How are my ink cartridges running out so fast?

[microdamage]

I bought ink catridges in January for this printer (HP OfficeJet 6600). I've used the printer may be 5-10 times. 1-3 page sized documents, mostly black text. Rarely do I use color when I print because what I need my printer for does not require color.  For some reason, Magenta, Cyan, and Yellow are "empty" and I cannot print any document, specifically Word documents that only require black ink.

A week ago, it asked me to replace my yellow cartridge. Fine, no problem. I installed it, printed my black text document and tried to print my next document (all black text). Sure enough magenta and cyan need to be replaced to continue printing. What?

Also, I'm looking at my printer ink levels now, and my yellow ink is about 75% after one black text document. I'm really starting to believe that this is some kind of scam.

Does anyone out there have any advice?

[Jeet_singh]

Hi @microdamage,

Welcome to the HP Support Forums. It is a great place to find the help you need, from other users, HP experts, and other support personnel. I understand you are having an issue with Ink running out quickly. I'd be glad to help you.

The ink alert is not the exact error message, you can still print till the cartridge is completely empty.

To check the exact ink levels, I request you to print the test page from the steps provided below:

1. Load a plain white U.S. letter or A4 size paper in the tray.

2. From the control panel home screen, touch the Right Arrow (), and then touch the Setup icon ().

3. Touch Tools, and then touch Print Quality Report. A Print Quality Diagnostic Report prints.

For more assistance, you can go through the Printer specifications for usage: Click here

It is always recommended you to change from best to draft mode which should help you with the issue.

Go to Control panel – Devices and printers.

Right-click on Officejet 3830 and select “Printing preferences”.

Under the Paper/Quality tab, change the quality to the "Draft" mode and save the settings.

Now, try and print to check the issue resolution.

For additional information, please go through the document for - HP Officejet 6600, 6700 Printers - Fixing Poor Print Quality Problems

I hope this information helps. Let me know if you need any further assistance. I'll be more than happy to help.

Let me know if those steps worked for you.

If they did, that’s awesome!

Give us some reinforcement by clicking the solution and kudos buttons,

That’ll help us and others see that we’ve got the answers!

Good Luck.

[SteveM19]

My "color : cartridges run out too frequently. Especially if I have not printed in a month or so.  Black ink is fine since i bought the larger version. In the past year or so, I have replaced the color 2 times. Well, will be 3 since ai cannot print again due to the color being out!!!!!!  I tried printing "monochrome" but it still need the color.  This is a rip off!

[SteveM19]

I could have purchase a cheaper black ink only competitor!  HP ink is a rip off

[kevin-t]

Hello,

Thank you for posting in this thread. Unfortunately based on when the last response was made, I have closed this thread to help keep comments current and up to date. We recommend starting a new thread for your issue by clicking here.
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