Why is there 2 black inks? And if you want the printer to print in black only, how do you get it to use the large cartridge instead of the small?
924486
There are two black tanks because it has two different types of inks used in each. PGI-220 - Pigment Black CLI-221 - Dye Black Dye-based black inks tend to be better for text printing, whereas pigmented black inks often are designed more to blend in graphics (photos). I don't believe you can specify which tank it uses for all black printing. What you are printing defines the tank used automatically.
1114771
Rena is wrong. It will print "Black" using the Color Cartridges in a" run out situation". You can replace individual cartridges . It is not necessary to replace them all at a time. Replace as they run out.
49237
Sorry, I can't be much help. The ones that came with the printer didn't last long. Figured I'd get the bigger ones. Have to say I'm very displeased with the amount of printing from one cartridge. Perhaps the cartridges that came with the printer were some sort of sample size.
933621
It uses two ink cartridges, one for black and another for color. When one of the colors runs out, it keeps printing, albeit poorly.
489415
It stops printing if there are any empty cartridges. However, you can use a feature that mixes all colors together to make black ink. Or just replace the black when it empties; but you have to start with all the cartridges. If all you use is black, then all you need to replace is black.
281766
I have two colors that are very low in ink in my printer and the printer continues to print in black with no problem. I love this printer!
2096531
I believe only the black ink cartridge is XL with the idea that most printing will be done using the black ink. Better chance all the cartridges will get low on ink around the same time, possibly. For the price, (all ink for printers seems to be expensive), it would be nice if they were all XL.
1692863
why won't my hp 6500 print in black? It is a new cartridge that worked previously. I've tried taking out all the cartriges and cleaning them...turning it off and on...unplugging it etc... Any suggestions?
1063793
I have the same problem. I am forever buying new black. The color lasts a bit longer. I keep an extra black around all the time. I bought a Kodak printer when my old HP died. I wish I had never made that purchase. $$ $$ $$....
2065373
HP wants to sell a lot of cartridges, so when the printer "thinks" the black cartridge might be getting low, even though it may be an extra large one with plenty of ink left, it switches to color. Then, when you want color, it's all gone. I junked my HP printer and bought a Lexmark.
1268913
I was not happy with the re-manufactured black ink cartridge. The on-line status tells me that my ink is out. I was able to monkey with it and it does print, but I could not tell you what I did or how I did it. I've already ordered my official HP black ink for when this does finally quit working. Sorry, I realize this is not helping.
2063042
Try adjusting the settings in your printer preferences to print in black only or change to darker tone using your printer panel buttons, that's what I did when the same situation happened to me. hope this help.
1370972
Britini, since the black is used more than the other colors, I would suggest cleaning you printer heads every time you change a cartridge. Also, make sure that the security tape that needs to be removed has been removed. If yes, and your cartridge is still not working, check the cartridge to make sure the film over the dispenser site has been punctured to allow the ink to fill the well. I hope this has been helpful. Best of luck. Rebecca Bell
1973070
If you do mean can it print with only a black cartridge only, the answer is no. When it prints grayscale it actually uses some colored ink as well. It's annoying because when a color cartridge has a "replace" status you will no longer be able to print in B&W until you replace that cartridge.
1834077
Carl! I just did it... took out the color cartridge and it printed a B/W image....hey thank YOU it is good to know just for general purposes. BTW it is darn good little printer and if you can find it on sale as I did (40 bucks) also there is a vendor here that sells both cartridges for under 20 bucks including shipping...they wanted 48 bucks at Staples for the dang cartridges themselves for cryin' out loud........:>}
1045100
I have now used 1 full black and started a 2nd and it all comes out as true black. If someone is having that problem it's most likely because they have their printer set wrong. If you try to print in black but the cartridge is empty or not installed correctly the printer tries to make the black using the color ink.
1371353
Ah! So my printer is NOT broken! I initially had no trouble with this ink, but as of a few days ago, my printer malfunctioned, with an error code saying that it could not recognize the black ink cartridge. Now I know it's a problem with the cartridges and not the printer!