HP Smart Tank 6000 Not Printing the Right Colors

[kerir77]

Hi there - I have had this printer HP Smart Tank 6000, 2H0B9A) for just over a year (bought it in Sept 2023) and out of nowhere it's now not printing the colors correctly. I ran all the print tests, cleaned and aligned print heads, uninstalled and reinstalled both the printer and drivers and it's still not printing the right colors. Gray is printing as pink. Green is printing as pink, and blue is printing as pink. All tests say its operating correctly, but clearly it is not. Is there anyone out there that can help me figure out how to fix this, so I don't have an Office Space movie moment with this printer and take it out to a field and smash it with a bat? A product should last more than a year...this is really disappointing. 

[Raj_05]

Hi @kerir77,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

It sounds frustrating to deal with color issues after just a year of use, especially when tests indicate that everything is functioning as expected. Here are a few things you can try to resolve the color issues with your HP Smart Tank 6000 printer.

Check the Ink Levels

• Even though you've run tests, make sure the ink levels are not too low or out of balance. If any color tank is low or empty, it could affect print quality.

Perform a Deep Clean

Sometimes a regular clean isn't enough. Try running a deep clean through the printer's settings. This can often resolve color issues, especially if there's a clog in the printhead.

To do this:

1. Open the HP Smart app or the printer's built-in menu.
2. Select Printer Maintenance > Clean Printhead > Deep Cleaning.

Check for Firmware Updates

• Ensure that the printer’s firmware is up to date. Sometimes issues like these can be resolved with a firmware update.
  • You can update the firmware through the HP Smart app or the printer's control panel.

Use the Printer’s Color Calibration Function

• The printer may be incorrectly calibrated. You can run a color calibration to help correct any inaccuracies in the color output.
• If you're using the HP Smart app, look for the Calibrate Printer option under printer settings.

Reinstall Ink Cartridges

• Remove and reseat the ink cartridges, especially the color cartridges. Sometimes, improper installation can cause printing issues.
• Make sure to check the cartridges for any physical damage or leaks that may affect color printing.

Test with Different Paper

• Sometimes, the type of paper used can affect the print colors. Try using a different kind of paper, preferably photo paper or paper recommended for color printing.

[Raj_05]

Perform a Printer Reset

• Resetting the printer to its default settings might help clear any lingering issues.
  • Go to the printer's settings and find the option for Restore Factory Defaults or a similar reset option.

Inspect for Ink Contamination

• If pink is printing in place of other colors, there may be some cross-contamination in the ink system. Even a tiny bit of color ink leaking into another section can cause color mixing issues.
• Carefully check the printheads for any signs of ink overflow or blockages.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

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Alden4

HP Support