The printer prints in red: what to do

Most often, the malfunctions that the user usually encounters during the operation of the printing device can be corrected by himself if the diagnostics are carried out correctly. Most of the probable problems are due to color reproduction, when the equipment does not correctly print colors. This is likely to use one color, only red, the wrong mix. In some cases, the reasons may be both in the incorrect operation of the equipment, and in consumables of poor quality.

Why does the printer print in red

There are several main causes that cause problems with normal color rendering.

Single color printing

The meaning of the malfunction is that the cartridges of ordinary four-color equipment have 2 compartments. So, in one block is black, and in the second - blue, yellow, purple.

During operation, the ink is mixed with each other, so the desired shade is created. If a problem occurs, the equipment begins to print in only one color, without using the rest. This appears due to the clogging of the remaining ink units. In this case, the use of only one palette occurs with improper refueling, contamination of the head, violation of the integrity of the jumpers between the blocks.

Devices confused color

This malfunction most often appears in the first printer models as a result of the design features of the head or the use of non-original spare parts.

With downtime for a long time, there is an obstruction in the head of air to prevent ink from drying out. In this case, the ink that is in the nozzles, after the start of operation of the device can be mixed or change for a certain time shades.

The equipment does not use any of the colors

Typically, these malfunctions also occur after prolonged downtime due to ink drying. Sometimes there is airing of the head after installing the cartridges, or the device is mistakenly perceived by cartridges of various manufacturers.

Using only black

During proper installation and normally refilled cartridges, equipment can only print in black. Often this malfunction appears during the start of work, when the default color is only black in the device software in Color.

How to find a reason

Most likely, the malfunction is an empty cartridge, therefore, for a start, it is necessary to determine the ink level. For this, you do not need to disassemble the equipment, as it is just necessary to find the technical utilities of the device.

This is done either using the menu on the computer, or on the display of the equipment, if any. Where the screen is located will depend on the specific model. After using technical utilities, you can find out which cartridge requires refueling.

If the amount of ink is sufficient, but there is no normal printing, nozzle checking or proof printing is probably required. So you can find out in which cartridge the malfunction appeared.

You also need to check the nozzle. This is required if printing has not been done for a long time and the cartridges have dried out and the nozzle is clogged. It is advisable to check the nozzle last, as this will require a large amount of ink.

Troubleshooting Methods

Ways to fix the breakdown, why the device uses only red or another color (green, blue), are not complicated and any user can handle it. To get rid of the remaining ink, use the cartridge holders or latches required for their transportation. If this does not help, clean it with warm water.

Reference! If the equipment does not print colors correctly, the use of the same cartridges will probably help. The most important thing is to choose devices from one manufacturer, since consumables from different manufacturers can have different designs.

If the head is clogged, it will need to be cleaned so that air can be removed. First, nozzle testing is performed, then, taking into account the test, the need for cleaning or replacing consumables is determined.

The same steps are used when the equipment ignores a certain color. If the equipment does not print the correct colors, it sometimes means that there is no ink. In some cases, the equipment does not print, even when there is a residual ink, but their quantity is not enough. Refill or cartridge replacement required.

You can usually fix a lot of problems yourself if the printer uses the wrong colors. Otherwise, you must contact the repair shop for serious diagnostic measures.

Now we know what to do if the printer prints only in red or another color.