I have an HP 6968 printer that has stopped printing black.

[DHDNY]

My 6968 printer has stopped printing black. Replaced cartridge (twice), cleaned print heads, reset printer, cleaned contacts. Anything else I should try?

[zoey7886]

@DHDNY, Welcome to the HP Support Community!  

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding HP OfficeJet Pro 6968 Not Printing Black! 

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.  

If your HP OfficeJet Pro 6968 is not printing black even after replacing cartridges, cleaning the print heads, and performing a reset, here are some additional steps you can consider to resolve the issue:

Clean the Printhead Again: Since you have already attempted cleaning the printhead, ensure that the cleaning process was thorough. This time, perform deep cleaning if such an option is available on your printer’s control panel. You can also perform a manual cleaning using a lint-free cloth, distilled water, and carefully follow the steps:

• Ensure the printer is on and open the ink cartridge access door.
• Remove the black cartridge and use the cloth to gently clean the printhead connections.

Align the Printhead: Ensuring proper alignment can sometimes fix print quality issues.

• Load plain white paper into the input tray.
• Access the printer’s settings panel, navigate to maintenance, and select "Align Printhead."

Check for Firmware Updates: Make sure your printer firmware is up to date.

• Visit HP’s official website to download the latest firmware for your printer model.
• Follow the instructions on the website to install any required updates.

Inspect Ink Levels and Cartridge Compatibility: Verify that the cartridges are genuine HP cartridges and compatible with your printer. Use cartridges with a warranty that ends latest:

• HP 902XL for black cartridges in North America, for example.
• Refer to the Warranty Ends date on the cartridges to ensure they are updated versions if applicable.

Perform Wireless Connection Check: If you're printing wirelessly, ensure that the printer is properly connected to your network and that there is no network communication issue.

Run a Print Quality Diagnostics Page:

• This can be done from the settings or service menu.
• Use this report to check if there are any blocks or issues with the nozzles.  

Hope this helps! 

Take care, and have an amazing day!  

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, Please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!  

Regards, 

[DHDNY]

Hi Zoey, thanks for the response! Did everything you suggested and more (including cleaning print heads at least four times and spending money on a second black cartridge). Still no joy, and interesting that the problem was limited to black. Finally gave up, have to believe that I was dealing with an unfixable hardware problem. Recycled printer and bought a laser printer (HP M140w) which, BTW, was an absolute b*tch to install because of misinformation on the HP Smart app. But in the end, and after several wasted hours and dollars, happy to say that all's well.