Printer head carriage will not move to the center to be able to change printer head smart tank 5012

[tvhamm]

received my new printer heads in the mail today.  turned on my printer but the carriage will not move to the center so I can install them

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @tvhamm,

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.

It seems like the printhead carriage on your HP Smart Tank 5012 isn't cooperating. Here's what you can try:

First, ensure the printer is turned on and fully initialized. If the carriage doesn’t move, proceed to the next steps.

Make sure you've opened the ink access door completely, as some models require this for the carriage to shift. If it still doesn’t move, turn off the printer, unplug it, and check for any paper jams, dust, or ink residue that might be blocking the path. Remove any obstructions carefully.

If the carriage is still stuck, you can attempt to move it manually. Turn off the printer, unplug it, open the ink access door, and gently push the carriage to the center. Avoid forcing it if there’s resistance.

Another option is to reset the printer. Unplug it and wait for 2–3 minutes, then plug it back in and turn it on. Check again to see if the carriage moves.

Lastly, if the printer powers on, try updating the firmware using the HP Smart App or HP’s support website. Should these steps fail, the printer might require professional servicing.

Let me know how it goes or if you need further assistance! 😊

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,