HP Envy 4500 printer has stopped printing black (even with full cartridge) so pages missing text

[RichAnt]

Hello Kurseong,  

 Here's two contacts for Great Britain. Being  out-of-warranty you pay.  But call and ask.  I wouldn't pay because they might not solve it.  These are not too expensive and mostly work well, so maybe purchase a replacement.

http://www8.hp.com/uk/en/contact-hp/phone-assist.html

This is a chat:

http://welcome.hp.com/country/uk/en/contact/chat_1.html

If these don't connect, copy and paste into the address window at the top of browser (Internet Explorer, etc.)

Good luck and let us know what your outcome is by reposting on this thread.

[RichAnt]

Hello again Kurseong,

Please provide some info.  Does it scan and/or copy in B&W.  When the problem began, had you printed color photos? (see below)  Are you using genuine HP cartridges and not refills.  Enrolled in Instant Ink?  Have you tried removing and reinstalling the black cartridge 2 or 3 times?  Has the Windows 10 recently updated?  Have you used any different features (duplex printing, printing color photos, etc.).   

It might seem strange, but the Paper Setting may be set on Photo Paper and not Plain Paper.  In the program that you're printing from (MS Word, etc.), click File > Properties > paper/quality and set Media to Plain Paper.  [Is it set at Photo Paper, etc.]  Click OK to back out/ return to the Print Dialog.  That OK will start the printing.  Let me know whether of not it works please.  Good Luck.

[Kurseong · Accepted solution]

Thank you for your time and effort.  I only use authentic HP cartridges. Scanning reproduces black OK.  I switched everything off and re-booted.  Checked the paper quality as you suggested.   Last thing printed was some colour recipes for wifey but no photos and regular paper (80gsm) in supply tray.  Single cartidge operation with colour only worked OK but same with just black in, resulted in blank output.  Although it didn't work yesterday, swapped the cartridge again for the new one (the original was showing one-third capacity) and this time it worked as single cartridge and managed to produce test sheet and the printer now says all well.  Wish I could pinpoint for you what worked - must have been a combination of the things you suggested.  Thank you once again. 

[RichAnt]

Hello again Kurseong,

It's a combination of what YOU DID plus the others' input.  You "rested" the older cartridge and yourself (ha ha), so that maybe restored the older cartridge.  

Where I discussed the Paper Setting, I implied to set Media to PLAIN PAPER, not concerned about the type of paper or quality of paper.

The newer black cartridge may be defective - either return it or use it within 2 months, as the ink will dry. Store the newer one in an airtight plastic tub (not plastic bag) - nozzle up. Do not tape nozzle shut or touch the ink nozzles. Place a moist cloth inside.

Step 12 of link provided by Silvyg and Jean cleans the nozzles of the ink cartridge itself.  Have you done that? The Printhead is the part on the computer's tray in which the ink cartridges are placed.  The printer's front display has cleaning the Printhead as MTEJ detailed, you say you did that.

How old are the newer cartridges?  Do you still have the box/packaging to see the date listed?  The cartridges are good 18 months after that date (it is not a "use by"date).

YouTube videos have lot’s about your 4500 printer.  You can skip the ads.  Watching without sound is informative.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0tm8dNeE2A

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=hp+4500+clean+fixed+printheads

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow2TafD0zyk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7IZivKXQZQ

Thank you for the kudos and GOOD LUCK!