Black print failure on HP8600

[Rpbenjr]

Hadn't used my printer in awhile so when trying to print a return label it wasnt dark enough to see.

I put in a new black cartridge. I aligned the printer head but no luck. So I went into tools and cleaned it at all 3 levels. Still no luck. So I removed cartridges and print head and physically cleaned it running clean fluid through each color. Dried it aligned the heads again. No luck. Could the black print head just go bad after 10 years. Black was used more than anything else. Is there a print head for each color. When checking print quality the black is lines not solid.  Hopefully there's something I can do if not it's time for a new printer.

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Rpbenjr,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

It sounds like you've done a thorough job troubleshooting your HP OfficeJet Pro 8600’s black print issue. Given the age of the printer (10 years) and the steps you've already taken, here are some key points and potential next steps:
 

Possible Causes & Solutions:

1. Clogged Printhead (Even After Cleaning)
   • Since you've already cleaned the printhead manually, it's possible that some dried ink is still obstructing the black nozzle.
   • Try soaking the printhead:
     1. Place the printhead in a shallow dish with warm distilled water (or printhead cleaning solution) for 10–15 minutes.
     2. Gently dry it, reinstall it, and run another printhead cleaning cycle.
         
2. Air in the Ink System
   • If the black cartridge was empty for too long, air might have entered the ink delivery system.
   • Try running multiple printhead cleaning cycles (up to 5 times) with a test page in between.
   • Yes, printheads can wear out over time, especially if black is used more frequently.
   • The HP 8600 has a single printhead that handles all colours, so if black is the only problem, the nozzle for that section may be failing.
      
3. Firmware Issues
   • Outdated firmware can sometimes cause printing problems. Check for firmware updates via HP Support Assistant or the HP website.
     Link: https://support.hp.com/ie-en/document/ish_1776648-1643972-16

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

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VikramTheGreat

HP Support