Can't install; test printing gets worse as I try to clean the heads; print heads won't align

[LeeRex]

I haven't used this printer in several months and so am trying to clean out the cobwebs. I suspect that the print heads may be clogged due to the lack of useb but running the head cleaner function is not helping. The first test page printed reasonably well but degraded after cleaning the heads. I tried three more times but eventually it was ejecting blank paper.

How can I recover from this? Is there a way to unclog the heads manually? Or is the problem something else?

And aligning the heads fails too.

Also, installation fails. Everything is connected properly but the printer is not recognized.

[The_Fossette]

@LeeRex,

Welcome to the HP Forums!

Thank you for posting your query on this forum, it's a great place to find answers.

I reviewed your post and I understand that you are facing a print quality issue.

Don’t worry, I assure you I will try my best to get this sorted.

In order that I may provide you with an accurate solution, I will need a few more details.

• When was the last time the printer was working fine?
• Are you facing the same issue when you make a copy?

While you respond to that, I recommend you clean the print head manually and check if it resolves the issue.

Here is how it is done.

  caution:

Follow these steps carefully to avoid damaging the sensitive electrical components.

1. Press the Power button to turn on the printer.

2. Open the top cover of the printer.

3. Press and hold the OK button for five seconds. The carriage moves to the left side of the printer. Release the OK button.

4. Wait until the carriage is idle and silent.

     note:

   Do not remove or replace the printhead if the carriage is not on the left side of the printer.

5. With the power on, unplug the printer power cord from the electrical outlet.

     note:

   Do not turn the printer off by pressing the Power button, because the carriage will move out of reach.

6. Lift the printhead latch.

   Figure : Lift the printhead latch

   

7. Lift the handle on the printhead that the error message indicates is missing or damaged, and then pull the printhead out of its slot.

   Figure : Lift the handle and remove the printhead

   

8. Use a dry, soft, lint-free cloth to remove any ink from the electrical contacts on the printhead.

     caution:

   Wipe only the electrical contacts. Wiping the ink nozzles, located on the underside of the printhead, can damage the printhead.

   Do not touch the nozzles. Doing so permanently damages the ink nozzles, and the ink stains clothing.

   Figure : Electrical contacts and ink nozzles

   1. Electrical contacts

   2. Ink nozzles

9. Wipe the electrical contacts with the swab until no ink residue remains.

10. Wipe the electrical contacts with a fresh cloth to dry them and remove lint.

11. After the electrical contacts on the printhead are clean and dry, place the printhead on a sheet of paper or a paper towel. Make sure that the ink nozzles face up and do not touch the paper.

12. Use a fresh, dry, soft, lint-free cloth to clean the electrical contacts inside the printer.

    Figure : Clean the electrical contacts inside the printer

    

13. Allow at least five minutes for the contacts to dry. Check the contacts for lint or debris, and then dry or clean the contacts again if needed.

14. Plug the printer power cord back into the electrical outlet.

15. Press the Power button to turn on the printer.

16. Insert the printhead into its color-coded slot. Press down firmly on the printhead to make sure the electrical contacts touch.

17. Pull the printhead latch all the way forward, and then press down to engage the latch.

      note:

    You might have to press firmly to engage the latch.

    If the error message indicates that both printheads are missing or damaged, repeat the steps in this procedure to clean the other printhead.

18. Close the top cover of the printer. The printer restarts, and then prints an alignment page.

Let me know how it goes and you have a great day!

If you wish to show appreciation for my efforts, mark my post as Accept as Solution. Your feedback counts!

Cheers!