Dell v515W Printer does not print Color

Question

I have had this v515W printer for about 2 years and have been able to print only about 20 pages!! I've had problems with this from day 1. The latest problem is it prints only black. Went through the whole nine yards with cleaning, aligning,  brand new cartridges , use all available ink etc etc.  and still only prints B & W. Cartridges are now LOW in ink just from multiple deep cleaning and aligning. I will never ever buy a Dell Printer again!! Fortunately I have a 7 yr old HP printer that works like a charm!! I use the v515W ony to send or receive faxes in B&W. Even with that I get print head errors frequently!!

DELL-Nikhil D1 · Answer

Hi rchsts,

I can understand electronic devices can create confusion and frustration when they do not work the way they are designed for.

Here are few things that we can try to fix this technical issue. A Firmware update for the printer should take care of the problem.

To update the Firmware software for the printer follow the below steps:

Note: Firmware can be updated by connecting the printer and computer with a USB cable,

Use this link for help: http://dell.to/152SOm9

Turn off the printer, and remove the Printhead out of the printer,
Connect the printer and the computer with a USB cable and turn on the printer.
Open this link in the computer: http://dell.to/12sCIWZ
Select the operating system of the computer from the list of options.
Under the Firmware, select the right Firmware according to the printer model depending on Wifi mode.
Click “Get driver” and follow the onscreen instructions and update the Firmware software.
Reinsert the printhead and try printing and check.

Try the above steps and reply for further help.

rchsts · Answer

Thanks. After a few exchanges of blows with the V515W printer and the Dell computer, I was successfully able to download the recommended firmware. No luck however with the color printing!! Cleaned,aligned turned printer off /on etc etc- still B&W only. Any other suggestions? Thanks

DELL-Nikhil D1 · Answer

Hi rchsts,

The problem seems to be with the cartridge holder (print head), to confirm that, check if there is ink blocked on the print head, I suggest you to use a lint free cloth to clean the nozzle of the ink cartridges and also clean the part on the print head where the nozzle of the ink cartridges contacts it.

If the issue persists, try a new color ink cartridge, try aligning and cleaning the new color ink cartridges and make a copy from the printer.

If the problem persists the print head needs to be replaced.

Please reply with results.

Ricky_Martin · Answer

If it's been a long time (a week or two or more) and the printer was left on, there's a possibility the color cartridge got clogged with dried ink. If that's all it is, a new cartridge would solve it, but that's probably $15 or more, and if it's a software problem, it won't help at all.

Other than that, all I can suggest is uninstalling and reinstalling the printer drivers.

ADD:

If it's not the hardware (the cartridge) it's most likely the software. Unplug the unit from the computer, uninstall the drivers (using Add/Remove Programs in the Control Panel) then reinstall the software. If you've misplaced the CD that came with the printer, I'm sure you can download the files from the Dell website.

If that doesn't work, then I don't have a clue. Good luck.
Source(s):
answers.yahoo.com/.../index

rchsts · Answer

Dropped it at E-waste a year ago!!

Printers

Dell v515W Printer does not print Color

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