Printer Refuses to Print Yellow

I have a HP 722C DeskJet that just quit printing any Yellow Color. I changed to a new cartridge (color) and same result. It stopped this suddenly. I have cleaned and flushed the cartridge, still the same. Anyone have a suggestion I can try. The printer is 4/12 years old. Buying a new one is not out of the question but would keep this one if the fix is something minor. Any help?

 

Sometimes a bad connection will develop between the cartridge and the cradle contacts. This can affect one color and not another.

To clean those contacts remove the ink cartridge and use a foam rubber swab or a lint-free cloth moistened with rubbing alcohol. Gently clean all contact surfaces on the cradle as well as the cartridge.

When replacing the cartridge snap it in and out a few times to exercise the contacts.

If none of this helps and the cartridge is known to be good, it's time to head on down to the printer store. They aren't worth a repair bill.

Good luck.

 

Thank You

Thank you for the information. I tried that after reading your post, still no luck. Your suggestion about a new Printer was on my mind and that is the way to go I'm sure. Again, thank you for the reply.

 

Mudd--How old were the color cartridges? Even if the "new" replacement was unused but had been sitting around a while, the yellow ink could have dried out. HP never admitted it, but that was a definite problem several years ago and they reformulated and changed the letter at the end of the cartridge model number (at the time the "good" one was C1823D).
If you have a receipt and/or a friendly local cartridge supplier, you may be able to return the cartridge for a new one.

 

Cartridge Age

I don't have a receipt for the cartridge. I look at the number is it is C1823D. I have had it about two months just waiting until I needed it. I don't print much. This printer is several years old and this is the third one. I first noticed it when printing a picture that had a yellow background. The first half of the picture had good yellow and it abruptly went white. Then I printed a four page letter. Some paragraphs would be in black then some in a redish blue. Eventually it was all blue. Since then not a hint of yellow comes out of this thing. HP has the "clean" and "flush" for the cartridge and I did both. Not a bit of yellow. I cleaned all the connections this morning. Got a typewritter eraser and scrubed the connector pins then cleaned with alcohol and sponge. I could buy another cartridge but if that don't fix it and I buy another printer it may not take this type. Out a $30 - 35 for a item I can't use. Of course if it was the cartridge I would be way ahead. Decisions, decisions!!!!

 

Mudd--Yes, decisions, decisions. Do you still have the box the most recent cartridge came in? Somewhere, usually, at the bottom right of the backside you should find a Use Before date. That might help your decision and/or justify your ability to return. Good luck!!

 

No Yellow

You may have just answered my question as to the problem. I did find a "very small" line printed on the back that reads-- "Install Before June 2001 - Singapore "

That could mean the ink is old. Next time I buy from WalMart or anyone else for that matter, I'll know to hunt this little hidden date down.

Thanks again. I may risk the price of a new cartridge. They cost $33.86 here. That is cheaper than a new printer. Still, after 4 1/2 years-------! Like I mentioned, decisions, decisions.

Should I decide on trying a new cartridge and it works, I'll send you a note about it.

Mudd

 

Some more data to consider

Try the tests from HP for further fuel.

I can understand your reluctance to pay $35 for a cartridge when a printer can be had for less than $60 lately. Personally I would do a post mortem on the old cartridge to see if the ink cells all contained fluid in them.

Good luck.

ps, I must say I think HP has the best customer support around.

 

Printer is now deceased

I have unplugged and move the old fellow out of the way. Will drive into the City tomorrow and purchase a new one. I went to the link you furnished and the picture example is just as my print shows, no yellow.

Thank you and the others for the friendly advice. I sure have learned a lot of good stuff reading the posts from this Forum. This is better than a manual for an old codger like me.

Be happy.

 

That picture was alluding to a print cartridge on which one cell had run dry of ink. If I were you, I would heat a paper clip or nail to red hot and burn a small hole in the top of the yellow cell. Then see if any ink is in there. If it's completely dry, I would think the odds are that a new cartridge would put you back in shape.

I'm happy if you are.

 

Good Thought

That I will try in the morning. If there is no ink, might be a worth a try to get another cartridge. I think I know someone that has a printer like mine. If so, I'm going to ask if I may put this cartridge in their printer. If it works OK, I'll give it to them. If not, that should indicate it is the cartridge. If it doesn't work, then the hot nail. You are going to end up causing me NOT to get a new printer. Had my heart set on it! Thank you again for the tip.

 

Mudd--If you have not already bought that full price cartridge (and considering the age of your printer), you might consider buying a "remanufactured" one from
http://www.acsmsupplies.com/
http://www.carrotink.com/
http://www.inksupply.com/
http://inkinablink.com/
You also can buy ink refill kits from local PC stores, Target, probably others.