HP Officejet Pro 9018 stopped printing in color

[loafing]

This printer has worked correctly for years and just randomly stopped printing color and I didn't change anything.  I have tried all the following with no luck:

replaced color ink with new (HP ink)

restarted (waiting while off for many minutes)

reset printer to factory config

This isn't related to the computer since the online reports (direct from the printer) are not printing color.  I confirmed latest firmware.  

I also own 2 of these printers bought at the same time / same store and the other printer prints color fine with the same firmware and config.  This is really weird.

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @loafing,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

Thanks for the detailed info. Since your HP OfficeJet Pro 9018 is not printing in color—even from internal reports and after replacing ink, resetting, and updating firmware—this strongly suggests a hardware-level issue, most likely with the printhead.

Please try the steps shared below:

1. Run the Internal Printhead Cleaning Cycle – Twice

Even if you've done it once, do this again now:

1. From the printer touchscreen:
   • Settings > Printer Maintenance > Clean Printhead
   • Let the cycle run fully.
2. If the first result still has no color, run the cleaning a second time.

⚠️ Important: If after 2 cleanings, you still see no color at all, do NOT run more cleanings, as it wastes ink and won’t help in this case.

2. Print a Print Quality Diagnostic Report

On the printer:

• Tap Settings > Reports > Print Quality Report
• This page will show color blocks and alignment info.

Check:

• Are color blocks completely missing?
• Is black printing correctly while cyan, magenta, and yellow are blank or faded?

If so, → confirms partial printhead failure or color line blockage.

3. Check Ink Cartridge Vents

• Remove the color cartridges.
• Make sure the vent holes (small holes on top) are not clogged.
• Gently clean them with a lint-free cloth if needed.

4. Manually Clean the Printhead (Advanced)

If the above fails, you can try this:

• Remove the printhead (if accessible).
• Place it on a damp, lint-free cloth (distilled water only) with the nozzles facing down.
• Let it sit for 5–10 minutes.
• Gently blot dry and reinstall.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, as it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

VikramTheGreat

HP Support

[loafing]

Hi Vikram and thank you for the help.  

• Are color blocks completely missing? NO.
• Is black printing correctly while cyan, magenta, and yellow are blank or faded? YES, black is printing fine and the other color blocks are muted / faded but have color.

I wasn't sure where the vent holes were exactly.  Can you explain and don't have any idea how to remove the printhead.

Thanks.

[VikramTheGreat · Accepted solution]

Hi @loafing,

Thank you for getting back. When cyan, magenta, and yellow print faint or not at all, but black prints normally, this is often due to:

• Clogged vent holes on the color cartridges
• Improper cartridge installation
• Printhead issues

Let’s walk through how to check and resolve this.

Step 1: Check Cartridge Vents

Each ink cartridge has a small vent hole at the top that must be unblocked to allow proper ink flow.

1. Remove each color cartridge (cyan, magenta, yellow).
2. Look at the top side of the cartridge — near the label, you’ll see a small hole (this is the vent).
3. Make sure no orange pull-tab sticker is still covering it.
4. Gently clean the vent area with a lint-free cloth.
5. If the vent appears clogged (no hole visible or ink dried), gently use a paperclip tip or pin to clear it — do not pierce deeply.

🔄 Reinsert the cartridges and make sure each clicks firmly into place.

Step 2: Run a Printhead Cleaning from the Printer Menu

1. On the printer control panel, go to Setup > Printer Maintenance.
2. Select Clean Printhead.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions.
4. After cleaning, print a Print Quality Diagnostic Report to check for improvement.

Repeat up to 2–3 times, but not more — excessive cleaning uses ink.
 

Step 3: About Printhead Removal (Note)

The printhead in the OfficeJet Pro 9018 is not designed to be removed manually by end users. It is built into the carriage, and attempting to remove it could damage the printer.

If print quality does not improve after vent cleaning and printhead cleaning, the next step is to replace the ink cartridges with new, genuine HP ones, or contact HP support to check for warranty coverage.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, as it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

VikramTheGreat

HP Support