Deskjet6960 pink

[Diver1967]

so have had problem for some time now where the printer only prints in pink, not blue.

I have tried a new set of ink cartridges, 2nd level clean, alignment and hard reset but still no luck.

any ideas?

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Diver1967,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

If your HP OfficeJet Pro 6960 All-in-One Printer is only printing in pink and not printing blue (cyan) even after Installing a new set of cartridges (genuine HP), Performing second-level printhead cleaning, Running alignment, Doing a hard reset, Pink on a print usually means cyan is missing, leaving only magenta and yellow to combine. This typically points to a clogged or failed cyan nozzle on the printhead.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting:

1. Double-check the Cyan Cartridge

• Make sure the cyan cartridge is not empty or defective.
• Try a second new cartridge if possible, as defective ones are not unheard of (even new).
• Make sure the vent (tiny hole on top) isn’t blocked. Use a pin to gently open it if clogged.

2. Run a Third-Level Cleaning (if available)

• On some HP models, a third cleaning cycle can be done from:
  • Printer control panel → Settings → Printer Maintenance → Clean Printhead
  • Do it 3 times max, waiting 5–10 minutes between each.

3. Print a Print Quality Diagnostic Page

• From the printer menu or HP Smart app, print a diagnostic or printhead test page.
• This will show colored lines for each cartridge and let you confirm cyan is missing or blocked.

4. Clean the Printhead Manually (Advanced)

If the printhead is integrated into the printer (not the cartridge), do this:

1. Power off and unplug the printer.
2. Open the ink access door and remove the cartridges.
3. Use a lint-free cloth dampened with distilled water or isopropyl alcohol.
4. Gently clean the printhead nozzles (where ink comes out).
5. Dry thoroughly, reinstall cartridges, and power on.

5. Try a Printhead Recovery Soak (Last Resort)

If you're confident and it's out of warranty:

• Remove the printhead (if detachable).
• Soak just the nozzle area in warm distilled water (not tap water) for 10–15 minutes.
• Let dry, reinstall, and test again.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

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VikramTheGreat

HP Support