Black Ink Stops Halfway Through

[Eddy1978]

Hi there, I print building plans. It only started today but my prints get halfway (ish) through and the black in just stops.

The quality at first is good, but then just nothing from the black. The other colours continue to print ok but nothing from the black.

I have cleaned and cleaned and cleaned the printhead thrugh the onboard diagnostics,

I have aligned the printhead also through the onboard diagnostics/tools but it still only prints black on the first half of the print!

[70007]

Hello Eddy1978,

Thank you for posting your concern,

Troubleshooting Black Ink Printing Issues

When you're experiencing issues where the black ink stops printing partway through a job, it can be indicative of a few possible problems. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can take to address the issue:

1. Perform Manual Printhead Cleaning:

   • While you've already cleaned the printhead using the printer's diagnostics, consider performing a manual cleaning to ensure thoroughness. Use a lint-free cloth and distilled water to gently clean the printhead contacts and nozzles.

2. Inspect the Ink Cartridge:

   • Ensure that the black ink cartridge is properly seated and has enough ink. Sometimes, a cartridge may run out of ink unexpectedly.

3. Check for Clogged Nozzles:

   • Run a nozzle check pattern print from your printer's utility software to determine if there are blocked nozzles. If blockages persist, several cycles of deep cleaning might be required.

4. Use Genuine HP Cartridges:

   • Ensure you are using genuine HP ink cartridges, as third-party or refilled cartridges can sometimes cause printing issues.

5. Inspect the Printer for Paper or Debris:

   • Ensure there is no paper jam or debris in the printer that might be disrupting the printing process.

6. Update Printer Firmware:

   • Check if there are any firmware updates available for your printer that might address known issues with ink flow or print quality.

7. Try a Different Paper:

   • If you are experiencing issues with the type of paper or medium you are using, try printing on a different type or size of paper to see if the issue persists.

8. Perform a Hard Reset:

   • Turn off your printer, disconnect the power source and all cables, and wait for about two minutes before reconnecting and turning it back on.

9. Inspect for Printhead Wear:

   • Over time, printheads can wear out, especially with frequent use. If the steps above do not work, consider replacing the printhead if it is removable and user-replaceable.

If the problem continues after trying these troubleshooting steps, it may be necessary to consult HP support for further assistance or consider servicing the printer, as there might be a deeper hardware issue at play.