black ink smearing problems

[ScutterAnt]

I am continually having to carry out several cleaning operations to be able to use the printer. After a day of no use the printing quality is poor the black ink does not print and sometimes smear across the page. To clear it i have had to carry out up to 5 cleaning operations before it will print legibly again. the printer is only a few months old and we are signed up for instant ink but still within the trial period, however we are using up a lot of our page allowances carrying out the cleaning processes.

[KrazyToad]

Hi @ScutterAnt

Welcome to HP Forums. This is a great place to get support, find answers and tips.
 

I understand that you need to run the cleaning process each time before printing.

I could help.

Please make sure the cartridges are properly vented.

1. Press the Power button to turn on the printer, if it is not already turned on.

2. Open the ink cartridge access door.

   The carriage moves to the center of the printer.

   Figure : Opening the ink cartridge access door

   

3. Wait until the carriage is idle and silent before you continue.

4. Press the tab inward on the front of the old ink cartridge to release it, and then pull up on the ink cartridge to remove it from the slot.

   Figure : Removing the ink cartridge

   

5. Examine the vent area above the HP logo on the top of the ink cartridge.

   Figure : Examine the vent area on the cartridge

   

6. If the ink cartridge still has the orange pull-tab attached, pull to remove it.

   Figure : Remove the orange pull-tab

   

7. If the vent is clogged, use a straight pin to gently remove excess adhesive from the vent.

   Figure : Cleaning the clogged vent with a pin

   1. Clogged vent

   2. With a straight pin, gently remove excess adhesive from the vent

   3. Unclogged vent

8. Turn the ink cartridge so that the cartridge contacts face downward, and then match the label color with the color dot on the carriage.

9. Slide the ink cartridge into its slot, and then gently press the ink cartridge down until it snaps into place.

   Figure : Installing the ink cartridge

   

10. Repeat these steps to inspect the vents on each of the ink cartridges.

11. Make sure each ink cartridge is firmly installed in its slot. Run your finger along the top of the ink cartridges to feel for any that are protruding, and if any are, press down firmly until each ink cartridge snaps into place.

12. Close the ink cartridge access door.

    Figure : Closing the ink cartridge access door

    

And then do the automatic cleaning.

1. On the printer control panel, swipe down to open the Dashboard, and then touch the Setup icon .

2. Swipe up on the display, and then touch Printer Maintenance.

3. Touch Clean Printhead, and then touch Continue.

   A test page prints.

If the issue persists, please contact our Phone Support for Service Options

Step 1. Open link: www.hp.com/contacthp/
Step 2. Enter Product number or select to auto detect 
Step 3. Scroll down to "Still need help? Complete the form to select your contact options"
Step 4. Scroll down and click: HP contact options - click on Get phone number and phone number appear.

Let me know how it goes.

Thank you. 🙂

If the information I've provided was helpful, give us some reinforcement by clicking the "Solution Accepted" and "Kudos" Buttons.

[ScutterAnt]

Thank you
I have tried the above but still have problems. I am now in touch with tec support.

[KrazyToad]

Hi @ScutterAnt

I'm sure our Tech Support should be able to sort this out

Do visit our HP Forums and drop us a Message anytime you need help.

Thank you. 🙂

If the information I've provided was helpful, give us some reinforcement by clicking the "Solution Accepted" and "Kudos" Buttons.