564 XL Black Cartridges Won't Use all ink

[Erica4874]

My printer will not use all the 564XL ink.  The ink level shows nearly 1/2 full and will not use one of the chambers.  Tried many different cartridges and can never get all the ink to use.  

[Garp_senchau]

@Erica4874, Welcome to HP Support Community,

Thank you for posting your query; I’m here to help by guiding you through steps to resolve this issue

Check for Ink Cartridge Issues

• Reinstall the Cartridge: Take the cartridge out and reinstall it. Ensure it's seated correctly and the contact points are clean.
• Check for Protective Tape: If you're using a new cartridge, ensure that all the protective tape or plastic covering the ink nozzles has been removed.

Clean the Print Head

• Run the Printer's Cleaning Cycle: Most printers have a built-in cleaning cycle to help clear blocked nozzles. Check your printer's settings (usually under "Maintenance" or "Tools") to run a cleaning cycle.
• Manually Clean the Print Head: If cleaning via software doesn’t work, you may need to clean the print head manually. Turn off the printer, remove the cartridges, and gently wipe the print head with a soft cloth soaked in warm water. Be sure not to touch the print head directly.

Check Ink Cartridge Contacts

• Clean the Cartridge Contacts: Ink cartridges have contact points that communicate with the printer. Use a soft, lint-free cloth and gently clean the copper-colored contacts on the cartridge and the printer’s contact points.

Check the Ink Levels in the Printer

• Check for Low Ink Warning: Sometimes, the printer will not use ink properly if it thinks one of the ink cartridges is low or empty. Check the ink levels from the printer’s display or software and ensure all cartridges have enough ink.
• Reset the Ink Level: If the printer still shows inaccurate ink levels, try resetting the ink level monitoring. This can be done via printer settings in the software or sometimes by pressing specific buttons on the printer (refer to the printer manual for this).

Ensure No Air Bubbles in the Ink Line

• Check for Air Bubbles: Air bubbles in the ink line can prevent the ink from flowing properly. You can try running multiple cleaning cycles to see if the ink flow improves.

[Garp_senchau]

Try a Different Set of Cartridges

• Test with New Cartridges: Even though you've already tried different cartridges, it's worth ensuring that all cartridges are compatible with your printer. Some printers may not properly recognize third-party or refilled cartridges. Try using genuine, brand-new cartridges to see if the issue persists.

Update Printer Drivers

• Check for Firmware Updates: An outdated firmware or printer driver could cause issues with the ink management. Go to the HP Support website and check for any available updates for your printer model.
• Reinstall Printer Drivers: Sometimes reinstalling or updating the printer drivers can resolve communication problems between the printer and the computer.

Check the Printer’s Print Settings

• Use the Correct Print Settings: Ensure that the printer settings (in the software or from the printer control panel) are not set to conserve ink or print in draft mode. This could cause the printer to use less ink.

Run a Printer Diagnostic or Test Page

• Print a Diagnostic Test Page: Some printers have a diagnostic test or alignment page that helps to diagnose and fix printing issues. Look for this option in your printer’s menu and see if it reveals any errors.

Perform a Printer Reset

• Reset Printer to Factory Settings: If nothing else works, you can try performing a factory reset on your printer. This will erase any custom settings but may fix persistent issues.

Check for Mechanical Issues

• Inspect for Blocked Ink Cartridge Path: Sometimes, debris or other issues in the printer can block the ink cartridge or printhead path, preventing ink flow. You may need to open the printer and gently remove any obstructions.

I hope these steps help resolve the issue

Please feel free to reply here if you have any questions or if you need further clarification on any of the steps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

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