Brand new hp 301 black cartridge not printing

[JenPrint2]

I’ve just installed a brand new hp 301 black cartridge and the printer initially printed some sections with black ink but streaky, and now doesn’t print black at all (only coloured ink on the print quality diagnostic page). I’ve never had this problem before - can anyone help please?

[Jay_G24]

Hi @JenPrint2,

Welcome to the HP Support Community

 I'd like to help!

To assist better-

1) Does the copy print out the same way? 

2) What's the application you are trying to print from? Have you tried printing from a different application or device? 

While you respond to that, let's print a Print Quality Diagnostic page -Post the Print Quality Diagnostic page here so we can help you further.

You may also refer to this document with steps to fix the " Print Quality Issues" issue applicable to your printer -  Print Quality Issues

 Also, try updating the printer's firmware - HP Printers - Updating or Upgrading Printer Firmware 

Try the single-cartridge mode 

The printer you own can work in single-cartridge mode, wherein the printer will be able to print with one cartridge in the printer. This will help us identify if its a cartridge issue or a printhead issue 

To try single-cartridge mode follow the below steps:

• remove the black ink from the printer, leave the color in and try printing 
• then remove the color ink, insert the black  in and try printing 

Hope this helps! Keep me posted.  

Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.

Click the “Yes" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

[JenPrint2]

Hi Jay_G24, thanks for your messages.

I was trying to print from Word, but printing the alignment pages had the same issues. Today some black ink is appearing but not good quality.

When I use the single-cartridge mode, the tri-colour only print is fine, but the black ink only version is very poor quality - I’ll try to attach photos.

I’ll attach a photo of the print quality diagnostic page.

I’m having trouble seeing where I can find the info to update the firmware on the hp website - can you point me in the right direction please?

Thanks!

[Jay_G24]

The firmware version will be available on the printer status page and here is a link to download the available one-https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/selfservice/hp-deskjet-2540-all-in-one-printer-series/5295960/m...

I've sent you a private message with further instructions to get this issue sorted.

• In order to access your private messages, click the private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP community profile, next to your profile Name or simply click on this link:  https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/notes/privatenotespage

Hope this helps!

Keep me posted!