when printing from my HP smart tank 6001 its faded like its out of ink but the ink tanks are full

[Cleve138]

when printing from my HP smart tank 6001 it come out faded like it's out of ink, but the ink tanks are full

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @Cleve138,

Welcome to the HP Support Community! 

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding Printer's print quality issue!  

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

As your HP Smart Tank 6001 is printing faded pages even though the ink tanks are full, here are some troubleshooting steps to fix the issue:

1. Check Ink Levels & Shake Ink Tanks

• Even though the tanks appear full, air bubbles in the ink lines could cause faded prints.
• Gently shake the ink tanks to ensure proper ink flow.
• Make sure the air vent on the ink tanks is open.

2. Run a Printhead Cleaning

• On your printer's control panel, navigate to:
  Settings → Printer Maintenance → Clean Printhead
• Perform two or three cleanings if needed.
• After cleaning, print a Print Quality Diagnostic Page to check the improvement.

3. Check and Align Printheads

• Misaligned printheads can cause fading.
• Go to Settings → Printer Maintenance → Align Printhead
• Follow the instructions on the screen.

4. Verify Paper Type & Quality

• Make sure you're using the right paper type for your print job.
• Avoid damp or low-quality paper, as it can cause ink to not transfer properly.

 

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

5. Use the Correct Print Settings

• When printing, go to Printer Preferences and set:
  • Paper Type to the correct one (plain paper, photo paper, etc.).
  • Print Quality to Best instead of Normal or Draft.
  • Grayscale Off (if you want color prints).

6. Check Ink Tubes (For Air Blockage)

• Some HP Smart Tank printers have visible ink tubes leading to the printhead.
• If you see air bubbles, perform a printhead priming via maintenance options.

7. Update Printer Firmware

• Go to HP Support (HP Software & Drivers) and check for firmware updates.

8. Perform a Hard Reset

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Unplug it from power for 2 minutes.
3. Plug it back in and turn it on.
4. Try printing again.

9. Replace the Printheads (if needed)

• If cleaning doesn’t help, the printheads may be clogged or worn out.
• HP Smart Tank printers use replaceable printheads. If your printer is still under warranty, contact HP Support for a free replacement.

If the issue persists after these steps, let me know! 😊

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?"—your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,