All other colors work fine except black (alignment is also failing)

[jerrybeary]

I am at my wits end here.

This printer hasn't failed me before (though I know it's an older model) and scanning still works perfect using wi-fi network. Magenta, cyan, and yellow also print perfectly on the quality report but the black does not show up at all (but the brackets do show up on the quality report). Alignment continues to fail as well and I just put in new cartridges (and shows full levels on HP Smart app). 

Please help I don't know what else to do!

[zoey7886]

@jerrybeary, Welcome to the HP Support Community!  

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding Black Ink Issues on HP Photosmart 6510 e-All-in-One Printer - B211a! 

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

It sounds like your HP Photosmart 6510 printer is experiencing issues with printing black ink, despite the other colors working perfectly and new cartridges being installed. Here are a few steps to troubleshoot and resolve this issue:

1. Clean the Printhead: Printhead clogs are a common cause of black ink not printing. You can use the printer’s built-in cleaning function to clean the printhead.

• Access the Tools or Settings menu from the printer’s control panel.
• Locate the Printhead Cleaning or Printer Maintenance option.
• Follow the prompts to clean the printhead.

2. Align the Printhead: Proper alignment ensures that the printhead is correctly positioned for optimal printing.

• Go to the Tools or Settings menu.
• Select Printer Maintenance.
• Choose Align Printhead.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the alignment process.

3. Check the Ink Cartridges: Even though new cartridges were installed, it’s important to check them again.

• Open the printer’s cartridge access door.
• Ensure that the black ink cartridge is properly seated in its slot.
• Check to see if there is any tape or packaging left on the cartridge that might block the ink flow.

4. Manually Clean the Printhead: If the automatic cleaning doesn’t resolve the issue, you might need to manually clean the printhead.

• Turn off the printer.
• Open the access door and remove the printhead.
• Use a lint-free cloth moistened with distilled water.
• Gently clean the printhead contacts.

5. Perform a Hard Reset: Sometimes, a hard reset can resolve various printer issues.

• Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
• Wait for 60 seconds.
• Plug the printer back in and turn it on.  

Hope this helps! 

Take care, and have an amazing day!  

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Regards,