Carriage won't move

[cookieman5818]

Carriage will not move from home position

[Raqeeb26]

Hi @cookieman5818 ,

Welcome to The HP Support Community.

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

The error message you are likely seeing is "Carriage Jam: The print carriage cannot move." Please try the following steps in order.

Step 1:  Power Reset and Manual Inspection 

This process clears any stuck print jobs or minor electronic errors and allows safe access to the carriage area.

1. Turn OFF the printer by pressing the Power button.

2. Unplug the power cord from the back of the printer.

3. Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.

4. Wait for 60 seconds to allow the printer's internal charge to dissipate.

5. Open the cartridge access door.

6. Manually Inspect: Look carefully inside the printer for any jammed paper fragments, foreign objects (like a paper clip), or labels stuck to the roller. Gently remove any visible obstruction.

7. Check Carriage Movement (Unplugged): With the power still disconnected, gently try to move the carriage with your hand.

   • If it moves freely: The issue is likely a software/power glitch.

   • If it is solidly locked/stuck: The issue is a mechanical lock (see Step 3).

8. Plug the power cord directly back into a wall outlet, and then back into the printer.

9. Turn ON the printer and wait for it to complete its startup routine.

Step 2:  Update Firmware

If the carriage moves freely after the power reset, a firmware glitch might be to blame.

1. On the printer control panel, go to Setup/Settings ($$).

2. Find Printer Maintenance or Tools.

3. Look for Web Services or Firmware Update.

4. Check for and install any available firmware updates.

Step 3: The Common Mechanical Failure (Carriage is Hard-Stuck)

If the carriage is rock-solid stuck on the right side and you cannot move it manually even when the printer is unplugged, the issue is highly likely a broken or dislodged gear in the Service Station (the area where the carriage rests/caps the printheads).

This is a known, common point of failure for the 9010 series. When the gear breaks, the service station cap cannot lower, which physically prevents the carriage from moving left.

Sources:

https://youtu.be/9BU7XoqxTWY

https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/ish_2040935-1816767-16

Hope this helps resolve you issue.