Printer printing in pale grey instead of black

Windows 7
HP psc1317
A while ago (I think it was when I got a new PC) my printer started printing in pale grey instead of black. Thinking it needed a new cartridge I got one and installed it but it made no difference so I thought 'I wonder if it's because I've changed PCs.' I still had my old PC (which runs on XP) so I connected it up and it printed out correctly in black. Hence, it wasn't the printer at fault. So I connected up my new PC and I think I might have reinstalled the printer driver. Anyway the printer printed out correctly. Now, after not using the printer for a couple of weeks, I've printed something and it's come out in pale grey again. Does anyone have any idea what the problem might be. Thanks.

 

Thanks JoeRay. I'd actually already explored all options in the printer settings without success. However, since my original post I've downloaded the latest driver for my printer and that's (almost) worked ie. it's now printing out in black but for some reason the last character in each line is now being printed out feint. Also, the bottom half of characters that go below the line (such as "y" and "g") is coming out feint as well(?) - which is very puzzling.

 

Check the maintenance section of the printer's User Guide. The printer head might need cleaning. This is done by the printer itself.

 

Ok, I'll do that and update on what happens. Thanks.

 

Have cleaned the printer contacts (only option is manually) - made no difference. In the manual there doesn't seem to be an option for cleaning the nozzles. Think I'll have to live with it. Thanks again.

 

This link is to the manual for my printer but the only cleaning procedure in it is a manual one for the electrical contacts.

http://www.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c00141855.pdf

 

Ok mate, thanks for your input anyway.

 

Thanks for that. I downloaded the program. Unfortunately it hasn't solved this problem but it's now on my PC so may well help in the future sometime. Cheers.