Printer not printing black (full cartridge)

Question

My printer has been working for over a year now, until a few weeks ago, when I removed the empty black cartridge and replaced it with a full, new one. Now when I print, even though the picture says the black is full, only color gets printed. That's not good for me, being a college student, needing to write many papers. Any ideas why this might be happening?

geotex1 · Answer

Since you obviously have an inkjet printer, start with the basics. Did you remove the protective plastic tape off the catridge head before installation?

Majestic · Answer

Does your printer software have a utility for cleaning the print heads?  From the cartridge sitting on the store shelf the print head may have become plugged with dried ink.  As part of the cleaning routine the printer will force ink out of the print heads which will prime them.  If all else fails then return the cartridge to the store for an exchange or refund.

RoHe · Answer

Assuming none of the previous suggestions work, try another black cartridge and return this one to the manufacturer.

I purchased new HP color and black cartridges for my Officejet last week day. The color one wouldn't print at all and couldn't be cleaned because printer kept saying "wrong cartridge" even though it had correct number stamped on it (and HP confirmed the lot number). The black one smeared the ink as fast as it printed.

Appears that HP, at least, is having quality problems and they're replacing both. Their initial solution was that I should just replace the printer because it's 5 yrs old.

Ron

Redwing634 · Answer

I have already done all the things suggested, so yes I think I'll go with the last response, and return it =( thanks

william_the_sco · Answer

When you don't use your ink carts for a while or when you get new ink carts that have been stored in warehouses for a number of months, the print head nozzles on the bottom of the ink carts get clogged with dried ink. The printer head cleaner menu will not disolve the dried ink. Water will. Try this. Soak the bottom of the clogged ink cart in 1/2 inch of hot water for 15-30 minutes. Blot dry with clean paper towel(you should see the ink color on the towel). Retry.

Redwing634 · Answer

darn, i was convinced that would work.. but it didn't guess im gonna have to return it.

RoHe · Answer

Actually, the best thing to use is a kleenex dampened with a SMALL amount of isopropanol (rubbing alcohol) rather than water. Just don't drip it on anything. Gently touch the print head to the wet tissue. When ink starts flowing, let the cartridge air dry before reinstalling. Then run the print head cleaning cycle.

I wouldn't mess with this cartridge. Return it for a new one. Most cartridge boxes have an expiration date on them so make sure to get one with the latest date you can find. And if the retailer won't exchange it, contact the manufacturer directly.

Ron

Redwing634 · Answer

After soaking it in water, ink was coming out of it, when i dabbed it with the paper towel, but after i put it back in the printer, it still wouldnt print black

mamalu · Answer

You said to soak the bottom of the clogged ink cart in 1/2 inch of hot water for 15-30 minutes, then blot dry with clean paper towel.

Water won't disable the cartridge? It looks like some kind of electronic tape, and I'm afraid I'll short it out or something?

Printers

Printer not printing black (full cartridge)

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