Black ink is not printing! Only prints in grey. How do I fix this?

[VickiCoffey]

I did everything in the steps your provided in cleaning the printer etc.  and its CONTINUES to only print gray.  Now what?!

[Bob_Headrick]

The troubleshooting steps in the document here may help resolve black not printing on your Photosmart c310a.  Be sure to go through all the steps in order.  

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.  

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.

[VickiCoffey]

Appreciate your help Bob, but that didnt work either!  I have exhausted EVERY suggestion, direction, and idea I have found and been given.  I am taking you up on your suggestion to get get a replacement!  Nothing like throwing 5 brand new ink cartridges away with the "old, dead" printer.  VERY aggravating and expensive!   I cant express my appreciation enough to you for your answering my question and trying to be of assistance!  I replaced this printer yesterday (in lieu of throwing it out the window and having to replace the window too!) with a new printer.  

[Bob_Headrick]

Sorry to hear the printer could not be recovered, usually the last resort of soaking the printhead resolves the issue.  

It is a shame to toss the new cartridges, I would suggest putting the orange caps back on them, put a big rubber band around the set and donate them to Goodwill or some similar.  Actually you could donate the whole printer, there may be a tinkerer out there that would get it working, or at least recover some good parts.