Print Head not sealed

[dani2153]

I recently moved, and a "helper" moved my printer without my knowledge. Ever since then, when I try to print the black is missing lines on the paper. I clean the printheads, and it works temporarily, but the problem returns every day. My research show that the printhead is probably not sealed and/or needs to be replaced. 

I open the cover, and the carriage doesn't move to the center, so I can't access the button to open the printhead cover - I read that this is because the printer doesn't sense the problem, and won't move the carriage unless there is one. 

How to I manually move the carriage so that I can access the printheads to replace them or just physically clean them so that I can print normally again?

[Deep_World]

Hi  @dani2153 
 
Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

I can understand your concern on how it must feel to have the black print quality temporarily improve after cleaning, only for the missing lines to return again.

Could you kindly confirm the below details :

• When did you first notice the missing lines in black prints after the move?
• Are colour prints appearing normally, or are they also affected?
• Have you run a Print Quality Diagnostic Report? If yes, does it show gaps in the black pattern?
• Have you checked whether the black ink level is sufficient and whether there are any error messages displayed on the printer?

In the meantime, Kindly try the below steps and confirm :  

1. Print a Print Quality Diagnostic Page  (Link for steps - click here ) 
   • This helps determine whether the issue is isolated to the black printhead.
2. Check Ink Levels and Ink Tubes
   • Ensure the black ink tank contains sufficient ink.
   • Verify that the ink tubes appear properly filled without large air gaps.
3. Perform Printhead Alignment (Link for steps - click here )
   • After cleaning, run the printhead alignment process to optimize print quality.
4. Accessing the Printheads
   • Please do not force the carriage or manually move it while the printer is powered on, as this may damage the carriage mechanism.
     
     You can refer to this link for cleaning and Printhead errors on HP Smart Tank 6000, 7000, 7300, or 7600 printers  - click here . 

Since the issue started immediately after the printer was moved, there is a possibility that the printhead was affected during transport or that air entered the ink delivery system.

I hope this helps.