Office Jet 4650 black ink smearing

[stevewright13]

Replaced black ink cartridge recently and experiencing smearing. Cleaned cartridges through both levels recommended on printer, but print quality diagnostic pages still show smearing. Color is fine, just bad for black ink. Please help - think I need a new cartridge, but just replaced with an XL and should be good. 

[A_Gayathri]

Hi @stevewright13,

Welcome to The HP Support Community.  

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

I understand you're experiencing smearing with black ink on your HP OfficeJet 4650 All-in-One Printer despite using a recently replaced XL cartridge, here are some troubleshooting steps to address the issue:

1. Verify Cartridge Installation

• Ensure the black cartridge is securely and properly installed in its slot.
• Remove the cartridge, inspect it for damage, and gently reinsert it, ensuring it clicks into place.

2. Run Additional Cleaning Cycles

The initial cleaning might not have fully resolved the issue. Perform these steps again:

1. Access the Tools menu on the printer's control panel.
2. Run the Clean Printhead function (multiple times if necessary, up to three levels).
3. After cleaning, print another diagnostic page and check for improvement.

3. Check for Residue or Blockage

• Power off the printer and carefully inspect the cartridge contacts (gold or copper areas) for ink or debris.
• Use a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with distilled water to clean the contacts on both the cartridge and the inside of the printer where the cartridge is installed.
• Allow everything to dry before reinserting the cartridge.

4. Align the Printhead

After replacing a cartridge, aligning the printhead is crucial for optimal performance:

1. On the printer control panel, go to Tools > Align Printer.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions and inspect the alignment page for accuracy.

5. Check for Ink Quality Settings

If you're printing on plain paper, ensure the printer's settings match:

• Use the correct Paper Type and Print Quality (Normal or Draft, not Best, for plain paper).
• Avoid printing on damp or low-quality paper, as it can cause smearing.

6. Perform a Manual Test

Print a test page or document with just the black ink to confirm whether the issue persists:

• If smearing continues, try using another sheet of plain paper.
• Check if the ink dries after printing. Wet ink indicates excess flow or incompatibility.

7. Test a Different Cartridge

Since you suspect the new cartridge might be defective:

1. Try a different black cartridge, if available, to confirm whether the issue lies with the cartridge or the printer.
2. Contact HP Support to request a replacement cartridge under warranty if the cartridge is faulty. Be prepared to provide the cartridge's serial number and proof of purchase.

8. Update Printer Firmware Update the firmware on an HP printer

Ensure your printer has the latest firmware installed:

1. Go to HP's support website for the OfficeJet 4650.
2. Download and install the latest firmware update.

9. Check for Hardware Issues

If none of the above steps work, there might be an issue with the printhead or internal components. Contact HP support to:

• Request a printhead replacement if under warranty.
• Schedule a repair or explore trade-in options.

Let me know if you'd like help with any of these steps or need further assistance!

Refer to this document: HP OfficeJet 4650 All-in-One Printer series User manual 
HP OfficeJet 4650 printers - No black ink, wrong colors, other print quality issues

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!