PhotoSmart D5160 acting a bit strange

[SteveB17]

It prints well except for one circumstance.  If I specify letter paper, it doesn't use black ink.  It prints okay if I specify borderless 8.5 x 11 paper, so that seems to be a good workaround.  Any other size or type of paper works okay.

The printer doesn't know how much ink is in the cartridges because I removed them from another printer.  I suspect this is somehow causing this weirdness. 

[Kumar0307]

@SteveB17, Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Let us try these steps to resolve this issue: 

Reset the printer

1. With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the rear of the printer.
2. Wait at least 60 seconds.
3. Reconnect the power cord to the rear of the printer.
4. Turn ON the printer, if it does not automatically turn on.
5. Wait until the printer is idle and silent before you proceed.

Note: HP recommends connecting the printer directly to a wall outlet rather than a surge protector or a power strip.

Run HP Print and Scan Doctor to diagnose and fix any driver issue

Click here to download the file. Once downloaded, make sure to run the file to start the installation and click on 'Fix printing'.

If the issue persists, proceed to the next step.

Re-install the printer using HP Full-featured driver

Click here to download the HP Full-featured driver.

Once downloaded, make sure to run the file to start the installation and follow the on-screen instructions.

Let me know how this goes.

If you feel my post solved your issue, please click “Accept as Solution”, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

[SteveB17]

I tried everything you suggested.  It still has the weird symptom.  Thanks for the help though.

It has the problem even when not connected to a computer.  If I hold down the OK button and hit the right arrow 4 times, then release, it does print the serial number and other things but the printing is a faint gray color.

It is possible this printer always worked like this.  Maybe it has faulty firmware.

In any case, it works fine as long as I avoid the "letter" setting.

Thanks again.

[sandytechy20]

@SteveB17

This might require remote access of your computer to fix the issue.

I request you to talk to HP support.

They might have multiple options to help you with this.

1. Click on this link - https://support.hp.com/us-en/contact-hp?openCLC=true
2. Select the country.
3. Enter the serial of your device.
4. Select the country from the drop-down.
5. Click on "Show Options".
6. Fill the web-form. A case number and phone number will now populate for you.

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

Cheers.