Need to Clean Printhead Every Day

[ssjkdavi]

After printing a couple of pages, my printer will start to print pages as though it is running out of ink (even though all cartridges are all full).  If I do a second or third level cleaning, it solves the problem.  Then after printing a few more pages the problem comes back.  Hence, I am doing a second or third level cleaning each day.  The printer's warranty just expired (printer is 1-1/3 years old).  I have always used HP ink cartridges and I have checked the vent holes on the cartridges.  I should NOT have to go through this each time I need to print something; it wastes time, ink, and paper.  Other than buying a new printer (that lasts longer) is there anything else I can do to solve the problem?

[Jeet_singh]

Hi @ssjkdavi,

Thanks for engaging in HP support Forums! This is a wonderful location to converse with the community, get assistance and find tips! I understand you are having issues while printing from your HP OfficeJet printer. Don't worry as I have a few suggestions which should help you resolve this issue.

To provide you with an accurate solution, I'll need a few more details:

Have you recently made any changes on the printer before the issue started?

Have you tried to clean and vent the cartridge properly?

Are you able to make a copy from the printer?

In the meantime, let's try these steps here: 

Please make sure that the printer is connected directly to the wall outlet and not to the surge protector.

Remove all the ink cartridges and then try to perform a hard reset on the printer.

With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the rear of the printer and also unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.

Remove USB cable, if present.

Wait for 2-3 minutes, press and hold the power button on your printer for about 30 seconds to remove any additional charge.

Now plug back the power cable straight to a wall outlet without any surge protector or an extension cord and then plug back the power cord to the printer.

Turn on the printer and wait till warm-up period finishes and the printer is idle.

Now insert the ink cartridges and then try to print a test page and check if it works.

Let’s first try and make a “photocopy” to determine whether the issue is with the printer or not. Place a document on the scanner glass and choose “Copy” option. If the printer is making a good copy, then the printer hardware is fine.

I would suggest you follow all the steps suggested in the support document for - HP OfficeJet Pro 6900 Printers - Fixing Poor Print Quality

Please let me know if this resolves the issue, or if you require further assistance!

Eagerly waiting for your response!

I hope you have a good day ahead,

And Feel free to ask your queries as this forum has some of the best people in the world available and ready to help.

Regards,

[ssjkdavi]

Hi Jeet, thanks for your response.

No, we did not make any changes on the printer before the issue started.  Yes, I cleaned and vented the cartridge properly.  Yes, we were able to make a copy from the printer.

In the end we fixed the problem by putting brand new cartridges in.  It is a shame that a bad cartridge caused all these problems, especially since it was an HP cartridge that we paid $40 for.

[SingItLori]

I also have this issue.  We've been through 3 sets of HP ink cartridges that we bought at Staples.  I am wondering if I have a defective printer.

[cciu]

The same thing is happening to me despite changing the cartridges. Any further suggestions?

[MERLIN1212]

Is it normal to need to  have to clean my printhead every week?

[PQPT]

I have the same problem and the pattern I use every day to resolve (temporarily) is this:

1 - switch on the printer

2 - clean the printhead 3 x times

3 - start printing what I need

4 - switch off

repeat

Second complete set of HP original cartridges with the same behavior that came from complete different countries.

This looks to me a printer problem. Factory defect and not a problem with the cartridges.

[asmita6658]

Hi @PQPT

Welcome to the HP Support Community. 

Appreciate you trying the steps. Please Contact HP in your region regarding the service options for your printer.

Have a great day! 

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