After replacing cartridge, colors are ok but black is blank

[DeputyDawgATL]

I rarely print. However, today I had a need.  I knew the cartridges were very old, so I bought new ones.

DISCLAIMER:  HP price was $90 for color and BW while OfficeDepot was $60.  Given that I don't print much I went with OfficeDepot.

I installed the cartridges, did a printhead clean and test page.  Colors seem to be ok. However anything BW is blank.

I opened the printer removed the blank cartridge and cleaned with a Q-Tip.  I then re-ran the clean  utility a few times - same thing.

Thoughts?  

Please don't blame this on NonHP cartridges please. 

[Raj_05]

Hi @DeputyDawgATL,

Welcome to HP Support Community.  

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

If you've replaced the black ink cartridge, performed printhead cleaning, and still encounter issues with black printing, there are a few additional troubleshooting steps you can try.

Check Cartridge Installation:

• Ensure that the black ink cartridge is securely and correctly installed. Double-check that you've removed any protective tapes or seals from the cartridge.

Run Print Quality Diagnostic Report:

• Many printers, including HP models, have a diagnostic or print quality report that can help identify issues. Check your printer's manual for instructions on how to print a diagnostic report. This report can often highlight specific areas of concern.

Clean Printhead Manually:

• Sometimes, the automatic cleaning may not be sufficient. You can try manually cleaning the printhead. However, this process might vary for different printer models, so refer to your printer's manual for specific instructions on how to clean the printhead manually.

Check Ink Levels:

• Verify that the new black ink cartridge has sufficient ink. Some printers allow you to check ink levels through the control panel or printer software on your computer.

Align the Printhead:

• Printers often have an alignment process that ensures the printhead is properly aligned for optimal printing. Look for an option in your printer settings or on the control panel to align the printhead.

Update Printer Firmware/Drivers:

• Ensure that your printer has the latest firmware and drivers installed. Visit the official HP website to download and install any available updates for your printer model.

Perform a Hard Reset:

• Turn off the printer, disconnect the power cord, and wait for a few minutes. Then, reconnect the power cord and turn on the printer. This can sometimes resolve issues related to temporary glitches.

I hope this helps. 
 

Take care and have a good day.

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Alden4
HP Support