Printer will not print black

[Pine2]

Printer still does not print black.  This happened before the warranty expired, and it was suggested the print head should be changed.  It was changed and the printer worked for a short while, then stopped.  I stopped using the printer for many months, but decided to try changing the print head again, but the printhead will not stop in the center when I open the lid to change it.  

[Jerry_57]

Hi @Pine2,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

I hear that your printer is having a black print issue.

To get your printhead moving and fix the black ink issue, force a mechanical reset and manually slide the carriage to the centre.
 

1. Force the Printhead to the Centre:
 

Since the lid opening mechanism isn't working, you need to manually coax the print carriage to the centre position.
 

1. Turn on the printer.
    
2. Open the ink access door.
    
3. Unplug the power cord directly from the back of the printer while it is turned on. This releases the motor lock.
    
4. Reach inside carefully and gently push the printhead carriage to the centre of the printer.
    
5. Remove any obstructions, paper debris, or built-up dried ink that might be blocking the path on the track.

2. Troubleshoot the Black Ink Issue:

Once the printhead is accessible and the cartridges are removed, fix the black ink flow:
 

1. Remove Tape: Make sure all protective orange or clear plastic tape has been completely peeled off the nozzles and contacts of the new black cartridge.
    
2. Clean Contacts: Gently wipe the copper-colored electrical contacts on both the cartridge and the printhead carriage using a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with distilled water.
    
3. Unclog Nozzles: Lightly dab the bottom nozzle plate of the black cartridge on a damp paper towel. If it leaves a strong, solid black blot, the ink is flowing. If not, the printhead may be permanently clogged or require another replacement.
    
4. Firmly re-seat: Reinsert the cartridge and printhead firmly until you hear a solid click.
    
5. Run Cleaning Tools: Close the door, plug the power cord back in, and run the built-in Clean Printhead utility through the printer's onboard settings or the HP App.

I hope this will help.

 

Take care and have a good day.