• ×
    Information
    Need Windows 11 help?
    Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
    Windows 11 Support Center.
  • post a message
  • ×
    Information
    Need Windows 11 help?
    Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
    Windows 11 Support Center.
  • post a message
Guidelines
Join the HP Community Solve‑a‑thon | Help Others & Share Your Solutions | Live on Zoom | 2:30 PM to 2:30 AM IST | Every Wednesday Click here to know more
Check some of the most frequent questions about Instant Ink: HP INSTANT INK, HP+ PLANS: INK AND TONER.


Check out our Black or Color Ink Not Printing, Other Print Quality Issues info about: Print quality and Cartridge Issues.
HP Recommended
OfficeJet Pro 6978
macOS 10.13 High Sierra

I have an HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 All-in-One printer and the print quality is declining. For example, if there is a blue block of color on a printout, the blue is very streaky. I have: unplugged, restarted, cleaned several several times, cleaned the printheads, smears, alignment, etc. and it's not getting any better. There are no error messages. I have installed a whole new set of cartridges today after chatting with HP online and it still isn't printing right. The Print Quality Diagnostic Page / Test Pattern 3 keeps on getting worse... the green bars fade into a yellow color and there are streaks all over it. I also received a message back in October about a possible cyan and yellow cartridge that could cause issues. Since then I have replaced the cartridges twice, so I do not think that is the issue. Please any help would be fantastic! I'm worried the printer is just on it's way out. 

1 REPLY 1
HP Recommended

@SCGirl, Welcome to the HP Support Community!

 

This could be an issue with the printhead of the printer as you have already used 2 sets of ink cartridges.

 

Update the printer firmware

Click here to download and install the latest printer firmware from your MAC.

Click here to know different methods of updating printer firmware.

 

Refer to this document to resolve print quality issues - Black or Color Ink Not Printing, Other Print Quality Issues

 

And, yes, there was an issue with the Cyan and Yellow ink cartridges. Check if your printer qualifies for a replacement. Refer to -  'Incompatible' or 'Defective Cartridge' message

 

Hope this helps! Keep me posted. 

 

Please click “Accept as 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!

Have a great day! 

KUMAR0307
I am an HP Employee

† The opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the authors, not of HP. By using this site, you accept the <a href="https://www8.hp.com/us/en/terms-of-use.html" class="udrlinesmall">Terms of Use</a> and <a href="/t5/custom/page/page-id/hp.rulespage" class="udrlinesmall"> Rules of Participation</a>.