Smudged printing

[ADAV1]

After a paper jam was cleared in my HP Deskjet 2540, it  keeps printing pages with text smudged .  Colours OK - not smudged - just black. Have done all the head cleaning and alignment but still a problem. What can I do?

[Kumar0307 · Accepted solution]

@ADAV1, Welcome to the HP Support Community!

I understand the print quality of black is smudged. Make sure you have tried the steps mentioned in this document - Black Ink Not Printing and Other Print Quality Issues

Try making a standalone copy in black and check if that prints fine. By this, we can conclude if this is a hardware or a driver issue.

If the issue persists, it could be an issue with the black ink cartridge. Please reach out to the HP Technical Support team in your region regarding the service/replacement options. 

You may create a case on the website to obtain a case number if required. Kindly watch this video to know how.

Keep me posted for any other assistance.

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! 

[ADAV1]

Thanks Kumar for your solution.  I finally had time to do all the things. The clinch was manually cleaning around the nozzles with the rubber foam thing and distilled water.  Such a little thing but it made all the difference.  No smudging now when I print.

Thanks! Ann