Print head does not move to middle position after opening the print head door

[Jog38]

HP Smart Tank 7300 printer.   The black ink faded out although the tank is full. The reason seems to be a problem with ink suction, because the ink tube for the black ink ist empty (transparent). The attempt to solve the problem by reinstalling the print head fails because the printhead does not move to the middle position after the printhed door has been opened.

[zoey7886]

@Jog38, Welcome to the HP Support Community!  

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding your HP Smart Tank! 

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

It sounds like your HP Smart Tank 7300 has an issue with ink flow, specifically the black ink tube being empty, and you're also facing trouble with the printhead not moving to the correct position for reinstallation. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can try:

Check the Ink Tank and Ink Flow System

• Ensure that the black ink tank is properly filled.
• If the tube is empty, there might be an issue with ink suction. Try priming the ink system if your printer has that option in the maintenance settings.

Manually Prime the Ink System

• Some HP Smart Tank printers allow you to manually prime the ink. If there is an air bubble in the tube, you may need to do this:
  1. Turn off the printer and unplug it.
  2. Use a clean, lint-free cloth to gently press against the printhead vent to try and draw some ink.
  3. If your printer has a priming tool or utility, use it to force ink into the printhead.

Check for Clogged Printheads

• Since the black ink isn't flowing, the printhead may be clogged.
• Run a printhead cleaning cycle from the printer menu (via the printer's touchscreen or web interface).
• If that doesn’t help, remove the printhead (if possible) and gently clean it with a damp lint-free cloth.

Fix the Printhead Position Issue

• Normally, opening the printhead access door should move the printhead to the center. Since it’s not moving:
  • Restart the Printer: Turn off the printer, unplug it, wait for a minute, and plug it back in.
  • Manually Move the Printhead: If it’s safe, gently push the printhead toward the center when the printer is off.
  • Reset the Printer: Perform a hard reset by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds.  

Let me know if this helps!

Take care, and have an amazing day!  

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, Please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!  

Regards, 

[Jog38 · Accepted solution]

Thanks for your answers but finally they did not lead to a solution, because they either list already known and tested procedures or refer to options which do not exist or work. (The print head is not movable by hand when the printer is off and also not after complete disconnect and restart. Print head cleaning options have all been tested without success. Tools for priming the ink do not exist, I also do not see any option to manually prime the ink ).

But finally I found a solution myself. The procedure is:

Switch off the printer and disconnect the cable, wait 60 seconds.

Then open the printhead door and reconnect the printer.

Switch printer on and keep attention when the print head starts moving form right to left border and back. In this phase disconnect the cable when the printhead is in the middle.

Now the access to the print heads is open. Remove both print heads by following the descriptions in the manual. Close the printer, which now shows the missing print heads in the display. Now reinstall the print heads as described in the installation manual.

In my case this solved the problem, at least for the moment .. will see how long it lasts.

(My contact to the HP support in this case was a desaster. After one day waiting I got a message per e-mail. But not with an answer to my question (which I hoped for) but the assertion that they did call me by phone several times but did not reach me. This was simply a lie as I could easily check in my call lists. One day later they really gave me a call but I was not fast enough to pick it up. A call back simply lead to the beginning of the procedure. HP told me per mail that they closed the request, because they assume it has been solved. )