HP 6978 print carriage cannot move

[DaveAlanF]

I put a new HP black ink cartridge in my 6978 printer and now it says the print carriage cannot move.  I tried all of the suggested fixes, including the unplug reset to no avail.  The carriage is not physically stuck since it moved back and forth during a calibration.  I can find no paper jam.  The cartride is seated flush with the others.

[Raj_05 · Accepted solution]

Hi @DaveAlanF,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

If your HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 is displaying a "print carriage cannot move" error after replacing the black ink cartridge, but you've ruled out physical obstructions and it moves during calibration, here are some additional steps you can try.

Check the Carriage Alignment:

• Ensure that the ink cartridges are correctly installed. Remove them and reinstall them carefully, ensuring they click into place properly.
• Make sure no protective tape or plastic has been left on the cartridge that could interfere with the connection.

Inspect the Carriage Track:

• Look for any debris or obstructions along the carriage track that might not be visible but could still prevent smooth movement.
• Clean the track gently with a lint-free cloth.

Check the Printhead:

• If the printhead is removable, take it out and inspect it for any clogs or dried ink. Clean it gently with a soft, damp cloth.

Firmware Update:

• Check if there's a firmware update available for your printer. Sometimes, bugs can be fixed through software updates.
• You can check this through the HP Smart app or the HP website.

Reset the Printer:

• Perform a hard reset:
  • Turn off the printer and unplug it from the wall.
  • Wait for at least 60 seconds.
  • Plug it back in and turn it on.

Test Without the New Cartridge:

• Temporarily remove the new black ink cartridge and see if the printer functions with just the color cartridges. This can help identify if the new cartridge is faulty.

Check for Electrical Connections:

• Inspect the electrical contacts inside the printer where the cartridges make contact. Ensure they are clean and free of ink buildup.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

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Alden4

HP Support