My black ink cartridge shows as over half full yet my printer doesn't print in black.

[tinadrago]

My printer won't print in black on either windows or copy.  The cartridge shows it's over half full.  I have removed the cartridge for inspection and appears okay.  any ideas?  It has printed black when first installed cartridge.  Could it be a defective cartridge? 

[Sneha_01]

Hi @tinadrago,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

If your printer's black ink cartridge is showing as over half full but it's not printing in black, there could be several potential issues. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the problem:

Printhead Cleaning:

• Most printers have a printhead cleaning function that you can access via the printer’s software or control panel. Running the cleaning cycle can help clear any clogs or dried ink in the printhead.

Cartridge Reinstallation:

• Remove the black ink cartridge and reinstall it. Make sure it is seated correctly and securely in its slot. Sometimes a poor connection can cause printing issues.

Cartridge Inspection:

• Even if the cartridge appears fine, it might be defective. Check for any visible damage or ink leaks. If possible, try using a different black ink cartridge to see if the issue persists.

Printer Firmware and Driver Updates:

• Ensure that your printer’s firmware and drivers are up to date. Check the HP website for any updates that might address known issues.

Alignment and Calibration:

• Run the printer’s alignment and calibration process. This can often resolve printing issues related to misalignment.

Manual Cleaning:

• If you are comfortable with it, you can manually clean the printhead with a damp cloth or a specific printhead cleaning kit. Be gentle to avoid damaging the printhead.

Print Settings:

• Check your print settings to ensure that black ink is not being substituted with color ink (often found in the printer properties under maintenance or advanced settings).

Reset Printer:

• Try resetting your printer to factory settings. This can sometimes resolve any software-related issues.

Printer Diagnostics:

• Many printers have a diagnostic tool you can run to identify and troubleshoot problems. Consult your printer’s manual for instructions.

Cartridge Authentication:

• Some printers have authentication processes for ink cartridges. If you are using a third-party or refilled cartridge, the printer might not recognize it properly.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

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

Rachel571

HP Support