Red color looks like dark purple. Could be bad printhead??

[Johnny20]

The red color on my HP 8600 looks like dark purple. Could it be a bad printhead? I changed all the cartridges, cleaned the printhead per the tools menu instruction on the printer. I also unplugged the printer for  2 -3 minutes. It looks like I need a new printhead. Does anyone concur. Thanks.

[The_Fossette]

Hi @Johnny20

Welcome to the HP Forums!

Thank you for posting your query in this forum, it's a great place to find answers.

I reviewed your post and I understand that you are having issues with the print quality.

Don’t worry, we will work together to resolve this issue and It’s a pleasure to assist you in this regard.

In order that I may provide you with an accurate solution, I will need a few more details.

• When was the last time the printer was working fine?
• Have you made any software or hardware changes on the computer?

Meanwhile, I recommend you to follow the steps in the below article and check if it helps.

http://hp.care/2pyiEjb

Let me know how it goes and you have a great day!

To simply say thanks, please click the "Thumbs Up" button to give me a Kudos to appreciate my efforts to help. If this helps, please mark this as “Accepted Solution” as it will help several others with the same issue to get it resolved without hassles.

Take care.

Cheers!

[Johnny20]

The printer worked fine about two weeks ago. I have made no software or hardware changes. I will check your link for add'l info. Thanks.

[The_Fossette]

Hi @Johnny20

Thank you for keeping me posted.

Please get back to me once you’ve had a chance to perform the steps listed in the article.

Take care.

Cheers!

[Johnny20]

did all the steps per your link. The red ink prints as light purple. I think the printhead is bad. Maybe I can remove and clean. Your thoughts.

[The_Fossette]

Hi @Johnny20

Follow the steps in the below article and check if it helps.

http://hp.care/2pg2wY1

Let me know how it goes and you have a great day!

To simply say thanks, please click the "Thumbs Up" button to give me a Kudos to appreciate my efforts to help. If this helps, please mark this as “Accepted Solution” as it will help several others with the same issue to get it resolved without hassles.

Take care.

Cheers!

[Johnny20]

The link you sent me explains how to install a new printhead or I should say how to deal with an error message AFTER installing a new printhead. I have not removed or installed a new printhead. I was thinking that my printhead was bad after doing what you suggested. Are you now saying that you believe my printhead is bad. I mean you kind of jumped from trying to resolve my color issue to sending me a link on how to install or work with a newly installed printhead.

[The_Fossette · Accepted solution]

Hi @Johnny20

I recommend you to follow the step 8 (Updating the printer firmware) and check.

If the issue persists, then it may be a hardware issue and I recommend you to contact HP phone support to check the available service options for your printer.

Let me know how it goes and you have a great day!

To simply say thanks, please click the "Thumbs Up" button to give me a Kudos to appreciate my efforts to help. If this helps, please mark this as “Accepted Solution” as it will help several others with the same issue to get it resolved without hassles.

Take care.

Cheers!