Printer Not printing in color even though the cartridges are full

[Panda7782]

HP Officejet Pro 6978.

Doesn't print in color even though all cartridges are full.

any help is appreciated.

[Rachel571]

Hi @Panda7782,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot your HP Officejet Pro 6978 printer not printing in color even though the cartridges are full:

Check Printer Preferences: Make sure that the printing preferences are set to print in color. Sometimes, the printer settings may be set to print in grayscale or black and white. You can check this by going to your computer's control panel, selecting 'Devices and Printers', right-clicking your printer, and choosing 'Printing Preferences'. Make sure the option to print in color is selected.

Clean the Print Heads: Clogged print heads can prevent color ink from being dispensed correctly. Use the printer's built-in tool to clean the print heads. You can usually find this option in the printer's maintenance settings on the printer itself or through the printer software on your computer.

Align the Print Heads: Misalignment of print heads can also cause poor color output. Like cleaning, you can align the print heads using the printer's built-in tool, accessible through the printer's menu or the software on your computer.

Check Ink Cartridge Vents: Sometimes, the vent on a new ink cartridge may not be fully open, preventing the ink from flowing correctly. Check the top of the cartridges to ensure the vent is not clogged or still sealed.

Use Genuine HP Cartridges: If you are not using genuine HP ink cartridges, the printer may not function correctly. Third-party inks sometimes do not meet the printer's required specifications and can lead to issues such as not printing in color.

Update Printer Firmware: Sometimes, updating the printer's firmware can resolve issues. Check the HP website for the latest firmware updates for your model.

Test with a Different Document: Sometimes, the issue might be with the specific document or image you are trying to print. Try printing a different document or a test page from the printer settings to see if the issue persists.

Check for Error Messages: Look for any error messages on the printer or computer that might indicate what the problem is. Sometimes the issue might be related to software or a printer error that needs specific resolution.

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

[Panda7782 · Accepted solution]

Noticed that cartridges have an expiration date written on it, 03/2024, which mine were expired.

After installing a set of new color cartridges  with expiration date of 10/2025 everything is working fine now.  No problem with the printer or setting.