Black ink fails to print (not a cartridge issue)

[Iris245]

Black ink fails to print or prints VERY faintly (though ink indecator says there is plenty of ink in photo black and regular black).  I have:  Changed the cartridges, several times (incuding purhasing fresh cartridges, thinking maybe I got a bad batch) and disconnected the printer.  HP"support" recommended I take it for service but upon finding it was no longer under warranty, gave me no option where to take it for repair!  Any advice on what I mught try at home or hoe to find actual SERVICE?  I'm a long time HP fan but about to go with another company, if I have to replace!  Kindest regards.

[sandytechy20]

@Iris245

Welcome to HP support community.

Make sure the ink cartridges are properly vented and seated correctly.

1. Open the ink cartridge access door.

   The carriage moves to the access area.

   Figure : Opening the ink cartridge access door

   

2. Press the tab on the front of the ink cartridge inward to release it, and then pull up on the ink cartridge to remove it from the slot.

   Figure : Removing the ink cartridge from the slot

   

3. Examine the vent area on each ink cartridge, above the HP logo on the top of the ink cartridge.

   Figure : Vent area on the top of the ink cartridge

   

4. If the ink cartridge still has the orange pull-tab attached, pull to remove it.

   Figure : Orange pull tab

   

5. If the vent is clogged, use a straight pin to gently remove excess adhesive from the vent.

   Figure : Cleaning the clogged vent with a pin

6. 1. 

      Clogged vent

   2. With a straight pin, gently remove excess adhesive from the vent

   3. Unclogged vent

7. With the nozzle and the contacts facing down, slide the ink cartridge into its slot. Press down on the cartridge until it snaps into place. Make sure the color icon on the ink cartridge label matches the color icon on the slot.

   Figure : Inserting the ink cartridge

   

8. Repeat these steps to inspect the vents on each ink cartridge.

9. Make sure each ink cartridge is firmly in place in its slot. Run your finger along the top of the ink cartridges to feel for any that are protruding, and if any are, press down firmly until each ink cartridge snaps into place.

10. Close the ink cartridge access door.

11. Wait until the printer is idle and silent before you proceed.

Clean the printhead

1. Search Windows for your printer model name, then click the printer name in the list of results.

   HP Solution Center opens.

2. Click Settings.

3. In the Print Settings area, click Printer Toolbox.

   The printer Toolbox opens.

4. On the Device Services tab, click Clean the Printheads.

5. Click Clean to begin the process.

You can refer this HP document for more assistance:- Click here

Let me know how it goes.

To thank me for my efforts to help you, please mark my post as an accepted solution so that it benefits several others.

Cheers.

[Bob_Headrick · Accepted solution]

The troubleshooting steps in the document here may help resolve black not printing on your Photosmart c309g.  Go through the steps in order, I suspect that soaking the printhead will resolve your issue. 

In Step 4 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.

[Pfirsisch]

@Sandyechy20,

I have the very same problem with my printer.  I can't tell you the number of times I have seen this resolution you have provided here, on various HP support pages and discussions.  Likewise, I cannot tell you how many times I have performed these procedures purported to resolve the problem of the black ink not printing, ad nauseum, and this includes the purchase of a replacement printhead.  NONE OF THESE WORKED!  

My printer is the HP Photosmart 7520e.  After much research, I purchased this for all the reasons it was designed.  I love this printer.  Yet, while everthing works perfectly, the blank ink not printing so far potentially renders this as a $400-plus functional rock.  I am VERY disappointed here.  What's even worst, I have followed the links on this site multiple times.  The only means of contacting an agent for customer support has been teh automated agent who has no clue BUT to send an individual on a round robin quest.

My question here, in my frustrated state, is if anyone can tell me what the problem is which cases the printer to work perfectly save the printing of the black ink cartridge.  It's not difficult to simply state the fact of the matter.  To say "uh, you need to replace your printer" is not an answer.  I would appreciate any assistance here, perferably to restore the functionality of my printer.

[SteveEM]

This exact same thing happened to me earlier today. The printer went from printing perfectly to not printing in black , despite the cartridges being full (and I replaced them in order to double check). This is very frustrating as I hardly use my printer and now that I need to I cannot. There is no error message. It seems to also be happening to others. There must be a simple explanation for this sudden malfunction.

[Iris245]

Thank you.  I have cleaned the print head, manually (I was unable to get the printer to do so, using tools).  I am still not getting decent quality print; so, will try ordering a new printhead.  There was quite a bit of black gunk on the outside of the printhead.

[Iris245]

Thank you!  There was quite a bit of black gunk on the printer head; I removed it and cleaned it but I am still not getting pigment black to print (only photo black),  I will try ordering a new print head.  I appreciate your tip on checking for orange nibs, I will keep an eye out for this.

[Iris245]

FOLLOW UP:  Cleaned printerhead; which did not fix the issue.  Went to order a new one - $74 (before tax and shipping).  I hate to fill up the landfill but that $$ will go toward a NEW printer.  After more than 30 years (and more than 4 printers; multiple pcs and laptops) I will be trying a different company.

[Pfirsisch]

,

[Bob_Headrick]

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@Iris245 wrote:

FOLLOW UP:  Cleaned printerhead; which did not fix the issue.  Went to order a new one - $74 (before tax and shipping).  I hate to fill up the landfill but that $$ will go toward a NEW printer.  After more than 30 years (and more than 4 printers; multiple pcs and laptops) I will be trying a different company.

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Did you clean the printhead, or did you actually soak it in hot water for ten minutes as described in step 8 of the document here:  Color or Black Ink Not Printing?