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Re: Photosmart C309a ink problem
The faded and nothing could be the ink cartridges (empty--Yes I know the solution center said they still had ink)
I would try removing and re-inserting all cartridges except the photo black and then if you still have the problem I would suggest trying a new black cartridge and seeing if you get some black text printed.
It could also be that your print head is clogged or broken I would try the clean print head option in the Tools menu and
if that doesn't work either contact HP or try the information below but be sure to note the cautions about handling the print head
REAL SOLUTION. I had same experience, spent hours pulling my hair out as kids had project do at school and it was 10pm. Your carriage is clogged! HERE IS THE FIX!! : 1) Remove all ink cartridges. 2) Remove carriage that the ink cartridges ride in by lifting lever on right and lifting the carriage vertically. 3) Wipe off any ink build-up visible on outside with clean rag or paper towel. 4) THIS IS THE KEY: Hold carriage under hot flowing water to flush all ink from the irrigation channels which distribute ink. Keep rinsing until water in clear i.e. no signs of ink. 5) Dry carriage with clean rag and blow into areas you can access to flush water remnants. 6)Let carriage air dry over night. 7) Re-install carriage, then re-install ink cartridges. 8) ENJOY YOUR PRINTER. 9) I have seen numerous entries on this topic dating back two years, with no real solution offered. I am an unemployed Auto Engineer. If HP (or anyone else) would like to hire an intelligent, hardworking Engineer in Detroit area, please inform. Thank you!
UnemployedEGR wrote:[snip] 5) Dry carriage with clean rag and blow into areas you can access to flush water remnants. [snip]
This step could permanently damage the printhead. Blowing into the printhead could cause the layers to delaminate, destroying the printhead. Be careful....
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This absolutely works. Take care though, and only use luke-warm water, and eventually all of the old ink will disappear and the water will run clear. I dried the print head using cool from a hair dryer held at least 30cm away after shaking all of the water out of the print head. Run a 'clean print head' function after replacing the head and cartridges. Simply brilliant.
