HP 6520 won't print black ink

[DABBERWOCKY]

Hi there - printing from a Mac, my black ink won't print. Things I've already tried:

- New ink cartridge (3 of them actually)

- Cleaning printhead (many many times) and/or aligning - diagnostic page comes with a blank black square

- Updating firmware

- I've tried printing in "color" and when I do some of the grays come out, but no black. If I choose "glossy" paper to print, then it's able to very slowly print black (using color ink I believe - from what I read online). But obviously using color ink to print would cost a fortune in the long run.

- Using a different mac to print - same result

Any suggestions?

[Sneha_01]

Hi @DABBERWOCKY,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

It sounds like you’ve already done a lot of troubleshooting for your HP 6520 printer issue. Given that you’re still having problems despite trying multiple solutions, here are some additional steps you can take to try to resolve the issue:

1. Check Ink Cartridge Installation

• Make sure the black ink cartridge is properly seated in the printer. Sometimes cartridges might not be fully inserted.

2. Inspect the Ink Cartridges and Printhead

• Even though you've tried multiple cartridges, check the contacts on both the cartridge and the printhead for any signs of residue or damage.
• Gently clean the contacts with a lint-free cloth and a small amount of distilled water.

3. Verify Printer Settings

• Go to the printer settings on your Mac and make sure that the print settings are not set to "Print in Grayscale" or "Use Color Cartridge Only."
• Check if there's an option to "Print in Black and White" and ensure it's selected if you want black ink to be used.

4. Perform a Hard Reset

• Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
• Wait for about 60 seconds, then plug it back in and turn it on. Sometimes this can help reset the internal components and resolve issues.

5. Run the HP Print and Scan Doctor

• Although this tool is more commonly used on Windows, you might be able to find similar diagnostics or tools available on HP's website or through their support.

6. Check for Software Updates

• Ensure that you have the latest printer drivers and software installed on your Mac. Sometimes updates include fixes for printing issues.

7. Check for Firmware Updates

• Even though you've updated the firmware, check if there's a newer version available. HP sometimes release additional updates that might address specific 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

[DABBERWOCKY]

Hi - thank you for your steps, but I went through the ones I hadn't already completed and the issue is not resolved. I would love to know if there are any other suggestions.