Black ink cartridge doesn't want to print. It prints light gray on Best print setting.

[Anne502]

I have reinstalled my printer in attempt to rectify printing problem of black inkjet not printing.  Still does not work and have cleaned printer heads; cartridge heads, starting and restarting system, running HP Doctor. Light gray print when I try to print on Best mode.  Color print and photo black print work fine.  Installed new HP ink jet and still doesn't work.

[sandytechy20]

@Anne502

Welcome to HP forums.

Provide the printer model number or the product number?

Reply with the requested information for more assistance.

Cheers.

[Anne502]

7520 Photosmart

[sandytechy20]

@Anne502

Make sure the ink cartridges are properly vented and seated correctly.

1. Turn on the printer, if it is not already on.

2. Open the ink cartridge access door.

   The carriage moves to the access area.

   

3. Wait until the carriage stops moving before you continue.

4. Press the tab on the front of the ink cartridge inward to release it, and then pull up on the ink cartridge to remove it from the slot.

   

5. Examine the vent area on each ink cartridge, above the HP logo on the top of the ink cartridge.

   

6. If the ink cartridge still has the pull tab attached, pull to remove it.

   

7. If the vent is clogged, use a straight pin to gently remove excess adhesive from the vent.

8. 1. 

      Clogged vent

   2. With a straight pin, gently remove excess adhesive from the vent

   3. Unclogged vent

9. With the nozzle and the contacts facing down, slide the ink cartridge into its slot. Press down on the ink cartridge until it snaps into place. Make sure the color icon on the ink cartridge label matches the color icon on the slot.

   Repeat these steps to inspect the vents on each ink cartridge.

10. Make sure each ink cartridge is firmly in place in its slot. Run your finger along the top of the cartridges to feel for any that are protruding, and if any are, press down firmly until each ink cartridge snaps into place.

11. Close the ink cartridge access door.

You can refer to this HP document for more assistance:- Click here

To thank me for my efforts to help you, please mark my post as an accepted solution so that it benefits several others.

Cheers.

[Anne502]

Already did this and all other solutions offered. I have ordered a new print head.

[sandytechy20]

@Anne502

New printhead should fix the issue.

Feel free to contact us in the future if you need any assistance.

Refer this HP document for the steps to replacing to print head:- Click here

Let me know if that helps.

To thank me for my efforts to help you, please mark my post as an accepted solution so that it benefits several others.

Cheers.

[Anne502]

Replaced the printhead and did the necessary cleaning.  After doing this and replacing with new ink cartridges, the printer STILL prints but only very light print.  And, that's with print sent for print BEST.

Costly process to try and fix the problem, but problem is not rectified.

[Anne502]

I have realigned the print heads and now the new print head is working and printer is printing appropriately. Problem resolved.

[sandytechy20]

@Anne502

Good to know that the issue is resolved.

Feel free to contact us in the future if you need any assistance.

To thank me for my efforts to help you, please mark my post as an accepted solution so that it benefits several others.

Cheers.