printer won't print black ink

[JRH111]

The printer acts like normal, but it doesn't print black accept for one occasion on a test page, it did print some small black brackets. 

[Raj_05]

Hi @JRH111,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

If your HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 is not printing black ink correctly, here are some troubleshooting steps you can try.

Check Ink Levels: Ensure that the black ink cartridge is not empty. Even if it appears to have ink, it could be low or faulty.

Clean Printhead: Use the printer’s built-in printhead cleaning function. This can be accessed through the printer's control panel or the HP Smart app.

• On the printer's control panel: Go to the "Setup" or "Tools" menu, select "Printer Maintenance," and then choose "Clean Printhead."
• Through HP Smart: Open the HP Smart app, select your printer, go to "Printer Maintenance," and choose "Clean Printhead."

Align Printheads: Sometimes misalignment can cause print issues. Perform a printhead alignment through the printer’s control panel or HP Smart app.

Check for Clogs: If the printhead cleaning doesn’t resolve the issue, there might be a clog in the printhead. You can try cleaning it manually with a soft cloth and some distilled water, but be very careful to avoid damaging the printhead.

Replace the Ink Cartridge: If cleaning the printhead doesn't work, try replacing the black ink cartridge with a new one. Sometimes cartridges can become defective or dry out.

Update Printer Firmware: Ensure that your printer's firmware is up to date. Check for updates through the HP Smart app or the HP website.

Run Printer Diagnostics: Many HP printers have built-in diagnostics that can help identify issues. Run any available diagnostic tools to see if they detect a problem.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

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Alden4

HP Support