HP9025 message "Print cartridge cannot move-frozen. ??

[CJD7273]

Printer cartridge frozen.   No apparent paper jam.  HP Office Jet Pro 9025.   Attempted solutions - no paper jam, rebooted by unplugging from power cord.  Cartridges still frozen.    Any ideas will be appreciated,

[Max3Aj]

@CJD7273, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you. 
If your HP OfficeJet Pro 9025 is displaying the error "Print cartridge cannot move" and the carriage is frozen, even after rebooting and confirming there’s no paper jam, it’s likely a mechanical or sensor-related issue. Here’s a checklist of step-by-step solutions you can try:

Do a Full Power Reset

This method clears more errors than a quick unplug.

1. Turn the printer on if it isn't already.
2. While it's on, unplug it from the wall (don’t just power it off).
3. Also unplug from the back of the printer.
4. Wait 2–3 minutes.
5. With the power still disconnected, try gently sliding the ink carriage by hand to see if it moves freely.
   • If it moves, gently center it.
6. Reconnect the printer to a direct wall outlet, not a surge protector.
7. Power it back on.

Check for Hidden Obstructions

• Open the ink access door.
• Use a flashlight to look deep inside—check for:
  • Torn paper bits
  • Ink spills or residue
  • Broken cartridge clips or spring mechanisms
• Also check both left and right ends of the carriage path. Debris often hides there.

Clean the Carriage Rod

Sometimes dried ink or dust clogs the metal rod the carriage slides on.

• Use a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol (90%+).
• Gently wipe the carriage rod (the silver bar behind the cartridges).
• Move the carriage left and right manually (if it now moves) to clean the full rod.

Check Cartridges

• If the carriage is accessible, remove the cartridges.
• Check for:
  • Ink buildup or leaks
  • Damaged cartridge chips
  • Plastic tabs that may be broken
• Reinsert the cartridges one at a time to see if any specific one causes the freeze.

Update Firmware (if it boots)

If your printer gets to the home screen:

• Go to Setup > Printer Maintenance > Update the Printer.
• Install firmware updates, which sometimes resolve these glitches.

Try Recovery Mode

If it’s still stuck and the printer won’t boot past the error:

1. Unplug the printer.
2. Press and hold both the Power button and Cancel button (X).
3. While holding them, plug the printer back in.
4. Keep holding until you see any lights flash or the screen changes.

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

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Max3Aj

HP Support