My Deskjet 3521 does not print black ink.

[dlohbeck]

My Deskjet 3521 does not print black.  I only use HP cartridges.  I have reset the printer, cleaned the contacts and did the clean printhead unter the tools menu.  I reinstalled the drivers and firmware as well.  There was a bulletin that there was a problem with many of the printers not printing black, but there weren't any new firmware or drivers listed for the Deskjet 3521.  Do you have any suggestions or know if there will be new firmware released for the Deskjet 3521?

[Bob_Headrick]

The troubleshooting steps in the document here may help resolve black not printing on your Deskjet 3521.

If the standard troubleshooting did not resolve black not printing I would suggest removing the black cartridge.  Turn it over and examine the area around the ink port.  There are four orange plastic spots, left over from the protective cap.  Make sure these are flush with the cartridge body, if not carefully trim them flush.  If the plastic nubs protrude they can prevent the cartridge from seating properly.  Before replacing the cartridge in the printer dribble a few (maybe four) drops of hot water into the ink port in the printer and two drops into the ink port on the cartridge then snap the cartridge back in position.  

It may also help to manually clean the printhead as described in the post here.

I have also seen cases where leaving the printer overnight after the cleaning cycles allows black to recover.

If none of the above restores black printing your printer will likely require repair or replacement.