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HP Officejet 6500 Printers - Black Ink Not Printing and other Print Quality Issues

This document is for HP Officejet 6500 and Officejet 6500 Wireless All-in-One printers.
The quality of a printed document or photo is not as expected. The procedures in this document should help with streaked or faded printouts, color or black ink not printing, documents with blurred or fuzzy text, ink streaks or smears, and other print quality problems.

Step 1: Use genuine HP cartridges

HP recommends that you use genuine HP ink or toner supplies. HP cannot guarantee the quality or reliability of non-HP or refilled cartridges. If you do not use genuine HP cartridges, the steps in this document might not resolve the issue. To check the authenticity of your cartridges, go to the HP anti-counterfeit webpage (in English).
Purchase replacement cartridges and other supplies from the HP Store or local retailers.

Step 2: Allow automatic servicing to complete

Some print quality problems that occur with a newly installed cartridge are corrected with the built-in automatic servicing routine. There is nothing you can do to trigger or speed up the automatic servicing. Simply allow the printer to rest for a few hours, and then try to print again.
  • If waiting for automatic servicing to complete resolved the issue, you do not need to continue troubleshooting.
  • If waiting for automatic servicing to complete did not resolve the issue, continue to the next solution.

Step 3: Check the paper

The quality and type of paper can affect the print job. Use the following guidelines to make sure the paper is appropriate. If it is not, load an appropriate paper type.
  • Load the paper print side down in the input tray. Many papers have printing and nonprinting sides, such as photo paper and envelopes. Usually, the smoother side is the "print side," and sometimes the non-print side has a logo of the paper manufacturer on it.
  • Do not use wrinkled or curled paper. Use only clean, wrinkle-free paper.
    Do not use wrinkled paper
  • Use the correct paper type for your project.
    • For everyday text documents, plain paper with ColorLok technology works well. Paper with ColorLok technology is industry-standard paper that works well with HP ink.
      ColorLok logo
    • For documents with dense printing, such as high contrast graphics or photos, use HP Advanced Photo Paper for best results.
    • Some paper might not absorb ink as well as others. If your prints smear easily, make sure you are using a recommended paper.
  • Store photo paper in its original packaging inside a resealable plastic bag. Store the paper on a flat surface in a cool, dry place. Load 10-20 sheets of photo paper only when you are ready to print, and then put the unused paper back in the packaging.
  • Try using a different paper. This determines if the problem is related to the paper.
note:
Inappropriate paper usually causes vertical streaks in printouts (or if the problem occurs on a copy, dirty scanner glass usually causes the issue). Do not replace cartridges to fix vertical streaks.
Examples of horizontal streaks and vertical streaks in printout
Figure : Horizontal streaks in printout
Image: Horizontal streaks.
Figure : Vertical streaks in printout
Image: Vertical streaks.
Continue with the following troubleshooting steps if your printout contains horizontal streaks, or print quality issues other than vertical streaks.
Do not replace cartridges for vertical streaks in a printout. Instead, check the paper as described earlier in this document, or search for a document that covers this issue. Streaks in copies can often be fixed by cleaning the scanner glass.
Try printing again after trying the preceding guidelines.

Step 4: Check the print settings

Check the print settings to make sure that they are appropriate for your print job.

Step 5: Check estimated ink levels

Low ink can contribute to poor print quality. Follow these steps to check the ink levels, and then replace any low or empty cartridges according to the results.
note:
Ink level warnings and indicators provide estimates for planning purposes only. When an indicator shows low ink levels, consider having a replacement ink cartridge available to avoid possible printing delays. You do not need to replace ink cartridges until print quality becomes unacceptable.
Check the estimated ink levels from the Home screen on the printer control panel.
  1. Look at the estimated ink levels on the Home screen of the printer control panel. The control panel displays the ink levels as "bucket" icons above each color marker.
    Figure : Estimated ink level indicators on the printer control panel
    Image: Estimated ink level indicators on the printer control panel.
  2. Identify any low or empty ink cartridges:
    • An exclamation mark (!) in the bucket indicates a low or empty ink cartridge of the color marker below the bucket.
    • An ink cartridge that is not low or empty shows you its estimated ink level in the bucket above its corresponding color marker: Magenta, cyan, yellow, and black.
  • If none of the cartridges are low on ink, you do not need to replace them yet. Skip to the next solution in this document.
  • If any of the cartridges are low on ink, continue to the next step to replace them.

Step 6: Replace any depleted cartridges

Watch a video or use the following steps to replace a depleted cartridge.

Video of cartridge replacement

The following video demonstrates how to replace an ink cartridge.
Replacing a Cartridge - HP Officejet 6500 All-in-One
Replacing a Cartridge - HP Officejet 6500 All-in-One
Learn how to replace a cartridge in the HP Officejet 6500 All-in-One printer.
.
If you have trouble viewing the video or to view the video in a different size, click here to play the video on YouTube.
  1. Press the Power button to turn on the printer, if it is not already on.
  2. Open the ink cartridge access door. The carriage moves to the center of the printer. Wait until the carriage stops moving before proceeding.
    Figure : Open the ink cartridge access door
    Image: Open the ink cartridge access door.
  3. Press in the tab on the front of the ink cartridge, and then pull it out and up to remove it from its slot.
    Figure : Remove the ink cartridge from its slot
    Image: Remove the ink cartridge from its slot.
      caution:
    Do not lift the gray latch next to the carriage to install the ink cartridges. Doing so can result in incorrectly seated ink cartridges and printing problems. The latch must remain down to correctly install the ink cartridges.
  4. On the new ink cartridge, pull the orange pull-tab straight back to remove the plastic wrap.
    Figure : Remove the plastic wrap
    Image: Remove the plastic wrap.
  5. Twist the orange cap counterclockwise to snap it off the ink cartridge.
    Figure : Remove the orange cap
    Image: Remove the orange cap.
  6. With the ink cartridge contacts facing the printhead, slide the ink cartridge into the correct slot. The color-coded icons on the ink cartridge and in the printhead indicate the correct slot.
    Figure : Insert the ink cartridge
    Image: Insert the ink cartridge.
  7. Press down on the ink cartridge until it clicks firmly into place.
    Figure : Press the ink cartridge into place
    Image: Press the ink cartridge into place.
  8. Repeat these steps for each ink cartridge that you want to replace.
  9. Close the ink cartridge access door. The carriage moves to the right side of the printer.

Step 7: Print a Print Quality Diagnostic Report

Follow these steps to print a test page, and then evaluate the results.
  1. On the product control panel, press the Setup button () until Print Report displays, and then press OK.
  2. Press the Right Arrow button () to select Print Quality Report, and then press OK. The report prints.
    Figure : Example print quality report

Step 8: Check the test page for defects

Review the diagnostic areas of the print quality report to check for defects. Defects on the report can help you identify the print quality issue and then troubleshoot it.
    Figure : Diagnostic areas of the print quality report
    Image: Diagnostic areas on test page.
  1. Sample text
  2. Alignment patterns
  3. Color bars
In general, if the printer and its cartridges work correctly, all the color bars are present, unstreaked, and uniform in color across the width of the page. The black text on the page does not show ink streaks.
Use the following table for examples of defects that can exist on the print quality diagnostic report. The following examples are not all inclusive, but tend to represent the most common issues.
Examples of defects on the print quality diagnostic report
Defect
Example
Large font text is ragged on one end (possible cartridge or printhead problem)
Image: Ragged large text.
Irregularly streaked or faded color bars (possible cartridge or printhead problem)
Image: Streaked or faded color bars.
Ragged color bars (possible cartridge or printhead problem)
Image: Ragged color bars.
The color bars are streaked with another color (possible cartridge or printhead problem)
Image: Streaked color bars.
The color blocks have regular white streaks (possible cartridge or printhead problem)
Image: White streaks in the color bars.
Completely missing (black) color (possible cartridge or printhead problem)
Image: Missing color (black).
Page is blank or nearly blank (possible cartridge or printhead problem)
Image: Nearly blank page.
Jagged alignment patterns (possible alignment problem)
Image: Jagged alignment patterns.
  • If you see one or more defects on the print quality diagnostic report, continue to the next steps.
  • If there are no defects on the print quality diagnostic report, it indicates that the print mechanism and ink supplies work correctly. Therefore, you do not need to continue the troubleshooting steps in the remainder of this document. However, if printouts are still unsatisfactory, try the following general procedures to improve print quality:
    • Make sure that the image you are printing has sufficient resolution. Enlarged images might appear fuzzy or blurry.
    • If the issue is confined to a band near the edge of a printout, use the software you installed with the printer or another software program to rotate the image 180 degrees. The problem might not display on the other end of the printout.
    • Avoid leaving unprotected cartridges out of the printer for an extended period of time.
    • Always use the Power button to turn off the printer. This protects the cartridges from drying out.
Image: Garbled, illogical text, and incomplete printout.
Windows only: If you are experiencing garbled, jumbled or illogical text, incomplete printouts, or missing text or graphics, go to Continuous Pages of Strange or Garbled Characters Print in Windows.

Step 9: Make sure that the cartridges are properly vented and seated correctly

If the vent on the top of the cartridge is clogged or obstructed, the cartridge might not work properly. Follow these steps to make sure that the cartridges are properly vented and seated correctly.
  1. If the printer is not already on, press the Power button to turn it on.
  2. Open the ink cartridge access door.
    Figure : Open the ink cartridge access door
    The carriage moves to the center of the printer. Wait until the carriage is idle and silent before you continue.
  3. Press the tab on the front of one of the ink cartridges to release it, and then remove it from its slot.
    Figure : Remove the ink cartridge
    Image: Removing the ink cartridge
      caution:
    Do not lift the gray latch next to the carriage to remove the ink cartridge. Doing so can result in incorrectly seated ink cartridges and printing problems.
  4. Examine the vent area above the HP logo on the top of the ink cartridge.
    Figure : Vent area on the ink cartridge
    Image: Vent area on the top of the ink cartridge.
  5. If the ink cartridge still has the orange pull-tab attached, pull to remove it.
    Figure : Orange pull tab
    Image: Orange pull tab.
  6. If the vent is clogged, use a straight pin to gently remove excess adhesive from the vent.
      Figure : Clean the clogged vent with a pin
      Image: Clean the clogged vent with a pin.
    1. Clogged vent
    2. With a straight pin, gently remove excess adhesive from the vent
    3. Unclogged vent
  7. With the ink cartridge contacts facing the printhead, slide the ink cartridge into the correct slot. The color-coded icons on the ink cartridge and in the printhead indicate the correct slot.
    Figure : Insert the ink cartridge
    Image: Insert the ink cartridge.
  8. Press down on the ink cartridge until it clicks firmly into place.
    Figure : Press the ink cartridge into place
    Image: Press the ink cartridge into place.
  9. Repeat these steps to inspect the vents on each of the ink cartridges.
  10. Make sure that each ink cartridge is firmly in place 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.
  11. Close the ink cartridge access door.
  12. Try the print job again.

Step 10: Use an automated tool to clean the printhead

Follow these steps to clean the printhead.
note:
If the printhead is badly clogged, you might need to clean the printhead several times to restore normal print quality.
  1. Load letter, A4, or legal size, unused, plain white paper into the input tray.
  2. Press the Setup button ().
  3. Press the Down Arrow button () to highlight Tools, and then press OK.
  4. Press the Down Arrow button () to highlight Clean Printhead, and then press OK. The printer cleans the printhead, and a test page prints once the printer is done cleaning the printhead.
    note:
    Mechanical noises during the cleaning process are normal.
  5. Examine the test sheet for print quality. Consider repeating the cleaning if there is improvement. Sometimes the printer requires several cleanings.
  6. Recycle or discard the test sheet.
  7. When the cleaning process completes, press any button on the control panel to return to the Tools menu.
  8. Align the printer again.
  caution:
Never turn off the printer when ink cartridges are not installed. To avoid issues that require cleaning the printhead or that can damage the ink system, always replace ink cartridges as soon as possible, and always turn off the printer using the Power button.

Step 11: Use an automated tool to align the printer

If there were defects on the print quality diagnostic report, follow these steps to align the printhead.
  1. Load letter, A4, or legal unused, plain white paper into the main tray.
  2. On the product control panel, press the Setup button () repeatedly until Tools displays, and then press OK.
  3. Press the Right Arrow button () to select Align Printer, and then press OK. The product aligns the printer and prints an alignment sheet.
    Figure : Example alignment sheet
    note:
    Mechanical noises during alignment are normal.
  4. Press the Back button () to return to the main screen, and then recycle or discard the alignment sheet.

Step 12: Check the printhead warranty status

In general, if your printer is within warranty, so is the printhead. Additionally, if HP has replaced your printhead or if you have purchased a replacement, the replacement printhead is covered under warranty for 90 days, regardless of printer warranty. If you are not sure if your printhead is under warranty, see HP’s Warranty Check Tool to determine if your printer is still under warranty or refer to the receipt documentation that came with your replacement printhead.
  • If the printhead is in warranty, contact HP to see if the printer's condition warrants a replacement printhead based on the terms of your product’s warranty. Do not continue with these steps if your printhead is in warranty. Skip to the step to service the printer.
  • If the printhead is out of warranty, follow the remaining steps to manually clean the printhead.

Step 13: Prepare to clean the printhead

Gather the following items:
  • A clean disposable container capable of holding enough water to submerge the printhead
  • Two clean lint free cloths such as coffee filters
  • Filtered or distilled water (tap or mineral water may contain contaminants that could damage the printhead)
  • A pan and stove or other means of heating water
  • Disposable gloves
  • Paper towels

Step 14: Clean the printhead manually

Manually clean the printhead.
How To Manually Clean a Removeable Printhead on HP Printers
How To Manually Clean a Removeable Printhead on HP Printers
In this video, you will see how to manually clean a removable printhead on your HP printer. If your printer is out of warranty and does not print black or color ink or has been printing blank pages, consider cleaning the removable printhead by following the steps in this video. You should only clean the printhead if your printer is out of warranty.
When manually cleaning the printhead, the printhead nozzles are soaked in very warm water for no longer than ten minutes. Use these steps only as a last resort and if the printhead would be disposed of otherwise.
  caution:
Manually cleaning the printhead should only be performed if the printhead is no longer under warranty.
  1. Set the pan on the stove, and then fill the pan with filtered or distilled water.
      caution:
    Do not use alcohol or other solvents. This might damage the printhead, causing the printhead layers to separate, requiring replacement of the printhead.
  2. Heat the water until the water is very warm to the touch, but do not boil the water.
  3. Stack the paper towels at the bottom of the disposable container until the stack is about 6.5 mm (1/4 inch) deep.
  4. Pour the warm water from the pan into the disposable container so that it is 5 cm (2 inches) deep and covering the paper towels.
  5. Put on disposable gloves to prevent ink from transferring to your skin or clothes.
  6. Press the tab on the front of the ink cartridges to release them, and then lift the ink cartridges out of the printhead.
    note:
    Do not leave the ink cartridge outside the printer for longer than 30 minutes. The printhead and ink cartridges can be damaged by being exposed to air outside of the printer.
    Remove the ink cartridge from the slot.
  7. Set the ink cartridges upside down on a paper towel.
    Place the ink cartridges upside down
  8. Lift the latch handle on the carriage until it stops, and then carefully lift up on the printhead to remove it from the printer.
    Remove the printhead
  9. Moisten one of the clean, lint-free cloths with some of the warm water and use it to clean the underside of the printhead. Repeatedly wipe the nozzle area gently until excess black or color ink does not transfer to the cloth. Do not press into the nozzle area as this can cause damage.
      caution:
    Do not force water into the printhead, this can cause printhead delamination.
    Wipe the nozzles
  10. Place the printhead into the disposable container so that the bottom rests on the paper towels, and then let it soak for 10 minutes.
      Soak the printhead
    1. Paper towels
    2. Water level
  11. Remove the printhead, and then gently wipe the excess water with a dry lint free cloth.
      caution:
    Do not use a hair dryer to dry off the printhead. This could cause the nozzles to dry out and clog.
  12. Let the printhead air-dry on a paper towel for 15 minutes with the nozzles facing up.
      caution:
    Do not use compressed air to blow out the printhead. This can cause delamination of the printhead.
    Printhead drying with the nozzles up
  13. Lower the printhead into the carriage, and then carefully lower the latch handle.
    note:
    Make sure the colored shapes on the sides of the printhead line up with the colored shapes on the carriage.
    Install the new printhead
    Lower the latch handle
  14. With the ink cartridge contacts facing the printhead, slide the ink cartridge into the correct slot. The color-coded icons on the ink cartridge and in the printhead indicate the correct slot.
    Press down on the ink cartridge until it snaps firmly into place.
    Insert the ink cartridge.
  15. Repeat these steps for each ink cartridge.
note:
If you encounter the 'Printhead Problem' error message, turn the printer off and on.
The automated printhead cleaning tool must run after manually cleaning the printhead.

Step 15: Clean the printhead using the automated tool

From the control panel, use the automated tool to clean the printhead again after manually cleaning the printhead.
  1. Load letter, A4, or legal size, unused, plain, white paper into the main input tray.
  2. On the printer control panel, press the Setup button ().
  3. Press the Right Arrow button () to select Tools, and then press OK.
  4. Press the Right Arrow button () to select Clean Printhead, and then press OK. The printer cleans the printhead.
  5. Press the Back button () to return to the main screen.
If cleaning the printhead does not resolve the issue, go to the next step.

Step 16: Order the printhead

  caution:
Wait until you have a new printhead assembly available before removing the ink cartridges. HP recommends that you do not leave the ink cartridges outside the printer longer than 30 minutes. This could damage both the printer and the ink cartridges.
  1. If you are in Asia Pacific, the site directs you to a service center in your area.
  2. Search for part number CN643A.
  3. Follow the instructions to order the printhead assembly.
When you have the replacement printhead, go to Replacing the Printhead for detailed instructions to remove the old printhead and install the new one.
If replacing the printhead does not resolve the issue, go to the next step.

Step 17: Service the printer

Service or replace your HP product if the issue persists after completing all the preceding steps.
Go to Contact HP Customer Support to schedule a product repair or replacement. If you are in Asia Pacific, you will be directed to a local service center in your area.
To confirm your warranty status, go to HP Product Warranty Check. Repair fees might apply for out-of-warranty products.
note:
Keep a print sample that shows the problem. If the ink cartridges, printhead, or printer is replaced under warranty, the support agent will request the print sample. If the printer is returned to HP, the print sample must be returned with the printer. Place the sample in the output tray when you package your printer for shipping.