Dark colour printing

[pudderz]

The problem appeared suddenly. Colour images no longer print properly. It is as if the printer has decided to print both a colour and monochrome image combined. The result is a fairly dark monochrome image with just a faint hint of colour. I have done a factory reset with no effect. It does not appear to be a driver problem because a colour direct copy from the scan bed produces exactly the same result. 

[Sneha_01]

Hi @pudderz 

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

It sounds like your printer is having issues with the color output, and the problem could be related to a few different things. Since the issue is happening even when directly copying a color image, it’s more likely related to the printer's internal settings or the printhead.

Here are some steps to help resolve the issue:

1. Check the Ink Levels

• Even if you have enough ink, sometimes the printer can report low ink incorrectly, especially if the ink cartridges are old or if the printer has trouble reading them.
• Double-check the ink levels via the printer's display or the HP software on your computer to make sure all color cartridges are full.

2. Check Printhead Condition

• Clogged printhead: The issue you're describing sounds like it could be a result of clogged printheads, particularly with the color cartridges. You can try running the Printhead Cleaning utility in your printer’s settings.
  • On HP printers, this option is available in the HP software on your computer (HP Smart or the HP Printer Assistant) or through the printer’s menu if it has a screen.
  • If cleaning doesn’t help, you may want to try running a deeper clean or multiple cycles to see if that clears up the issue.

3. Check the Printer's Color Settings

• Sometimes, incorrect settings in the printer’s color options could cause dark, overly saturated prints. Check the color settings to ensure that the printer is set to print in full color, not grayscale or a combination of color and black.
  • In the printer settings on your computer, look for the Print Quality settings and make sure it’s set to Color rather than Black & White or Grayscale.
  • If your printer has a color management or color calibration tool, run that to ensure that it’s correctly aligned to print accurate colors.

4. Try a Color Test Print

• Run a color test page directly from the printer’s menu. If the test page still prints with the same issue (dark with faint color), it’s likely a hardware or printhead issue.
  • If the test page is printed correctly, it could indicate an issue with the driver or settings on your computer, so it would be worth trying to reinstall or update the printer drivers.

5. Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers

• Even though you mentioned that it doesn’t seem like a driver issue, it’s still worth reinstalling the printer drivers or updating them to ensure that there are no corrupt files causing the printing issue.
• Reinstalling can often resolve unexpected issues with color printing by resetting the software that communicates with the printer.

6. Try Printing from a Different Program or Device

• Sometimes, the issue could be with the software or application you’re printing from. Try printing the same image or document from a different program (e.g., Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, etc.) or a different device to see if the problem persists.
• If printing from a different device or program resolves the issue, the problem might be related to your initial setup or settings on your computer.

7. Printer Firmware Update

• If your printer is connected to the internet, check to see if there’s any available firmware update. Sometimes, HP releases updates to address printing issues that might help with color reproduction or print quality problems.

I hope this helps.

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

[pudderz]

Thank you for your help. Unfortunately it has not helped. In detail. 1 the ink levels are at or above half way, and the cartridges are fairly recent. 2. yes I have tried head cleaning several times, and images show no signs of  missing lines. 3. The colour settings are for colour. 4 Yes the test print made using directly the printer menu shows the same dark colours. 5. The drivers have been deleted and re-installed with drivers from HP website. 6. All programs print the same. 7. The firmware is showing that no update is available. I noticed on a Youtube video that HP published, the comment that printing will no longer work with third party cartridges. Since I believe that this problem started after a firmware update,  and when the colour printing was perfect, I think that change has inhibited correct colour printing with third party cartridges. 

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @pudderz,

Thank you, I really appreciate such a brief response.

It helps us understand your printer's behavior more precisely.

The issue you're facing is likely due to HP's firmware update blocking third-party cartridges. Here are a few steps to fix or work around this problem:

1. Try Genuine HP Cartridges

• If you are using third-party cartridges, replace them with genuine HP cartridges.
• HP has implemented firmware updates that prevent non-HP cartridges from functioning correctly.

2. Roll Back Firmware (If Possible)

• Some HP printers allow you to roll back firmware:
  • Open HP Printer Support page.
  • Search for your printer model and look for an older firmware version.
  • Download and install it.
  • Disable automatic updates to prevent future issues.

3. Disable Cartridge Protection (If Available)

• Some printers allow you to disable cartridge protection in settings:
  • Open HP Smart App or Embedded Web Server (EWS).
  • Navigate to Settings > Cartridge Protection.
  • Disable Cartridge Protection.

4. Perform a Full Reset (Hard Reset)

• Turn off the printer and unplug it for 5 minutes.
• Press and hold Power + Cancel buttons for 15 seconds.
• Plug the printer back in and restart it.

5. Check Print Settings (If Using Genuine HP Ink)

• Make sure Grayscale or Black & White mode is turned off in printer settings.
• Try printing from another application to rule out software issues.

Let me know if the problem persists after these steps! 😊  
 

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?"—your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,

[pudderz]

Many thanks Kuroi for your assistance. Most of what you suggest I have already tried, but you have given me a couple of ideas. I am very reluctant to try  a set of genuine cartridges at a cost of nearly £200 just on the off-chance it will work. I know definitely it is not a driver problem as the same problem occurs if I print from my Amazon Fire tablet. I have also followed some instructions to do a "Factory Reset" but I do not think it changed the firmware, so I will look to see if download and install that, or change some settings.

Thanks again, I will report back when I have tried.

Doug

[Sneha_01]

Hi @pudderz,

Thank you for your response, 

Please feel free to reply to us and we will be more than happy to help you.

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

Take care and have a great day ahead!

[pudderz]

My search for original firmware, and a way to install it continues. I have found several general firmware sources but none have it for the 8610. I will continue to look

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @pudderz,

Thank you for the response.

Kindly refer to the steps on this link to update the printer firmware and let me know if that resolves the issue.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?"—your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,