Color prints 2 inches, then fades and errors out - HP smart tank 6001

[relsonian]

I have a brand new Smart Tank 6001 printer and am trying to print labels in color. 

I have encountered several instances where the printer successfully prints the first few inches of the document, and then the ink being applied starts to become faded, and the print job errors out and doesn't print the rest of the sheet, see image attached.

I've gone through some troubleshooting and debug steps and they find no issues, the  test sheets print successfully, but the issue keeps coming back, intermittently. 

What is wrong and what can I do to fix it?  Or should I return this printer to the store where I bought it?  Thanks!

[Sneha_01]

Hi @relsonian 

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

It sounds like you're experiencing an intermittent issue where the ink starts to fade after a few inches of printing, and then the print job errors out completely. This issue can be caused by a few potential problems. Let's walk through some possibilities and solutions:

1. Ink Cartridge/Print Head Issues

Even though the printer is new, there could be an issue with the ink delivery system or printhead clogging.

• Clogged printhead: Even with new ink cartridges, the printhead may still have a clog or blockage. Most printers, including the HP Smart Tank 6001, have an automatic printhead cleaning option.
  • Solution: Run a printhead cleaning through the printer’s settings in the HP Smart app or the printer's control panel. You can also try performing a deep cleaning, which might help clear any blockages.

2. Ink Flow Problems or Air Bubbles

There may be an issue with the ink tank itself (air bubbles, ink not flowing smoothly, or an incomplete installation).

• Solution: Check if the ink tank is securely installed. Ensure that the tubes connected to the ink tank aren’t kinked or blocked. Try gently shaking the ink tank to help redistribute the ink. In some cases, the ink may not flow properly due to air bubbles in the system.

3. Paper or Media Issues

If you’re printing on labels or special media, the type of paper can sometimes cause issues. If the labels aren’t suited for your printer or are too thick, the printer may have trouble applying enough ink and result in fading.

• Solution: Check if you’re using the recommended type of label paper for your printer. Make sure the paper or labels are properly loaded and not causing any jamming issues. If the labels are glossy, make sure you have selected the correct paper type in the printer settings (glossy, matte, etc.).

4. Printer Firmware/Software Bugs

Since the issue is intermittent, it could also be a software or firmware issue, especially if the test prints come out fine. Sometimes, communication between the printer and the computer can be disrupted.

• Solution: Ensure that your printer’s firmware is up to date. You can do this by checking the printer’s settings in the HP Smart app or going to the HP support site to download and install the latest firmware update.

5. Check for Overheating or Printer Error Codes

If your printer is overheating or there's an internal issue, it could cause the print job to fail after a few inches of printing.

• Solution: Let the printer cool down if it has been running for a long time. Also, check the error codes on the display screen or through the HP Smart app, as they may give you more specific details about what is causing the issue.

6. Connection or USB Issues

If you’re printing over a USB connection, sometimes a poor connection or interference from other devices can cause incomplete prints or error messages.

• Solution: Try printing over a different connection (Wi-Fi if you were using USB, or vice versa) to see if the issue persists. Make sure the cable (if you're using USB) is properly connected and not damaged.

I hope this helps.

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