Ink cartridge screw up (my bad!)

[Pangaea352]

Ok, will fully admit to screwing up by forgetting to remove the orange tab on the right side of the yellow cartridge. (Laser jet---M281fdw). And now the cartridge is stuck and I can't remove the tray to get to the cartridge. I've tried to contact HP but can't get past the Virtual ASSistant.  Any tacit knowledge to help me remove the tray and remove the orange tab would be greatly appreciated.

Pangaea

[A_Gayathri]

Hi @Pangaea352,

Welcome to The HP Support Community.  

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

It sounds frustrating to have the cartridge stuck in your HP LaserJet M281fdw printer. Here are some steps you can try to safely remove the stuck cartridge:

Power Off the Printer: First, ensure the printer is powered off. This will prevent any electrical mishaps and give you a safer environment to work with.

Open the Printer Cover: Open the printer cover where the toner cartridges are located. Usually, there's a latch or button you need to press to release the cover.

Inspect the Cartridge: Look closely at the stuck cartridge. If the orange tab is still partially attached, gently try to maneuver it or lift it using a non-metallic tool (like a plastic ruler or a plastic spatula). Be extremely careful not to force anything, as it can damage the printer or the cartridge.

Release Lever or Button: Many printers have a lever or button that locks the cartridges in place. Ensure this lever or button is in the unlocked position. Sometimes pressing down on the cartridge slightly while unlocking can help release it.

Check for Jammed Paper: Occasionally, a piece of paper or debris can obstruct the cartridge tray. Carefully inspect and remove any such obstacles.

Gently Wiggle the Cartridge: Try gently wiggling the cartridge from side to side while pulling it straight out. This can sometimes help loosen it from its stuck position.

Use Proper Technique: When handling the cartridge, avoid touching the imaging drum (the green roller). Touching it can damage the drum and affect print quality.

Refer to this document: HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw User manual

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day.

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