I havew done a 3rd level cleanHP 8600 black cartridge prints brown

[DoctorG15]

My HP 8600 prints brown not pure black when printing black text or graphics.

I have done a 3rd-level clean but same results.

[Sneha_01]

Hi @DoctorG15,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

If your HP OfficeJet 8600 printer is producing brown instead of pure black when printing, despite performing a third-level clean, it indicates that there might be issues beyond just a simple clog or alignment problem. Here are several troubleshooting steps to help resolve this issue:

1. Check Ink Cartridges

a. Inspect Ink Cartridges:

• Remove Cartridges: Open the printer’s ink cartridge access door and carefully remove the black ink cartridge.
• Check Cartridge: Inspect the cartridge for any leaks, damage, or clogs. If the cartridge is nearing the end of its life, replacing it might solve the issue.

b. Replace Cartridge:

• Install a New Cartridge: If the cartridge appears empty or is outdated, replace it with a new genuine HP black ink cartridge.

2. Check Printhead Alignment and Calibration

a. Printhead Alignment:

• Access Alignment Tool: On the printer’s control panel, go to Setup > Printer Maintenance > Align Printer or similar options.
• Follow Instructions: Follow the on-screen instructions to perform a printhead alignment.

b. Printhead Calibration:

• Automatic Calibration: Some printers have an automatic calibration process. Ensure that this has been completed.

3. Perform a Deep Cleaning

a. Run Deep Cleaning Cycle:

• Access Cleaning Option: Go to Setup > Printer Maintenance > Clean Printhead or a similar option on the printer’s control panel.
• Perform Deep Cleaning: Select the option for a deep or thorough cleaning. Be aware that this may use a significant amount of ink.

4. Check Print Settings

a. Verify Print Settings:

• Access Print Settings: When printing from your computer, open the print settings dialog.
• Set to Best Quality: Ensure that the print quality is set to Best or High Quality. Sometimes, using a lower quality setting can affect color output.

b. Print in Black & White:

• Select Black & White Printing: Ensure that you are printing in Black & White or Grayscale mode rather than Color, as this can affect how black is printed.

5. Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers

a. Update Drivers:

• Download Updates: Go to the HP Support website and download the latest drivers for your HP 8600 printer.
• Install Updates: Follow the instructions to install the updated drivers.

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

[DoctorG15]

Thanks, Rachel. You certainly covered the options!

If I print a page of text  in grayscale (Black Cartridge only), the color is black. If I print a Quality Diagnostics page, the black seems to me to be dark brown.

I have two cartridges (magenta and yellow) that are not HP cartridges, and these show streaks on the Quality Diagnostics page. I wondered if these somehow contribute to the brown color on the Diagnostics page.

[Sneha_01]

Hi @DoctorG15 

I'm sending out a private message to assist you with the next course of action. In order to access your private messages, click the private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Support Community profile, next to your profile Name.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance.

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