HP Printer Not Printing Black

[Noir Angel]

I've been given an HP printer (Photosmart 5520), and it's all in good working order bar a problem with printing black. All cartridges are HP originals and brand new and there are no mechanical issues with the printer. I've done all of the usual stuff like aligning print heads, cleaning, ETC and it still won't work.

On closer inspection of the print head it appears to me as if the contact mesh on the print head is somehow not working properly, as all of the other 3 (cyan, magenta, and blue) have visible ink on the contact point, however there is no visible ink on the black contact point. I've taken a photo of the print head with the cartridges removed, if anyone has any useful advice to get the black ink working again it would be appreciated. 

[jasondefaoite]

I'd recommend removing the printhead to try to clean it. Might be clogged. If that doesn't work you are probably going to need to replace the printhead itself.

 

Best instructions on removing the PH here .. JayW post

 

https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Inkjet-Printing/HP-Photosmart-5510-Print-Head-Removal/m-p/3885340#M140310

 

If that doesn't work ...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Genuine-HP-688-CN688A-364-4-Slot-Print-Head-for-HP-3070-3520-5525-4620-5520-5510-/221309141923

[sc302 Veteran]

High probability that the black head is gummed up.  I believe you can order a print head for about $25.

 

 

[PGHammer]

If an inkjet printer has multiple color cartridges (this is going to be true of any color inkjet printer) if it fails to print black, the problem in unique with either the black cartridge OR the black printhead.  I've seen similar issues with every brand of inkjet printer - it's far from unique to HP inkjets.