my LaserJet enterprise M553 printer only prints Magneta

[koto2020]

My printer is quite new, i haven't used it that much , about 6 times since i own it and the toner in its came with the printer (Original). all the level is 100% .  CYan, Magneta, yellow and black. My issue is, i tried printing today and it seems only magneta color prints, the rest don't. i can't even print black. i have done all the troubleshooting but still don't find a solution.  I don't know what to do again. Someone should kindly help.

[MysteriousMe]

Welcome to HP Support Community, @koto2020 

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

Printer Color and Black Ink Printing Issue

It can be quite frustrating when your printer shows full toner levels yet fails to print colors correctly. If only magenta prints while cyan, yellow, and black do not, the issue is likely related to ink flow, printhead blockage, or internal calibration. Follow these detailed steps to diagnose and fix the problem:

1. Verify Toner/Cartridge Installation

• Power off the printer and open the cartridge access area.
• Remove each toner cartridge carefully and check for protective seals, tapes, or vent covers that might still be attached.
• Gently shake each cartridge from side to side to redistribute the toner evenly.
• Reinsert them firmly until each clicks into place.

2. Perform Printhead Cleaning

• From your printer’s Settings or Maintenance menu, locate Printhead Cleaning or Deep Cleaning.
• Run the cleaning cycle once, then print a test page.
• If the issue persists, repeat the cleaning up to three times, allowing a few minutes between cycles.

🧠 Tip: Avoid performing excessive cleanings in a row — it can waste toner and overheat the printhead.

3. Run a Diagnostic Print Test

• Navigate to your printer’s Reports or Tools menu and print a Diagnostics Page or Quality Report.
• Check if all color bars (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black) appear clearly.
• Missing or faded colors indicate partial blockage or poor electrical contact.

  4. Inspect Cartridge Vents and Contacts

  • Locate the small vent holes on top of each cartridge. Use a pin to gently clear any blockages.
  • Examine the electrical contacts (gold or copper-colored areas) on both the cartridge and the printhead carriage.
  • Clean these contacts gently with a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with distilled water or isopropyl alcohol.
  • Let them dry completely before reinstalling.

  5. Manually Clean the Printhead 

  • If automated cleaning doesn’t restore print quality:
  • Remove the printhead (if your printer design allows).
  • Place the printhead on a soft cloth.
  • Moisten a lint-free cloth or cotton swab with distilled water and gently wipe the nozzle area until you see some ink flow.
  • For deeper cleaning, soak the printhead in a shallow dish of warm distilled water for 10–15 minutes (nozzle side down).
  • Allow it to air dry completely before reinstalling.

  6. Perform Printer Calibration

  • In the Maintenance menu, select Align Printhead or Color Calibration.
  • Follow on-screen prompts to ensure proper color blending and alignment between cartridges.

  7. Update the Printer Firmware

  • Visit the manufacturer’s support page and check for the latest firmware for your printer model.
  • Updating firmware can resolve software-related color or communication issues between cartridges and printhead.

  8. Reset the Printer

  • Power off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
  • Wait for at least 2–3 minutes to clear temporary errors.
  • Plug it back in and power it on.
  • Retry printing a test page.

  9. Use the Printer Regularly

  • Ink or toner systems can dry out or settle when idle for long periods.
  • Print at least one color page per week to keep the nozzles active and the ink flowing properly.

  I hope this helps.

  Take care and have a good day.