Failure to print cyan with new cartridge

[ohphotom]

While probably not related, the Wi-Fi stopped working years ago. It worked fine from my desktop PC with an Ethernet cable.

Print quality had been consistently good - until I replaced the cyan ink, which I did several times before. Print tests revealed no cyan after three print head cleanings were done. I can simply print black in the future if necessary. But I think the replacement cartridge is bad. I took it to the local Staples where I got it and they said to call HP. I've not found their number. So I used the AI to troubleshoot. It did mention the vent; visually checking it appeared to be uncovered, with no sign of the orange tab, etc.

[Sneha_01]

Hi @ohphotom,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

If your printer is not printing cyan after replacing the cartridge, even after cleaning the printhead, it's likely an issue with the cartridge, printhead, or possibly the printer’s internal mechanisms. Here's a detailed guide to troubleshoot and resolve the issue:

1. Verify Cartridge and Printhead

Check the Cyan Cartridge:

• Ensure Proper Installation: Make sure the cyan cartridge is installed correctly and is properly seated in its slot.
• Inspect the Cartridge: Look for any visible damage or leaks. Confirm that the protective tape or cover on the cartridge has been removed.

Check for Cartridge Compatibility:

• Verify Cartridge Type: Ensure the cartridge you are using is the correct model for your printer.
• Use Genuine Cartridges: For best results, use genuine ink cartridges recommended by the printer manufacturer.

2. Clean Printheads

Perform a Clean:

• Printer Software: Use the printer's software on your computer to run a printhead cleaning cycle. This can usually be found in the printer maintenance settings.
• Control Panel: Access the printer’s control panel and find the cleaning option. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Manual Cleaning:

• Turn Off and Unplug: Power off the printer and unplug it.
• Access Printhead: Open the printer to access the printhead. Be cautious as the printhead can be delicate.
• Clean Contacts: Gently clean the contacts on the printhead and inside the cartridge bay with a lint-free cloth lightly dampened with distilled water or isopropyl alcohol.
• Allow to Dry: Let the printhead and cartridge bay dry completely before reinserting the cartridges.

3. Check for Firmware and Software Updates

Update Printer Firmware:

• HP Support Website: Visit the HP Support website to download and install any available firmware updates for your printer.

Update Printer Software:

• Reinstall Software: Ensure you have the latest printer software installed on your computer. You can download the latest version from the HP website.

4. Run Printer Diagnostics

Printer Test Pages:

• Print Test Pages: Use the printer’s built-in diagnostics to print a test page or a nozzle check to identify if the cyan ink is functioning.
• Check Ink Levels: Verify that the ink levels are adequate, even though the cartridge is new.

HP Smart App:

• Run Diagnostics: Use the HP Smart app or the HP Print and Scan Doctor (for Windows) to run diagnostics and identify issues.

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

[ohphotom]

Rachel - I did all that except physically cleaning the print heads. How do I do that? Remove all of the cartridges, then wipe where the ink would be dispensed? I can appreciate it would need to be dry before trying again. Personally, I think the new ink cartridge has something wrong with it. The printer display indicates it is nearly full for cyan. And the spongy area on the bottom of the cartridge certainly looks like the color. Thus, I presume it has ink. And I've installed several cartridges for all four slots numerous times. Plus, I removed the cyan to take to Staples for advice; bringing it back got the same results. So I also conclude it was installed correctly. I'm not even sure it was entirely out of cyan ink when I replaced. So it wouldn't likely be dry to begin with. So what to do? Can HP replace the cartridge or what? As I can live with just black ink. If it comes down to it, I'd rather leave all of the cartridges in place instead of buying a new printer and simply allow it to convert to a black-only device.

[Sneha_01]

Hi @ohphotom 

I'm sending out a private message to assist you with the next course of action. In order to access your private messages, click the private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Support Community profile, next to your profile Name.

Hope this helps! 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”.

Rachel571 

HP Support