Clogged Printhead on OfficeJet Pro 6978

[KathiBT]

I have a lightly used HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 and I think the printhead is clogged.  I actually threw out a bunch of not empty cartridges thinking they had dried out, but the next set of cartridges didn't work either.  That leaves the printhead, right?  Some of the colors are coming through, but not the black.  The printer is almost 5 years old, but I really hate this whole planned obsolescence thing.  If it can be fixed, then it should be fixed.  Suggestions?

[Sneha_01 · Accepted solution]

Hi @KathiBT,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

It sounds frustrating to deal with a potentially clogged printhead, especially after replacing cartridges that weren’t empty. Here are some steps you can take to try and resolve the issue with your HP OfficeJet Pro 6978:

Use the Printer's Cleaning Function: Most HP printers come with a built-in cleaning function that you can run directly from the printer's menu or through the HP software on your computer. This process can help clear out clogged nozzles. Try running the printhead cleaning cycle a couple of times to see if it improves the print quality.

Manual Cleaning: If the automatic cleaning doesn’t help, you might consider a manual cleaning:

• Turn off the printer and unplug it to ensure safety.
• Remove the printhead if your printer model allows it. You'll need to refer to the printer's manual or look up instructions online specific to your model for how to remove the printhead safely.
• Clean the printhead nozzles gently with a soft, lint-free cloth or a cotton swab moistened with distilled water or a printhead cleaner. Be careful not to touch the nozzles with your fingers.
• Soak the printhead in a shallow dish of distilled water or printhead cleaner for about 10 minutes if the clogging is severe. After soaking, dry the printhead completely with a lint-free cloth before reinstalling it.

Check for Firmware Updates: Sometimes, printer issues can be resolved by updating the printer's firmware. Check the HP website for any available updates for your printer model.

Replace the Printhead: If none of the above steps work, the printhead itself might be damaged or excessively worn. Considering the age of your printer, this might be the case. You can purchase a replacement printhead from HP or a reliable third-party supplier.

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

[KathiBT]

Thank you, Rachel571.  I actually read an earlier and similar complaint, so I found the cleaning tool in the printer's settings.  I had to run it 5 times to get the printhead clean.  (It isn't removable, by the way.)  All seems to be good at the moment.  Thanks again.