HP Deskjet F4272 User Manual

Resolving print cartridge problems
Many problems can be resolved with the following procedures. If you receive a specific 
error message about the print cartridges, see Print cartridge messages  for more 
information. 
To troubleshoot the print cartridges 
1. Remove and reinstall the print cartridges. 
For more information, see Replace the print cartridges .
NOTE:Make sure the plastic tape has been removed. If it is still covering the ink 
nozzles, gently remove the plastic tape by using the pink pull...

NOTE:In the procedures below, the problem cartridge is identified by the blinking 
light. The light on the left bl inks when the tri-color print cartridge (on the left) is the 
problem, the light on the right blinks when the black cartridge (on the right) is the 
problem, and both lights blink when both cartridges are the problem.
•Solution 1: Remove and reinstall the print cartridges 
•Solution 2: Clean the print cartridge contacts
•Solution 3: Print in ink-backup mode 
Solution 1: Remove and reinstall...

If this did not solve the issue, try the next solution.
Solution 2: Clean the print cartridge contacts 
Solution: If the print cartridge selection number is correct and the previous solution 
did not resolve the problem, try cleaning the print cartridge. For more information, see
Clean the print cartridge contacts . 
If the print cartridge status light continues to flash after cleaning the print cartridge, 
replace the print cartridge.  For more information, see Replace the print cartridges. 
If this did...

3.Make sure you turn off the product by pressing the On button.
CAUTION:Do not turn off the product by turning off a power strip or unplugging 
the power cord from it. If you improperly turn off the product, the print carriage 
does not return to the correct position and the print cartridges can dry out.
4. To achieve the best print quality, HP recommends using HP papers that are 
specifically designed for the type of project you are printing along with genuine HP 
ink. HP papers and HP ink are...

Wrong, inaccurate, or bleeding colors
If your printout has one of the following print quality problems, try the solutions in this 
section for help. 
• Colors look different than what you expected. 
For example, the colors in your graphic or photo look one way on your computer 
screen but print out differently, or magenta was replaced with cyan in your printout. 
• Colors run into each other, or look like they are smeared on the page. The edges 
might have a feathering appearance instead of being sharp...

For more information, see: 
•Load paper 
•Information on paper 
Cause: The paper was loaded incorrectly, or it was wrinkled or too thick. 
If this did not solve the issue, try the next solution.
Solution 3: Check the paper type 
Solution: HP recommends that you use HP Advanced Papers or any other paper 
type that is appropriate for the product. 
Always make sure the paper you are printing on is flat. For best results when printing 
images, use HP Advanced Photo Paper. 
Store photo media in its original...

Solution 5: Check the print settings 
Solution: Check the print settings. 
• Check the print settings to see if the color settings are incorrect. 
For example, check to see if the document is set to print in grayscale. Or, check 
to see if advanced color sett ings such as saturation, brightness, or color tone, are 
set to modify the appearance of colors. 
• Check the print quality setting and make sure it matches the type of paper loaded 
in the product. 
You might need to choose a lower print quality...

NOTE:HP cannot guarantee the quality or reliability of non-HP supplies. Printer 
service or repairs required as a result of  using a non-HP supply will not be covered 
under warranty. 
If you believe you purchased genuine HP print cartridges, go to:
www.hp.com/go/anticounterfeit
Cause: Non-HP ink was being used. 
If this did not solve the issue, try the next solution.
Solution 2: Check the print settings
Solution: Check the print settings. 
• Check the paper type setting to make sure it matches the type...

If this did not solve the issue, try the next solution.
Solution 4: Clean the print cartridges 
Solution: Print a self-test report to determine if there is a problem with the print 
cartridges. If the self-test report shows a problem, clean the print cartridges. If the
problem persists, you might need to replace the print cartridges. 
For more information on  print cartridges, see Print cartridge troubleshooting. 
Cause: The print cartridges need to be cleaned.
The printout has a horizontal band of...

Solution 2: Check the print quality setting 
Solution: Check the quality setting. Use a higher quality setting to increase the 
amount of ink used for printing.
NOTE: For maximum dpi resolution, go to the Advanced tab, and then select 
Enabled  from the Maximum dpi drop-down list. For more information, see Print
using Maximum dpi.
For more information, see: 
•Change the print speed or quality 
•Print using Maximum dpi 
•Make a Fast copy 
Cause: The print quality setting was set too low. 
If this did not...