Hp6250 black ink missing

[Taz_72]

My HP Photosmart 6520 printer quit printing the black ink.  I thought the cartridge had just run out, so I installed a new cartridge.  I have tried printing several times, but the black is always missing.  However - when I print a "PRINT QUALITY DIAGNOSTIC" sheet, the black text is just fine - but there's no black color in the black color block (all other colors are sharp and clear).  Does anyone have any suggestions??  I know this printer is old, but I hate the thought of losing it since up to this point it does a remarkable job.  Thanks for any help!   I have followed all the steps previous advised to another customer,  but no success

[Sneha_01]

Hi @Taz_72,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

It sounds like you’ve already tried a lot of the basic troubleshooting steps. Given that your HP Photosmart 6520 is printing black text well but not displaying black ink correctly in color blocks, here are some additional steps and considerations:

1. Check Ink Cartridge Installation

• Remove and Reinstall Cartridges: Remove the new black ink cartridge and reinstall it. Sometimes, improper installation can cause issues.
• Check for Protective Tape: Ensure any protective tape or plastic is removed from the cartridge.

2. Clean the Print Head

• Automatic Cleaning: Run the automatic print head cleaning cycle from the printer’s menu or software. This can sometimes resolve issues with ink flow.
• Manual Cleaning: If automatic cleaning doesn’t work, you might need to clean the print head manually. Use a soft, lint-free cloth and distilled water to gently clean the print head contacts. Be careful not to touch the nozzles directly.

3. Align the Print Head

• Printer Software: Use the printer software to align the print head. This process can correct issues with color alignment and ink distribution.

4. Check for Firmware Updates

• Update Firmware: Ensure your printer’s firmware is up to date. Go to the HP Support website and check for any available firmware updates for your model.

5. Inspect the Ink Cartridges

• Check Cartridge Expiry: Verify that the new cartridge isn’t expired or defective. Sometimes, new cartridges can be faulty.
• Try a Different Cartridge: If you have access to another new black ink cartridge, try installing it to see if the issue persists.

6. Perform a Hard Reset

• Power Cycle: Turn off the printer, unplug it from the power source, wait for about a minute, then plug it back in and turn it on. This can sometimes resolve issues with the printer’s internal systems.

7. Check Printer Settings

• Print Quality Settings: Ensure that the print quality settings are set to a high enough level. Sometimes, low-quality settings can affect color output.
• Ink Levels: Check the ink levels in the printer settings to ensure there’s sufficient ink.

8. Run Diagnostics

• Printer Diagnostic Tools: Use any built-in diagnostic tools or utilities provided by HP to check for issues. This might include the HP Print and Scan Doctor, which can help identify and fix common problems.

9. Check for Blockages

• Print Head Nozzles: Inspect the print head nozzles for any blockages. Even if the diagnostic sheet prints correctly, there could still be issues with ink flow in certain parts of the print head.

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

[Taz_72]

Thanks for your help but nothing worked after multiple attempts, so I bought a new printer.