6001 Smart Tank magenta prints blotchy. Ink is full,all cleaning and alignment tools complete. Help!

[Project39]

I have been successfully printing for almost 1 year  until recently. The magenta prints blotchy. I have completed all of the diagnostic tools and run the clean printhead up to level 3 several times and completed the alignment tool also. There are no software updates. The ink is full with HP ink. I have turned off the printer to reset it. I have tried different paper.

My next step is to manually clean the print head, then possibly replace it. But to get to the blue button the print cartridge needs to be at the center of the unit, but it rests at the right side. How do you get it to stop at the center? I am not sure if this will even take care of the issue.

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @Project39,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

I understand your HP Smart Tank 6001 has been printing fine for a year, but now magenta prints are blotchy despite full ink levels and running all the built-in cleaning and alignment tools. Let’s go through a few steps to address this.

1. Confirm Ink Flow

Check the magenta ink tank to ensure the ink level is above the minimum line.

Gently tap the side of the tank to release any trapped air bubbles.

Inspect the ink line for kinks or blockages.

Blotchy or streaky printing often comes from air in the ink line or uneven ink flow.

2. Reseat the Printhead

Turn the printer ON.

Open the front access door; the printhead carriage should automatically move to the center.

If it does not move:

Disconnect the power cord while the printer is ON — this releases the carriage lock.

Slowly slide the carriage to the center by hand.

Unlock the blue latch and gently lift the magenta/cyan printhead.

Check for dried ink or debris on the bottom of the printhead and on the contact pads.

Reseat the printhead firmly and lock the latch again.

3. Manual Cleaning of the Printhead

Place the printhead on a clean, lint-free cloth with the nozzles facing down.

Moisten a lint-free cloth or coffee filter with distilled or bottled water (never alcohol or tap water).

Gently dab the nozzle area — do not rub.

Let it air-dry for 10 minutes before reinstalling.

This step often clears dried ink that normal cleaning cycles can’t remove.

4. Run a Single Color Nozzle Test

From the printer’s control panel or HP Smart app, print a Nozzle Check Pattern.

Examine the magenta section:

If gaps remain after manual cleaning, repeat the process once more.

Avoid running multiple Level-3 cleanings in a row, as it can waste ink and overheat the printhead.

5. Check Paper & Environment

Use HP-recommended plain paper or high-quality inkjet paper.

Ensure the paper is stored flat and not humid or curled.

Avoid draft mode; use “Normal” or “Best” quality in print settings.

I hope this helps.

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Best regards,

[Project39 · Accepted solution]

Thank you for your response. You mentioned a few things that I did not check. In the meantine, I contacted the retailer that sold me the unit and since I had purchased a protection plan and was in a hurry to get my printer up and running, I was able to return the unit and replace it with a new one. I wish I had been able to try out your suggestions first. But all is well that ends well. Thank you.