E3 error on Smart Tank 6001

[Burner917]

I get an E3 error message. There is no paper jam, but in moving, the magenta ink leaked. I can't get rid of the E3 error message. Help!

[Max3Aj]

@Burner917, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you. 
The E3 error on the HP Smart Tank 6001 usually indicates a carriage jam or carriage movement issue, even if there is no visible paper jam. Since your magenta ink leaked during moving, the ink might have caused a sensor blockage or dried ink buildup, preventing the carriage from moving properly. Try these steps:

Check for Obstructions

1. Turn off the printer and unplug it from power.
2. Open the front access door and check the carriage path.
3. Manually move the printhead carriage left and right to ensure it's free to move.
4. Remove any paper debris or ink buildup from the rollers and path.
5. Use a flashlight to inspect deep inside for stuck objects.

Clean Ink Buildup

1. If you see dried magenta ink, gently clean it using a lint-free cloth dampened with distilled water.
2. Wipe around the carriage rails and sensors.
3. Let the area dry completely before closing the printer.

Reset the Printer

1. Plug the printer back in and turn it on.
2. Disconnect the power cord for 60 seconds, then plug it back in.
3. Restart the printer and check if the error is cleared.

Reinsert Ink Cartridges

1. Open the ink access door and remove all ink cartridges.
2. Check for any dried ink on the contacts and clean with a soft cloth.
3. Reinsert the ink cartridges properly and close the access door.

Update Firmware

1. If the error persists, connect the printer to a computer.
2. Go to HP Support and download the latest firmware update for your model.

If the issue continues, the carriage sensor might be damaged due to ink leakage. Then you will have to visit the nearest HP authorized service center, for further assistance. Kindly follow this link to locate the nearest HP service center:HP® Service Center Locator - United States | HP® Support
(Select the country from the dropdown menu and enter the city name or pincode) 
 

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping! 

Max3Aj

HP Support 

[Burner917]

Max3Aj

Thank you for even answering. I've tried for 4 days to contact HP, all to no avail.  On "Reinsert Ink Cartridges" it says to remove all ink cartridges. I pulled where I could, looked for locking brackets, but can't seem to free them. I went on YouTube, but found no help there. I'm guessing it's probably something easy that I'm just not seeing. Suggestions?

Thank you.

Burner917

[Max3Aj]

Thank you for your response, @Burner917 

You're very welcome! I’m happy to help.

On the HP Smart Tank 6001, the ink system is different from regular cartridge-based printers—it uses a refillable ink tank system with an integrated printhead. Instead of removing "ink cartridges," what you may need to do is check and clean the printhead assembly itself.

How to Remove and Reinsert the Printheads on the Smart Tank 6001:

1. Turn off the printer and unplug it.
2. Open the front access door (where the printhead carriage is).
3. Lift the printhead latch (a gray or blue latch on the right side of the carriage).
4. Gently pull out the printhead (black or color printheads separately).
5. Check the bottom of the printhead for any ink clogs or dried ink.
6. Use a lint-free cloth and distilled water to gently wipe the contacts (gold-colored metal parts).
7. Reinsert the printhead and lock the latch back down securely.
8. Close the access door and restart the printer.
    

After doing this, check if the E3 error clears.

I hope this helps!

If my response resolves your issue, please click “Accepted Solution” to help others find the answer. Also, don’t forget to click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up” button to say thanks!

Take care and have a great day.

Max3Aj

HP Support

[Burner917]

Max3Aj,

I followed your instructions and found the gold-colored metal parts. I found dark ink on the two cartridges themselves and dark ink on the print head where the cartridges make contact. All parts had the gold-colored "foil" you described.

I just moved into a new home last week and my movers are a bit tardy getting me my stuff, but tomorrow I'll get some distilled water and clean them as you suggested.

Thank you, sir.

[Burner917]

Max3Aj,

I got some distilled water, cleaned the cartridges and the electrical contacts they mate with, closed up, plugged it in and No Joy. I still get the flashing E3 error code. I still have 3 months on my warranty. Can I send it in and have it repaired by someone that know more than me?

Thank you.

Burner917

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Burner917 

Max3Aj is away for now; however, I'm @Hawks_Eye, and I'll be happy to help you out!

We sincerely thank you for your patience and co-operation during this troubleshooting process.

I'm sending out a private message to assist you with the next course of action. 

In order to access your private messages, click the private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Support Community profile, next to your profile Name.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance. 

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

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

[Burner917]

Hawks_Eye,

Thank you for jumping in and helping out. When I click on the private message icon (with a red circle and the number 1 in the middle), nothing happens. Am I doing something wrong?

Burner917

[Burner917]

Why can't I get any help from this forum? Either their advice doesn't work or there is no answer to the responder.

[Garp_senchau]

@Burner917, Thanks for reaching out!

To access your Private message please check on the upper right corner of your HP Community profile Next, to your profile Name, you should see a little blue envelope, please click on it or simply click on this:  link. 

Regards,