HP Smart Tank 5101 color print head doesn't work

[AnalogMan1]

I just got home from Best Buy with this printer and I am setting it up.  The color print head will not print correctly.  I have done the align print heads multiple times and I have tried the Clean  print heads multiple times but that won't print a page.  Black ink works  OK but color gives magenta smears.  Print Quality diagnostic page test pattern 1 isn't correct. Pattern 2 the three blocks are not one color each but are 4 different colors as you go left to right on the first block, pink on the middle block, a kinda orange with a small yellow line on the  end of the 3rd block.  Very frustrating.

[Max3Aj]

@AnalogMan1, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

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

It sounds like your color printhead may be clogged, misaligned, or defective. Since you've just bought the printer, let's go through some troubleshooting steps:

Check Ink Cartridges & Printhead Installation

• Ensure that the color ink cartridge is seated correctly.
• If your printer has removable printheads, try removing and reseating the color printhead.
• Check if the protective tape on the printhead was removed.

Perform a Deep Printhead Cleaning

Since the normal printhead cleaning didn’t work, try a deeper cleaning (if available in your printer’s menu):

1. Go to the printer settings.
2. Look for "Advanced Cleaning" or "Deep Clean Printheads" under Maintenance.
3. Run the deep clean and check if there's improvement.

Manually Clean the Printhead

If the issue persists, try cleaning the printhead manually:

1. Turn off the printer and unplug it.
2. Remove the ink cartridges and printhead if removable.
3. Use a lint-free cloth dampened with distilled water or isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher).
4. Gently wipe the nozzles and contacts of the printhead.
5. Let it air dry for 5-10 minutes and reinstall everything.

Try a Different Paper Type

• Use a higher quality, inkjet-compatible paper.
• Avoid damp or glossy paper as it may cause smearing.

Print a Different Test Page

• Try printing a document with solid colors.
• If colors are still wrong, check the color settings in HP Smart App or printer software.

Update Firmware & Drivers

• Go to HP Support Website and enter your printer model.
• Download and install the latest firmware updates.
• Uninstall and reinstall the printer drivers.

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

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

Max3Aj

HP Support 

[AnalogMan1]

I removed and reinstalled the printer head multiple times while running the aline printer head function. I attempted the clean printer head function multiple times and I could hear the printer head moving back and forth but then it would stop and the color printer head light would appear on the little screen along with a flashing “ !”  I just took it back to Best Buy and exchanged it for another one 

[Max3Aj]

@AnalogMan1, Thank you for your response. 

That was definitely the right call—sounds like the color printhead was defective right out of the box. A brand-new printer shouldn’t be giving you that much trouble during setup. Hopefully, the replacement works perfectly!

Have a nice day! 

Max3Aj

HP Support