Print quality not good, grey instead of black

[Lisa__1]

Hi,

I have a HP Smart Tank Plus 550 series.

Since a while my printer does not print properly.
When I choose black to print, it prints grey.
The same with colours, they only come through very lightly.

I still have plenty of black and colour ink, so this is not the problem.

I already did every cleaning program, but the quality remains just as bad.

Anyone have an idea what else I can do?

Thanks in advance!

[Raj_05]

Hi @Lisa__1,

Welcome to HP Support Community.  

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

If you're experiencing print quality issues, such as getting a grey color instead of black, with your HP Smart Tank Plus 550 series printer, there could be a few reasons behind this problem. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can follow to address the issue.

• Check Ink Levels: Make sure your printer has sufficient black ink in the cartridge. Low ink levels can result in faded or incorrect colors.
• Print Head Alignment: Perform a print head alignment to ensure that the printhead nozzles are properly aligned. Misaligned nozzles can lead to incorrect color output.
• Clean Printhead: Run the printhead cleaning utility from your printer's control panel or software. This helps remove any dried ink or debris that might be affecting the print quality.
• Use Original HP Ink Cartridges: Using genuine HP ink cartridges can significantly affect print quality. Non-HP cartridges or refilled cartridges might not provide the same level of print quality.
• Check Paper Type and Quality: Make sure you're using the correct type of paper for your printing needs. Using the wrong paper can lead to ink absorption issues and affect print quality.
• Driver and Firmware Updates: Ensure that your printer drivers and firmware are up to date. Manufacturers often release updates that can improve performance and compatibility.
• Color Settings: Check the color settings in your print settings. Ensure that the settings are appropriate for your printing needs, and that you're not inadvertently using grayscale or other color-reducing options.
• Software or Application Issues: Try printing from different software or applications to see if the issue persists. Sometimes, problems can be application-specific.
• Check for Clogs: If the printhead nozzles are clogged, it can result in poor print quality. Refer to your printer's manual for instructions on how to clean the printhead manually.
• Calibrate the Printer: Some printers have a calibration option that helps align colors and improve overall print quality.
• Perform a Test Print: Many printers have a test print function that can help identify specific color or quality issues. Check your printer's manual for instructions on how to perform a test print.

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 

[Lisa__1]

Hi Alden,

Thanks for the reply!

• Check Ink Levels: 
  • I've added a printscreen of the inklevels, they're almost full.
• Print Head Alignment: 
  • Did a Head Alignment just now, didn't help.
• Clean Printhead:
  • Cleared the printhead + clean smear
• Use Original HP Ink Cartridges:
  • I use original HP Ink Cartidges
• Check Paper Type and Quality: 
  • OK
• Driver and Firmware Updates: 
  • Printer is up-to-date
• Color Settings: 
  • I use the standard settings
• Software or Application Issues: 
  • It's from multiple devices and multiple kind of software
• Check for Clogs: If the printhead nozzles are clogged, it can result in poor print quality. Refer to your printer's manual for instructions on how to clean the printhead manually.
• Calibrate the Printer: Some printers have a calibration option that helps align colors and improve overall print quality.
• Perform a Test Print: 
  • I'll attach the testprint

[Lisa__1]

Hi Alden,

Is there anything else I can do?

[Nal_NR]

Hi @Lisa__1,

Thanks for writing back. 

If you have performed all the steps from this document and still having issues, I recommend you to get the printer checked. 

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!

[Lisa__1]

Hi Elohi,

Where can I get the printer checked?

I didn't buy it in a store, so I don't have a store or support I can contact.

Is there a part I can replace myself?

In the document you linked, there is a part that says 'replace the printhead', but I don't have the cartrigdes that are shown in the pciture.

[Nal_NR]

Hi @Lisa__1 ,

We are sorry that the issue is not resolved when the above troubleshooting steps were performed.

This might require one-on-one interaction to fix the issue via remote assistance. 

I've sent you a private message with further instructions. 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 or simply click on this link.

If the information I've provided was helpful, give us some reinforcement by clicking the Accepted Solution button, that'll help us and others see that we've got the answers!

[Lisa__1 · Accepted solution]

Hi Elohi,

I ordered a new black printhead and installed it in the printer.

Now the printing quality is good again!