Nozzle check Epson XP-342: black color always missing the exact same segments

[jacktheprinter]

https://imgur.com/a/JCXcs0L

My Epson XP-342 is not printing correctly since a couple of weeks ago. Whenever I perform a nozzle check and print a test page, the color segments are perfectly fine but the black are always missing the exact same segments. In fact, if I print over the same printed test again, the black missing segments are still there.

I cleaned the heads thoroughly with a cleaning solution using a siringe and placing a blotting paper below the heads, until no more black ink was coming out from the head and the blotting paper was just absorbing the cleaning solution. I even let the solution in place for the whole night. I tried using both Epson original cartridges and compatible ones, but always the same exact segments are missing. I already wasted like a couple of cartridges doing that.

Lastly, I thought that the problem could be related to the electrical contacts, so I cleaned them with an air spray, but once again, after several nozzle auto cleanings, nothing changed.

Does anybody know what's the problem of my printer?

 

[Ink stained Fingers]

how much are you printing - at a low level - now and then - or frequently/regularly ? what type of cartridges are you using - Epson OEM or ??

 

[jacktheprinter]

I haven't printer for a month before this issue occurred. I mostly use compatible brands, sometimes Epson cartridges. Now I have Epson but I have completely depleted them by performing like 15 head cleanings

 

[Ink stained Fingers]

I haven't printer for a month before this issue occurred.

If I understand you correctly you didn't print for a month - this is quite a typical cause for clogged nozzles - specifically with pigment inks which are more prone to clogging in lot of cases. You apparently did already a strong cleaning already - a printhead flushing which couldn't restore all nozzles back to working condition. The last option would be a printhead replacement but the price may exceed the price for a new printer. There is a work around possible - select glossy paper in your driver and give it a try whether you like the printout - test it with different quality settings , but it will print slower than normal - there are less nozzles for the colored inks than for the black ink, and black will be mixed from the CMY colors.