Color problem

[ericTreeLight]

The magenta cartridge does not seem to be supplying color to the print.

Printer says the level is ":normal", just like the other cartridges, but purple comes out blue, magenta comes out black, and gray comes out light blue.

Color Calibration from the printer didn't help. At this point, I suspect a blocked nozzle.

To the best of my memory, I replaced one or more of the color cartridges sometime last year. I try to buy HP stuff, but honestly don't recall which cartridges I replaced, or whether they came from Best Buy or Amazon.

Thoughts on next troubleshooting steps would be greatly appreciated.

[ericTreeLight · Accepted solution]

AI is your friend!
Google's Gemini tells me:

1. Check the color status report, missing lines or streaks indicate a clogged nozzle.
   (Sure enough, the magenta report is very streaky, while others are solid.)
   
   
2. Identify the nozzle
   (a small, rectangular opening at the front of the cartridge.)
   
   
3. Clean the nozzle
   (Gently wipe it with a lint-free cloth dampened with distilled water. Avoid touching the printhead.)

NOTES:

• The "printhead" would be the green roller-thing that runs the length of the cartridge
• There were two print nozzles, one at each end.
• A swipe, then shallow insert-and-twist did the trick. Printing fine now.