LaserJet 2605 will not print in color

[msadrakula]

My 2605 will not print in color. I found a thread from 2017 which suggested a solution. I have tried that solution and it doesn't work for me. Device Setting - Installable Options will not allow me to make changes to the Automatic Configuration. Manual Configuration is not available.

Right after this solution was give another user had the same situation I have but was never answered. This printer was working fine for years. It recently lost its Ethernet connection and I have finally got that fixed but since then only grey scale output. It prints its internal test pages in color. Anything I send it from an app like Word will only print in grey scale.

Please help

[Raj_05]

Hi @msadrakula,

Welcome to HP Support Community.  

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

There are several reasons why your HP LaserJet 2605 may not be printing in color. Here are a few things you can try to troubleshoot the issue.

• Check the printer settings: Make sure that the printer is set to print in color. To do this, go to the printer properties in the control panel and make sure that the "Color" option is selected.
• Check the toner cartridges: If the toner cartridges are low or empty, the printer may not be able to print in color. Check the toner levels and replace any cartridges that are low or empty.
• Check the paper settings: Make sure that the printer is set to print on the correct type of paper. Some paper types may not be compatible with color printing, so check the paper settings in the printer properties.
• Clean the print heads: If the print heads are dirty or clogged, the printer may not be able to print in color. You can clean the print heads using the printer software or by following the instructions in the printer manual.
• Update the printer drivers: Outdated or corrupt printer drivers can cause issues with color printing. Make sure that you have the latest printer drivers installed on your computer.

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

[Repairatrooper]

Likely a driver issue. What driver is installed? Lack of color is often an indication that a MIcrosoft Class driver or IPP driver is installed and not an HP driver. To check driver installed do this on your PC. Go to control panel>devices and printers and then right click on the icon for your printer and select printer properties from the drop down menu. Click on the advanced tab to see what driver is listed. If it is not an HP driver you will need to manually install the printer using the correct driver.

[msadrakula]

Thanks for the response. I've been going down this rabbit hole for a couple of days.

Here are the details.

HP Laserjet 2605dn UPD PLC6 (from device's list)

61.255.1.24923

UPD Version 7.0.1.24923

I tried to clear the driver but it told me no because it was in use. I have a 30 year old Laserjet 1300 that is USB only and thank god it still works. I tried hooking the 2605 via USB (since disconnected) and it did work but only in greyscale.  The printer must be pre plug and play because the only way I got it to work was to install another HP driver that seemed to be for USB. If I didn't mention it before, I download the drivers from the HP website and tell it to over write when installing.

I had it printing in greyscale via Ethernet when I sent the original message, The next day it was off line and I couldn't get it on line. This printer does this all of the time. The usual fix is to unplug the Ethernet connector and re-connect. That is not working now. I also tried power cycling to no avail. I changed it to default printer and restarted the computer and printer per some forum suggestions. It's still off line. It has a static IP address assigned in the printer and in my router. I did that a while ago hoping it would cure the off line problem but it didn't.

I hope the extra information gives you some insight.

Thank for your interest.

[east2100]

Try to perform factory restore or NVRAM.

If that's not works another step is trying to fix two solenoids under right cover.

Check those two solenoids hidden under gears assembly and make sure there're not sticky.

Of course, being through this far, there's another the third one, the paper input solenoid seats at the bottom side, you'd better take care of it at the same time.

From Service manual page:73