Black ink not printing

[HMW62]

My HP Photosmart 6520 has stopped printing black except on the diagnostic report. I have tried a new cartridge which worked initially and now doesn't work.  I have run clean the printhead and align printer.  On the print quality diagnostic all the printing is there except the black ink box which is blank.

[Sneha_01]

Hi @HMW62,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

When your HP Photosmart 6520 stops printing black ink, even after replacing the cartridge and performing standard maintenance steps, there are several potential causes and corresponding solutions. Here's a detailed troubleshooting guide to help you resolve this issue:

1. Check the Ink Cartridge

• Ensure Correct Installation: Make sure the black ink cartridge is installed correctly.
• Remove Protective Tape: Verify that the protective tape on the new cartridge has been completely removed.
• Genuine Cartridge: Ensure you are using genuine HP cartridges, as third-party or refilled cartridges can sometimes cause issues.

2. Printhead Cleaning

• Manual Cleaning: In addition to the automated cleaning you performed, try manually cleaning the printhead.
  1. Turn off the printer and open the ink cartridge access door.
  2. Remove the black ink cartridge.
  3. Gently clean the printhead contacts with a lint-free cloth and distilled water.
  4. Reinsert the cartridge and close the access door.
  5. Turn on the printer and try printing again.

3. Printhead Alignment

• Re-align the Printhead: Sometimes, the alignment process might need to be repeated. Follow the on-screen instructions carefully when aligning the printhead.

4. Printhead Replacement

• Replace the Printhead: If cleaning does not resolve the issue, the printhead itself may be damaged or clogged beyond repair. 

5. Firmware Update

• Update Firmware: Ensure your printer’s firmware is up to date, as updates can fix known issues.
  1. Go to HP’s official website.
  2. Download the latest firmware for your printer model.
  3. Follow the instructions to update the printer’s firmware.

6. Check Printer Settings

• Printer Settings: Verify that your printer settings are not set to print in grayscale or using color inks only.
  1. Go to the printer settings on your computer.
  2. Ensure that black ink is selected and that no settings are overriding this option.

7. Software Issues

• Reinstall Printer Driver: Sometimes, software issues can cause printing problems.
  1. Uninstall the current printer driver from your computer.
  2. Download and install the latest driver from HP’s official website.

8. Advanced Troubleshooting

• HP Print and Scan Doctor: Download and run HP Print and Scan Doctor, a free tool that can diagnose and fix many printing issues.
  1. Download HP Print and Scan Doctor from the HP website.
  2. Follow the on-screen instructions to diagnose the problem.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

Rachel571

HP Support