Black ink smudging, ran 2 cleaning cycles and cleaned cartridge.

[coolqueen17]

I put in new cartridges and ever since my printer has error 0 and the black ink is smudging. I ran 2 cleaning cycles and took out the cartridge to clean it. It still has the error 0 and is printing smudged. What can I do?

[Sneha_01]

Hi @coolqueen17,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

If you're experiencing black ink smudging and an "Error 0" on your printer despite running cleaning cycles and replacing the cartridges, here’s a step-by-step guide to resolve the issue:

1. Understand the Error 0

**a. Check Printer Manual or Online Resources:

• Error Code Details: "Error 0" could indicate a specific issue depending on the printer model. Consult the printer’s manual or the HP website for detailed information about this error code.

2. Address Ink Smudging

**a. Inspect the Print Cartridges:

• Check Cartridge Installation: Ensure the cartridges are installed correctly and securely.
• Remove Residue: Use a lint-free cloth or a paper towel to gently wipe the contacts on the cartridges and inside the printer.

**b. Clean the Print Head:

• Manual Cleaning: If the automatic cleaning cycles haven’t worked, you might need to manually clean the print head.
  1. Turn off and unplug the printer.
  2. Remove the ink cartridges.
  3. Clean the Print Head: Dampen a lint-free cloth with distilled water and gently wipe the print head.
  4. Allow to Dry: Let the print head dry completely before reinserting the cartridges.

**c. Check for Smudging Causes:

• Paper Type: Ensure you're using the correct type of paper for your printer. Glossy or photo paper can sometimes cause smudging if the ink is not properly absorbed.
• Ink Drying Time: Allow the printed pages to dry completely before handling them.

3. Troubleshoot the Printer Error

**a. Reset the Printer:

• Power Cycle: Turn off the printer, unplug it from the power source, wait for 60 seconds, and then plug it back in and turn it on.

**b. Check for Paper Jams:

• Inspect: Ensure there are no paper jams or obstructions inside the printer.

**c. Update Printer Firmware:

• Firmware Update: Check for any available firmware updates for your printer model on the HP support website and install them.

**d. Run Printer Diagnostics:

• HP Diagnostic Tools: Use HP’s diagnostic tools or software to perform a thorough check and identify any issues.

4. Additional Cleaning and Maintenance

**a. Use Printer Maintenance Mode:

• Access Maintenance Mode: Depending on your printer model, you might have access to a maintenance or service mode that allows for more in-depth cleaning and troubleshooting.

**b. Replace Cartridges Again:

• Try New Cartridges: If you suspect the new cartridges might be defective, try replacing them with another set of new cartridges.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

Rachel571

HP Support