run a nozzle test and call printer support again. possible error on color cartridge and printer.

If the color cart is not empty, the color ink cart. print head is probably clogged. Remove color cart. Soak print head in 1/2 inch of hot water for 15-30 min. Blot dry with clean paper towel. re-install. If badly clogged it may take several trys. This cleaning has worked 97% of the time on this forum.

thanks for the advice guys unfortunately I still have the problem, there does not appear to be a problem with the ink flow from the cartridge, more a communication between printer and cartridge

Does this happen from just one application or from all applications? Does the printer test page have no color as well?

The test page is a good place to start because you should see missing color on the test page. If it prints out in grayscale it's more than likely just a setting in the print driver.

Check the printer preferences and make sure you don't have the box for "print color images in black and white" checked.

Try reversing the cartridge locations (black in color slot - color in black) and print another test page. This way at least you can tell if it's the slot on the carrier that is bad or the cartridge.

The test page should come out with beautiful rainbow text but missing the windows logo in the top left hand corner if the cartridge is good but the slot is bad. If you get nothing but a black windows logo in the top left corner then you know you need a new cartridge.

Message Edited by NightRunner on 02-15-2005 12:25 PM

Sounds like the carrier is the trouble if that's the case. We know now at least that it's not the cartridge. Give Dell a call and if you're in warranty it shouldn't be a problem at all.

If you mention the troubleshooting you have done it shouldn't take long.

reversed carts and got colourfull text with no windows logo, does this mean the printer is on its way to the scrapheap ??:robotsad:

William

I'm having a similar problem my Black will not print. I was wondering your remedy of soaking the cartridge will also work for the black. Also when you say soak the head that doesn't mess with connection getting that area wet. (elaborate)

I will greatly appreciate your response.

This is killng me:mansad:

Soaking also works for black cart. The electrical contacts are sealed so a little water won't hurt them. The ink contains 99% water so is water soluble.