My HP Smart Tank Plus 651 will not print cyan or Majenta

[JimK5302]

The ink is full and the print heads will not come out.

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @JimK5302,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

I know how frustrating it must feel when you're ready to print and the print heads just won’t move, especially when your ink levels are full and everything else seems fine. Let’s go through some steps together to help get your HP Smart Tank Plus 651 back in action.

Step 1: Check for Obstructions or Jams

Sometimes the print head won’t move if paper or debris is blocking it.

1. Turn off the printer and unplug the power cord.
2. Open the ink access door and gently look inside for:
   • Paper fragments
   • Packing materials (especially if the printer is new)
   • Dry ink buildup or debris on the carriage path
3. If you see anything, gently remove it.
4. Plug the printer back in and turn it on.

➡️ Check if the print head now moves into position when you open the door.

Step 2: Restart the Printer

A simple power reset can sometimes realign internal hardware.

1. Power off the printer, unplug it from the wall and wait 60 seconds.
2. Plug it back in and power it on.
3. Try to print again or open the ink access door to see if the print heads shift.

Step 3: Clean the Ink Carriage Path (if accessible)

If the printhead carriage is stuck due to dried ink or mechanical friction, cleaning can help:

1. With the printer off, open the ink access door.
2. Gently move the printhead carriage (if it will move at all).
3. Use a lint-free cloth very lightly dampened with water to wipe the metal rod (carriage bar) that the printhead slides on.

⚠️ Don’t force the printhead carriage — if it’s stuck firmly, proceed to the next step instead.

Step 4: Use the HP Print and Scan Doctor

You’ve likely already tried this, but just in case:

• Download and run: HP Print and Scan Doctor

It can help detect hardware stalls and offer fixes.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

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VikramTheGreat

HP Support