Officejet 4620 won't print black ink

[Madam_Christine]

My officejet 4620 is not printing black ink.

This started after I replaced the black ink cartridge with an off-brand -- the black ceased functioning with the usual warnings that HP couldn't guarentee the quality. The same off-brand magenta continues to operate flawlessly. I purchased and replaced the black ink with genuine HP black ink. Although the printer recognizes a genuine and full black ink cartridge is installed in the printer, it still will not print black ink.

I have already tried

* Cleaning the mesh screens on the ports

* Re-installing the printer

* Updating and re-installing the driver

* Updating and re-installing the firmware

The other ports work well and normally with both genuine and off-brand 564 color cartridges installed.

I've read numerous reports that there is a firmware HP installed that causes black ink port to cease function. I just want to download the patch, and get my printer operating. There is simply no reason that it's not a simple software fix. If I would be forced to purchse another printer, chances are very good I would not choose another HP product which would be unfortunate because I had previously been very happy with the quality and functionality of my printer -- and also the notebook computer that I would replace eventually with another brand.

Anybody know where I can get the "fix-it" software to turn the black ink port back on?

Thanks.

Christine

[Bob_Headrick]

The black ink has not been turned off by software or firmware, that is a myth.  HP did have some firmware for other models designed to restrict the use of third party cartridges, but the result is an error message rather than disabling the color without errors.  That firmware has since been updated.

It certainly is possible that the third party ink has caused blockage in the printhead.  

The troubleshooting steps in the document here may help resolve black not printing on your Officejet 4620.  

If the standard troubleshooting did not resolve black not printing I would suggest removing the black cartridge.  Turn it over and examine the area around the ink port.  There are four orange plastic spots, left over from the protective cap.  Make sure these are flush with the cartridge body, if not carefully trim them flush.  If the plastic nubs protrude they can prevent the cartridge from seating properly.  Before replacing the cartridge in the printer dribble a few (maybe four) drops of hot water into the ink port in the printer and two drops into the ink port on the cartridge then snap the cartridge back in position.  

It may also help to manually clean the printhead as described in the post here.

I have also seen cases where leaving the printer overnight after the cleaning cycles allows black to recover.

If none of the above restores black printing your printer will likely require repair or replacement.

[Madam_Christine]

I do appreciate and thank you for your sending suggestions for this matter.

I'm finding far too many articles with evidence that the black ink shut down is intentional after using off brand ink.  I respectfully disagree that this is a myth. 

I had already tried ALL of the solutions you suggested. Since the printer is not worth the cost of repair, I am left with the need to purchase a new printer.

My conclusion to this entire frustrating and EXPENSIVE process is that the next printer will not be an HP.

Please know I do thank you for your response to my inquiry.

Christine