerned; I guess they got too big and now take their customers for granted. The one call I made regarding the printer did nothing for me; another time I needed support for their datasafe program--after several calls to different support areas, the "support" people didn't even know what I was talking about! How frustrating. I deleted that program.

Mary and jmdsmd1, if you don't see my post in thread about help with new printer selection, Dell replaced the print head for me and so far it is working well. Only printed with it tonight but 200+ pages with no problem. Maybe you can get help too!

I just read your post on the other thread, oldbroad. Good for you!

My printer seems to be working for now; somehow another printer was checked as the default printer, not sure how that could happen.

But if I get tired of opening and closing the lid to get it to work, I'll try replacing the printhead. I haven't done that so far only because I didn't know if it would make a difference.

I'm glad things worked out for you!