Print Carriage keeps getting stuck in the middle of the printer.

[Man211333]

 HP OfficeJet 8022e continuously gets stuck in the middle of the printer despite there being no debris and no fix I have found works

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @Man211333,

Welcome to the HP Support Community! 

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding your printer!

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

Try these steps:

Power Cycle the Printer

• Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
• Wait for at least 60 seconds.
• Plug the printer back in and turn it on.

Check for Obstructions

• Open the printer's access door to view the print carriage.
• Manually move the print carriage to the left and right sides to check for any obstructions.
• Ensure there is no leftover packaging material or tape inside the printer.

Clean the Carriage Path

• Use a clean, lint-free cloth lightly moistened with distilled water or isopropyl alcohol.
• Carefully clean the rail on which the carriage moves to ensure there is no dust or debris.

Check Ink Cartridges

• Remove the ink cartridges from the printer.
• Inspect the ink cartridges and carriage for any damage.
• Reinstall the ink cartridges securely.

Align the Print Carriage

• Sometimes, realigning the print carriage can help:
  • Turn off the printer.
  • Push the print carriage gently to the far left and then to the far right several times.
  • Power the printer back on and observe.

Check for Paper Jams

• Even if there appears to be no debris, double-check for any paper jams.
• Remove the paper tray and check inside for any small bits of paper that could be causing the issue.

Update Firmware

Kindly refer to this link to update your printer firmware.

Inspect for Mechanical Issues

• Check the printer's components for any signs of mechanical failure:
  • Inspect the carriage's motor, belt, and rail for wear or damage.

Perform a Hard Reset

• Turn off the printer and disconnect the power cord.
• Hold down the power button for at least 15 seconds.
• Reconnect the power cord and turn the printer on.

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,

[Man211333]

I already did all of that and the carriage move just fine but every time you try to print it rapidly moves to the middle and gets stuck 

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @Man211333,

Thank you for getting back to us, and I totally understand how frustrating this must be, especially since you’ve already tried everything.

If the print carriage is moving freely when checked manually but gets stuck in the middle during actual print attempts, it could be related to one of the following:

Encoder Strip Issue

The thin, transparent plastic strip running along the carriage path could be dirty or misaligned.

Very gently clean it with a lint-free cloth slightly moistened with distilled water or isopropyl alcohol. Be careful not to pull or damage it.

Carriage Belt Problems

The belt that drives the carriage may be slipping, worn out, or misaligned.

You might notice a squeaking or erratic carriage movement if this is the issue.

Firmware/Driver Glitch

Try uninstalling the printer driver completely from your system and reinstall the latest drivers and firmware from HP’s support page.

Power Source

If you're using a surge protector or extension, try plugging the printer directly into the wall socket. Sometimes printers don't get enough power to function properly.

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,