"I'll get a substitute for Windex (Glassex, they don't sell Windex here) and see what that'll do. "
I don't know the formulation of Glassex. Original Windex contains a small amount of ammonium, which is critical to performance (IMO).
Given all of the above, I would say you have an issue with the waste ink removal system after the "parking pad". Either a clog in that system, or a poorly operating pump. I would flood the pad with a standing pool of Original Windex, let it sit for a hour, run a cleaning cycle, and re-inspect...
It does not look good. If you have cleaned the contacts, try again with a pencil eraser. Else, your print head is probably "toast".
Have you been utilizing "quite" or "night" mode in the driver? That can potentially reduce thermal duty on the print head.
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I have seen black "mixed" with yellow with frequency. I suspect some cross-contamination within the print head, but never confirmed it. A cleaning cycle always cleared it up.
Are you using "Night Mode" or "Quite Mode" in the driver? That slows printing, and lessens the thermal duty on the print head, potentially extending print head life.
IMO, you REALLY don't want large storage batteries of any chemistry on your property. They are expensive to purchase, are a considerable hazard, and currently don't have sufficient lifetime. If you do go the storage route, DON'T place them inside your home.