Carriage stuck on right hand side

[187Sparky]

I have the same product Officejet 8010e and a day ago got the carriage jam message. The ink carriage is stuck on the right hand side and will only move about 2cm even with some gentle force.

There is no paper or other obstrruction that I can see. I have also tried the power off/on steps. With no success.

Any thoughts?

[Raj_05]

Hi @187Sparky,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

When the carriage of an HP OfficeJet 8010e printer is stuck on the right-hand side and won't move despite attempts to clear visible obstructions and power cycle the device, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the issue.

Check for Obstructions Again: Even though you have checked for paper jams, there might be small pieces of paper, debris, or other obstructions that are not immediately visible. Use a flashlight to look into the printer more closely, especially around the carriage path.

Reset the Printer:

• Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
• Wait for about 60 seconds.
• Plug the printer back in and turn it on. This can sometimes reset the internal components and clear minor issues.

Manually Move the Carriage:

• With the printer turned off and unplugged, gently try to move the carriage by hand. If it moves slightly but not fully, do not force it too hard. This can help identify if there is an obstruction you missed or if the carriage is off track.

Check for Broken Parts:

• Look for any broken or dislodged parts around the carriage area. A broken part might be preventing the carriage from moving freely.

Lubricate the Carriage Rail:

• Sometimes, the carriage rail may need lubrication. Use a small amount of silicone lubricant (do not use WD-40 or oil-based lubricants) on a cotton swab and apply it to the rail where the carriage moves.

Perform a Hard Reset:

• Disconnect the power cord from the printer while it is still on.
• Unplug any connected USB cables.
• Wait for 60 seconds.
• Reconnect the power cord and turn on the printer.

Check the Ink Cartridges:

• Ensure that the ink cartridges are properly installed and not causing the jam. Remove and reinsert them if necessary.

Inspect the Timing Strip:

• The timing strip is a clear plastic strip that runs behind the carriage and helps it to move correctly. If this strip is dirty or dislodged, it can cause the carriage to jam. Carefully clean it with a soft cloth and re-seat it if necessary.

Firmware Update:

• Ensure that your printer's firmware is up to date. Sometimes, a firmware update can fix issues related to the carriage mechanism.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

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