printer stopped printing black ink - cartridge not empty

[mshyne-127]

i recently changed the black ink in my HP printer. It printed around 200 pages and then just stopped printing black ink. My printer says the ink level is good, but now when I print, all other ink colors print except the black ink

[Sneha_01]

Hi @mshyne-127,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

It sounds frustrating when your printer suddenly stops printing black ink even though the cartridge is still showing as full. Here are some steps you can try to troubleshoot and hopefully resolve the issue:

Check the Cartridge and Nozzles:

• Ensure the Cartridge is Properly Installed: Sometimes the cartridge may not be properly seated in its slot. Remove the black ink cartridge and reinstall it, making sure it clicks into place.
• Check for Protective Tape: Double-check that all protective tape or plastic has been removed from the new cartridge. This is a common oversight that can block the ink from coming out.

Run a Cleaning Cycle:

• Use your printer’s built-in cleaning function to try and clear any clogged nozzles. Check your printer’s manual or control panel for instructions on how to perform a cleaning cycle. It might be necessary to run the cleaning cycle multiple times.

Print a Test Page/Nozzle Check:

• After running the cleaning cycles, print a test page or a nozzle check pattern to see if the black ink has started flowing again. This also helps you identify if the issue is indeed with the nozzles.

Check the Ink Cartridge:

• If you have another black ink cartridge, try installing it to determine if the problem is with the cartridge itself. Sometimes even new cartridges can be defective.

Clean the Cartridge Manually:

• If the automated cleaning doesn’t help, you might need to clean the cartridge manually:
  • Remove the cartridge.
  • Use a clean, lint-free cloth slightly dampened with distilled water, and gently wipe the copper-colored contacts on the cartridge and in the carriage.
  • Be careful not to touch the ink nozzles.
  • Allow it to dry before reinserting it into the printer.

Check Printer Settings:

• Make sure that your printer settings on the computer are set to print in black ink. Sometimes settings can be changed accidentally to print using only color inks.

Update Printer Firmware:

• Check if there are any firmware updates available for your printer. HP often release updates to fix bugs or improve performance.

Check for Mechanical Issues:

• Listen for any unusual noises when the printer is operating. If there are mechanical issues, these might need professional attention.

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