Carriage on HP Office jet 5255 keeps sticking to the right.

[rachel8118]

I have been trying for 3 weeks to get my printer working again.  The ink carriage keeps sticking on the right side making it impossible to print.  I Can push the carriage back and forth manually, but it still sticks to the right when I try to print.  I have turned printer off over and over again, but nothing is working.  I  REALLY NEED HELP PLEASE!!!  Thank you.

[Sneha_01]

Hi @rachel8118,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

I'm sorry to hear you're having trouble with your HP OfficeJet 5255. When the ink carriage keeps sticking to the right side, it can be quite frustrating. Here are some steps to help troubleshoot and hopefully resolve the issue:

1. Turn Off and Unplug the Printer

• Power Off: Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
• Wait: Let it sit unplugged for at least 1-2 minutes. This can sometimes help reset the printer’s internal mechanisms.

2. Inspect the Carriage and Path

• Check for Obstructions: Open the printer’s access door and inspect the carriage area for any paper jams, foreign objects, or obstructions that might be preventing the carriage from moving freely.
• Remove Obstructions: Carefully remove any debris or paper that might be stuck inside the printer.

3. Check the Carriage Movement

• Manually Move the Carriage: With the printer turned off and unplugged, gently move the carriage from left to right and back. It should move smoothly. If it feels stuck or you notice any resistance, there may be an issue with the carriage rails or the belt.
• Examine the Rails: Look at the rails or tracks on which the carriage moves. They should be clean and free of debris. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to clean them gently if needed.

4. Inspect and Clean the Carriage Belt

• Check the Belt: The carriage belt, which helps the carriage move, should not be damaged or misaligned. Look for any signs of wear or damage.
• Clean the Belt: If the belt is dirty, gently clean it with a soft, dry cloth.

5. Check for Obstructions in the Paper Path

• Paper Path: Ensure there are no small pieces of paper or debris in the paper path that could be causing the carriage to stick.

6. Reinstall the Cartridges

• Remove and Reinsert Cartridges: Sometimes removing and reinstalling the ink cartridges can help. Make sure the cartridges are properly seated and clicked into place.

7. Perform a Printer Reset

• Factory Reset: Consult your printer’s manual or HP’s support website for instructions on how to perform a factory reset. This can sometimes resolve internal issues.

Update Printer Firmware

• Check for Updates: Sometimes firmware issues can cause problems. Visit HP’s website to check for and install any available firmware updates for your printer.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

Rachel571

HP Support