New black 564XL cartridge will not print any black output when inserted properly.

[DannyMc3]

I was copying a two-sided form with a black cartridge that was nearly empty.  First side of form copied correctly and print color was very black.  I indicated to copy second page of form before I had turned over the original form.  I realized my error and lifted the cover of the printer to flip over the form.  The printer was in process of copying the second side of form.  I used a lot of black ink due to lifting the cover and attempting to flip over the form.  When I tried to just copy the second side of the form, very little printed on the page.  I assumed that I had used all the ink in the cartridge.  I had a new black cartridge, which I opened and inserted into the print tray.  But NO black printed on the paper.  I brought another new black 564XL cartridge and installed it thinking that the previous one was defective.  I still got no black printout.  I performed CLEAN PRINTHEAD and the printout showed no black shading in the Black rectangle.  (Colors look OK.)

What should be my next step?

[Raj_05]

Hi @DannyMc3,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

It sounds like there could be an issue with the printhead or the printer's ability to recognize the new black cartridge. Here's a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot.

Check the Ink Cartridge:

• Ensure the new black 564XL cartridge is properly inserted and securely in place.
• Remove and inspect the cartridge for any protective tape or plastic that might not have been removed before installation.
• Double-check that you are using the correct cartridge for your printer model.

Perform a Printhead Cleaning Again:

• Since you have already tried the Clean Printhead option, try repeating the cleaning process two or three times. Sometimes it takes multiple cleanings to restore full functionality, especially after the printhead has dried out.

Print a Diagnostic Report:

• Print a Printer Diagnostic Report to check for any error messages or issues the printer may have detected. This report can help identify whether the printer is properly detecting the cartridge and whether there are any issues with the printhead.

Check for Ink Flow:

• Remove the cartridge again and check if there is any visible ink on the nozzle area of the cartridge. If not, there may be a clog in the printhead, even if the cleaning cycle didn't resolve it.
• If you suspect a clog, you can manually clean the printhead with a soft, lint-free cloth dampened with warm water. Be gentle to avoid damaging the printhead.

Reset the Printer:

• Turn off the printer and unplug it for about 5 minutes. This can sometimes reset the printer's internal memory and resolve issues with cartridge recognition.

Try an "Align Printheads" Test:

• After the printer is restarted, perform an Align Printheads procedure from the printer menu or printer software. This can help recalibrate the printhead and ensure ink flows properly.

Check Printer Software and Firmware:

• If you have access to your printer's software, check for any updates for the printer's firmware or software. Sometimes, a firmware update can help resolve printing issues related to cartridges or printheads.

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!

Alden4

HP Support 

[DannyMc3]

Alden4,

If I have tried all your suggestions, and the Align Printer report still shows that the black rectangles at the top of the page and down the left and right margins are not completely filled in.  What should I try next?  I have seen a video on Youtube that suggests using a wet paper towel and moving the printheads across the paper towel.  Do you suggest that as an option?

[Raj_05 · Accepted solution]

Hi @DannyMc3,

Thank you for your response, 

If the alignment test and other troubleshooting steps still show issues with incomplete black rectangles, here are some advanced steps you can take.

Clean Printhead Manually with Care:

• The suggestion of using a wet paper towel can help clear clogs. Here's how to safely do it:
  1. Turn off the printer and unplug it.
  2. Remove the problematic cartridge(s).
  3. Fold a paper towel into quarters and dampen it with distilled water or a mix of distilled water and isopropyl alcohol (70%).
  4. Gently blot the printhead area (where the ink exits the cartridge) against the damp paper towel. Do not rub.
  5. Repeat with a clean section of the towel until you see black ink flow consistently onto the paper towel.
  6. Dry the printhead with a lint-free cloth before reinserting it into the printer.

Check for Obstructions or Residue:

• Inspect the printhead slot and surrounding areas for dried ink, paper dust, or debris. Use a flashlight if needed.
• Clean the area carefully with a soft cloth or a cotton swab dampened with distilled water.

Deep Cleaning Mode:

• Some printers have a “Deep Cleaning” option in the maintenance menu. Perform this function to aggressively clear any blockages in the printhead.

Soak the Printhead (If Removable):

• If the printhead is removable (check your printer manual), soak it:
  1. Fill a shallow dish with warm distilled water or a 50/50 mix of water and isopropyl alcohol.
  2. Submerge the printhead (only the ink nozzle side) in the solution for 10–15 minutes.
  3. Remove and dry thoroughly before reinstalling.

Use a Printhead Cleaning Kit:

• You can purchase a printhead cleaning kit designed for your printer model. These kits often include a cleaning solution and tools to flush out clogs.

Replace the Black Cartridge Again:

• There’s a possibility the new cartridge is defective. Try another black 564XL cartridge to rule out this issue.

Test with a Different Paper:

• Poor paper quality can sometimes lead to printing inconsistencies. Use high-quality inkjet paper to retest.

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!

Alden4

HP Support