Office Jet 4620 Doesn't print black or prints black very faintly

[fixprinterpls]

Hello,

I just bought this unit second-hand to primarily use as a fax. That would be fine, except I also need to print fax confirmations.

The black ink prints so faintly when I do a test page typing something up in Word.

When I do the diagnostic tests, no black bars print.

Ink level shows black ink about 3/4 full, and all cartridges are authentic HP cartridges.

I've tried cleaning the venting with a pin as suggested in the troubleshooting.

Also did the Clean Print Head and subsequent clean function.

Still having the same issue.

Thanks in advance for your help.

[A4Apollo]

Hi! @fixprinterpls, Welcome to HP forums.

I understand you have issues printing in black colour from your printer.

Don't worry I'll try to help you out.

Did you make any changes to your printer?

Does the issue persist when you make a copy from your printer?

Have you installed full feature printer software?

Have you tried printing from a different application?

Have you tried printing using a different ink cartridge?

Try updating the printer firmware and check if it helps.

Update the printer firmware using this link. Click Here

Check the ink level on your printer and replace the low, faulty or empty ink cartridges.

Change the print settings to print with black ink only.

You might need to change your print settings every time you print.
   NOTE:
These steps vary by software, program, and operating system.
In your software application, click Print.
Select your printer from the list of available printers.
Click the option that opens the Printer Properties dialog box. Depending on your software application, this option might be called Printer Properties, Options, Printer Setup, Printer, or Preferences.
Click the Features tab, click the Grayscale drop-down menu, and then click Black Ink Only.
   NOTE:
To use even less black ink, select the Draft setting.
Click OK, and then click Print to start the print job.

Use an automated tool to clean the printhead

Follow these steps to run an automated tool to clean the printhead.

   CAUTION: 

Never turn off the printer when ink cartridges are not installed. To avoid issues that require cleaning the printhead or that can damage the ink system, always replace ink cartridges as soon as possible, and always turn off the printer using the Power button.

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

2. On the printer control panel, press the Setup icon .

3. Press the button  next to the arrow  until Tools displays next to OK.

4. Press the button next to OK to select Tools, and then press the button next to the arrow  until Clean Printhead displays next to OK.

5. Press the button next to OK to clean the printheads.

   The printer cleans the printheads and then prints a test page.

6. Evaluate the test page for print quality.

   Figure : Example of the printhead cleaning test page

   

Refer this article to further troubleshoot colour or black ink not printing issues. Click here

Let me know if this helps!

Have a beautiful day ahead! 🙂

Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.

Click the “Kudos, Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

[fixprinterpls]

Hello Mr. Robot. Thanks for your help.  I still need some assistance.

Did you make any changes to your printer?  No

Does the issue persist when you make a copy from your printer?  It's worse. Didn't print anything on the page. It made noise as if it were printing, but nothing came out on the page.  I was sure to have the original document facing the correct way.

Have you installed full feature printer software? Yes

Have you tried printing from a different application?  Yes. Printed an email out and it's definitely better but still faint.  Nothing looks truly black -- more blueish purple. When I tried to print again using black only, the page printed blank.

Have you tried printing using a different ink cartridge? Not yet. I don't have any on-hand.

 
Try updating the printer firmware and check if it helps.  

Update the printer firmware using this link. Click Here   Done.  Got the message, "The selected printer has been updated." Unfortunately this doesn't seem to have helped.

Check the ink level on your printer and replace the low, faulty or empty ink cartridges.  All looks good here.

Change the print settings to print with black ink only.    When I did this and tried to print the email again, nothing printed.

[fixprinterpls]

Mr. Robot -- I also cleaned the printhead. Here's what my test page afterward looks like...

[A4Apollo]

@fixprinterpls, Thanks for your prompt response and time.

I appriciate your efforts for trying out the steps.

As you mentioned the issue still persists after cleaning the print head.

It certainly looks like a hardware issue with your printer. It could be an issue with the ink cartridge or the printhead.

I will share you few details through a private message about the service options dedicated to your printer.

Please watch your inbox for more information.

Have a blessed day ahead!

Take Care! 🙂

Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.

Click the “Kudos, Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!