prowboth,

Contact the seller. you said...

Recently bought a p513 w on the web in order to be able to print photos

Printer was made by kodak, if I'm correct. Not quite sure which model number it was but there was one that needs the printhead replaced. Once the printhead is replaced, the printer works fine.

If under warranty,make it an issue.

Rick

I purchased a Dell P513wn printer 2 years ago for home use.  Recently it started acting up when I was printing tax returns; for example, if there was any color on the page being printed, I got a red streak across the page.  I did self-diagnostics including surface and deep cleaning of the printer.  I then got a “Print Head Error” message.  According to my manual, I was to carefully remove the print head, and clean it with a soft, lint free cloth.  I dutifully followed the instructions, but to no avail.

Today, I decided to exercise executive prerogative and called Dell for assistance.  I was not so promptly advised (I was transferred to 5 different departments, the first four of which I am certain were in India) that I needed a new print head and was transferred to the used parts department to order a refurbished print head (since this department involved sales, the person I spoke to was obviously in the U.S.).  I was told that the print head was no longer available.  More so, I was advised that even when the print head was available, it cost more ($127.99) than I paid for the printer in 2011 ($89.99).

Alas, I was told that I needed a new printer.  Rather than jump at the bait and the enticement to buy something new from Dell, I said thanks and would consult with my Tech Team about this issue.  Any ideas to solve?  

Hi Dell_user_XPS8500,

I apologize for inconvenience caused. If you have not tried updating the Firmware for the printer, please try it as the last resort.

To update the Firmware software for the Printer follow the below steps:

Note: Firmware can be updated by connecting the printer and computer with a USB cable, Firmware should be updated after removing the PrintHead. Use the below link which has the steps to remove Printhead: http://dell.to/11xIiEp

1. Turn off the printer, and remove the Printhead out of the printer,
2. Connect the printer and the computer with a USB cable and turn on the printer.
3. Open this link in the computerhttp://dell.to/Xo1Lrh
4. Select the operating system of the computer from the list of options.
5. Under the Firmware, select the right Firmware according to the printer model depending on Wifi mode.
6. Click “Get driver” and follow the onscreen instructions and update the Firmware software.
7. Reinsert the Printhead and try printing and check.

Please reply for further help.

Hi; this did not work as it did not recognize the printer was even connected.

Hi Dell_user_XPS8500,

The problem could be with the USB port on the printer or the USB cable itself.

To isolate the problem, try connecting the printer to the different USB 2.0 port on the computer and check if it is detected.

Please post the results.