Deskjet Ink Advantage 2676 printer does not print in color

[Mário_M]

The ink level is more than half full. I have already uninstalled and reinstalled the drivers and HP Smart, checked for updates, including firmware updates. I printed a test page and report, performed printhead alignment, and cleaned the smudges and printhead. I also cleaned the ink outlet on the cartridge with a tissue.
In the printing preferences, the grayscale option is disabled.
I was unable to resolve the issue.
I then noticed that the date 2020/09/23 was printed on the cartridge, even though I purchased it in October 2023. Do cartridges have an expiration date and will they stop working after that date?

[Nal_NR · Accepted solution]

Hi @Mário_M,

Welcome to the HP Support Community. 

I'd be glad to help you! 

I can understand how disappointing it must be to spend time troubleshooting and still not get your printer working in color. Let's see if we can figure this out together.

• Did you try printing the color test page from the printer's control panel to see if the issue persists when not using a computer?
• Have you checked if the printer settings are set to print in color, and if there's an option in the software that forces black-only printing?
• Does the issue occur with any specific color, or is it that no colors are printing at all?

Let's try these steps. 

Check Cartridge Installation and Contacts

• Double-check the color cartridge and ensure it's properly installed.
• Clean the contacts of both the color and black cartridges with a soft cloth to ensure there’s no debris or ink buildup that could be affecting the connection.

Run a Deep Printhead Cleaning

• If you haven’t already, try running a deep clean of the printheads via the printer's control panel or the HP Smart app. This can help resolve stubborn clogs or issues with ink not flowing properly.

Try Printing from Different Applications

• Test printing from various applications (Word, Paint, etc.) to see if the issue is related to a specific program. Sometimes settings can affect how printing is handled.

Check for Expired Cartridges

• Although cartridges don't have a strict "expiration" date, ink can dry up over time, especially if stored improperly. If the cartridge is well past its manufacturing date or you suspect it may be old, it might be worth trying a brand-new cartridge that was purchased more recently.

Reset Printer to Factory Defaults

• Sometimes resetting the printer to its factory settings can help resolve persistent issues. Look in the printer's settings or use HP Smart to restore the default settings.

Try updating the firmware. Click here

Keep me posted for further assistance

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

[Mário_M]

Hello @Elohi_NR, 

I did all these steps. The only thing that solved it was buying a new cartridge. The one I was using was purchased in 12/2023, but had a warranty date of 09/2020. Apparently it was in stock for a long time and maybe the ink has dried out. I will pay attention to the date the next time I buy.

Thanks for your help.

[Nal_NR]

Hi @Mário_M,

Appreciate that! Thanks for your time and patience. Take care