HP Photosmart 5520 not printing black

[Sky0314]

Print diagnostic prints all colors fine but not black

[Sneha_01]

Hi @Sky0314,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

If your HP Photosmart 5520 is not printing black, but prints all other colors fine, it indicates a specific issue with the black ink cartridge or printhead. Here are steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve this issue:

1. Check Ink Levels

1. Ink Levels: Ensure that the black ink cartridge has sufficient ink. You can check this via the printer's control panel or the HP software on your computer.

2. Clean the Printhead

Automatic Printhead Cleaning:

• On the printer's control panel, navigate to the "Tools" or "Settings" menu.
• Select "Printer Maintenance" or "Clean Printhead."
• Follow the on-screen instructions to clean the printhead.

Manual Cleaning (if automatic cleaning doesn't work):

• Remove the black ink cartridge.
• Gently clean the copper-colored contacts on the cartridge and the corresponding contacts inside the printer with a lint-free cloth lightly moistened with distilled water.
• Allow the contacts to dry completely before reinserting the cartridge.

3. Perform a Printhead Alignment

1. Alignment:
   • On the printer's control panel, navigate to "Tools" or "Settings."
   • Select "Printer Maintenance" or "Align Printhead."
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to align the printhead.

4. Check for Air in the Cartridge

1. Air Bubbles: If there are air bubbles in the black ink cartridge, it might prevent ink from flowing properly. Try removing the cartridge, gently shaking it, and reinserting it.

5. Reset the Printer

1. Power Cycle:
   • Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
   • Wait for about 60 seconds.
   • Plug the printer back in and turn it on.

6. Replace the Black Ink Cartridge

1. New Cartridge: If cleaning and resetting do not work, try replacing the black ink cartridge with a new one. Ensure you are using a genuine HP cartridge.

7. Update Printer Firmware

1. Firmware Update:
   • Ensure your printer's firmware is up to date. You can check for updates using the HP Smart app or the HP website.
   • Download and install any available firmware updates.

8. Advanced Cleaning

1. Advanced Cleaning:
   • If the basic cleaning does not resolve the issue, some HP printers offer an advanced cleaning option. This can be found in the same menu as the standard printhead cleaning.
   • Note that advanced cleaning uses more ink, so it should be used only if necessary.

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

[jewalleye]

It prints black on test page but not on jobs sent.