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When an inkjet printer (most newer HP and Canon inkjet printer models since 2006) exhibit poor print quality, missing color(s) or image streaking, flushing the printhead with warm water for several minutes will usually resolve the issue. It is first suggested to ensure ink cartridges have plenty of ink and to perform a 'Clean Printhead' action at the printer before attempting the water flushing procedure. This procedures is applicable to individual ink tank printer models that feature a removable Printhead assembly only. HP 564 HP 920 Ink Series Printers Hot Water Printhead Flush
Regarding your recent inquiry about the HP 02 cartridge print quality/missing color issue in your HP Photosmart C5180 printer, let's first make sure that the printer is firing all 6 cartridges correctly. Based on your problem description, it sounds like there either an air bubble in one of the printer ink lines or a portion of the PRINTHEAD* could be dry, so you should first perform a "Clean PrintHead" procedure from your printer's 'TOOLS' button on the control panel.
NOTE: If one or more the colors were previously dry fired during printing (i.e. if you continued printing using only a few colors to one, air may have been accidentally ingested into the ink lines between the cartridge(s) and PRINTHEAD. To recover from this problem, you may have to run the "Clean Printhead" procedure 2-3 times. Depending on your printer model, refer to the applicable video procedure: http://inkjet411.com/?page_id=2377(Printers without 1-9 keypad) http://inkjet411.com/?page_id=2391(Printers with 1-9 keypad)
However, if you have already attempted to clean the printhead and one or more colors are missing, then it is suggested to run the 'Tap 43' printer diagnostic test to ensure the built-in PRINTHEAD (inside the printer) is functioning properly* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8Hr5YgSqT4(Printers without 1-9 keypad) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEfCWJMpfZ8(Printers with 1-9 keypad)
Refer to the HP Printer Diagnostic's document (PDF file) at the following link for advanced diagnostic tests for your printer model: http://inkjet411.com/?page_id=1813
To completely verify the ink lines are clear and working correctly, print the "INK RECOVERY TEST PRINT" from our Test Prints page (intense color drop pattern): http://inkjet411.com/?page_id=146
As an option (to help conserve ink), you could just run the Self-Test Report (under 'PRINT REPORT' menu), this will verify nozzle performance and that each color is firing a solid band of color (i.e. you should not see any bands or missing lines in the pattern). This is also a good test to help isolate which color (or portion of the electronic PRINTHEAD*) may be causing the issue.
If a problem persists (poor print quality/nozzle misfiring/missing colors, etc.), then we suggest that you thoroughly review the steps outlined on our HP 02 support pages, including printer cleaning and service station cleaning. It is suggested you refer to printer manufacturer instructions first as the Inkjet411 procedures are provided for informational purposes only. A dirty service station can cause poor image quality and/or ink cross-contamination between different colors. http://inkjet411.com/?page_id=35 (HP 02 main page)
If this does not remedy the problem, then you may have a defective PRINTHEAD* in the printer (worst case scenario), unrelated to the refilled cartridges. As this printer writing system (found on 58 different HP printer models) is between 10 and 12 years old there is a very good chance that the PRINTHEAD has reached it's END OF LIFE.
*The HP 02 ink series printer models have an electronic PRINTHEAD within the base of the carriage assembly (responsible for pulling ink from the 6 ink cartridges and then firing the ink droplets onto the paper) - the HP 02 PRINTHEAD typically has a maximum life of approximately 25,000 pages (~15,000 page average). Unfortunately, the permanent PRINTHEAD is not replaceable. http://inkjet411.com/?page_id=2054
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CAUTION: Be advised, the use of HP 02 compatible/clone cartridges (i.e. sold thru the internet from overseas) are known to be problematic and may cause printer errors and/or permanent PRINTHEAD damage due to incompatible ink formulations (i.e. contain Volatile Organic Compounds which are known to damage the built-in PRINTHEAD). We do NOT suggest using or refilling these types of ink cartridges.....refilling of HP 02 or HP 02XL original/genuine ink cartridges is only suggested!
If you need to purchase a new HP 02 (or HP 02XL) ink cartridges, we suggest you try a USA remanufactured ink cartridge from http://www.inkplicity.com/ as their ink cartridges typically have the lowest cost in the USA and have a high reliability rating (free shipping for all orders above $20).
We trust this helps explain the issue your printer is currently experiencing. For any additional questions please contact us directly: [email protected]
Depending on the age of the printer, the service staion may need to be cleaned. The service station is where the cartridges "park" when they are not in use. Over time ink can collect in this area and therefore the ink cartridges do not get a thorough cleaning. I would go to HP's website and look for cleaning instructions for your printer model. Hope this helps
Use the HP Printer Assistant software tools to run a "head-cleaning" cycle -- the problem is not with the ink (there is plenty of it) but with the print-heads (that **** the ink, and then spray it onto the paper). Some of the jets are clogged, and so you get "white-stripes".
I am assuming from your brief problem description that you are getting bad colors when you changed your color cartridge.
Are you using a new and certified HP ink cartridge? Are you doing a refill of your old ink cartridge or have bought one of those "re-manufactured" cartridges?
The head in the cartridge is very sensitive - when they are damaged or poorly handled - it could result in cross contamination of the color inks. Hence - the brownish color you see could be the result of that cross-contam.
My impression is that the remanufactured or older or continously refilled cartridges may be more prone to getting damaged - maybe bec of inherent wear out.
Hope this helps.
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