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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printer Paper Jams & Feed Issues
- Jammed printhead

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05-07-2024 12:16 PM
Hi @eightycutter,
Welcome to HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.
When dealing with a jammed printhead caused by dislodged ink cartridges, it's important to handle the situation carefully to avoid damaging your printer. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you safely resolve the issue:
Turn off the Printer: First, make sure to power off the printer. This is important for safety and to prevent any further damage to the printer mechanisms.
Open the Printer Cover: Lift the cover of the printer to access the ink cartridge area. Most printers have a main cover that provides access to the ink cartridges and printhead.
Manually Move the Printhead: In many printers, once the printer is off and the cover is open, you can manually move the printhead assembly. Gently try to slide the printhead either to the left or right. If it does not move easily, do not force it as this could cause more damage.
- Check for a Lock: Some printers have a locking lever or button that needs to be disengaged before you can manually move the printhead.
Remove the Ink Cartridges: Once you’ve managed to move the printhead to a position where you can access the dislodged cartridges, carefully remove them from the printer. Make sure to handle the cartridges by their sides to avoid touching the ink nozzles and electronic contacts.
Check for Obstructions: With the cartridges out, inspect the printhead and the cartridge area for any debris or obstructions that might have caused the cartridges to pop out or the printhead to jam.
Reinsert the Cartridges: Once everything is cleared, reinsert the ink cartridges back into their correct slots, ensuring they click into place.
Reset the Printhead: If possible, gently slide the printhead back to its resting position. Make sure it’s seated properly.
Close the Printer Cover and Power On: Close the cover of the printer and turn the printer back on. Most printers will run a self-diagnostic check and might print a test page.
Print a Test Page: After the printer is back on, it’s a good idea to print a test page to ensure everything is working correctly. This can typically be done directly from the printer's control panel or from the printer properties on your computer.
I hope this helps.
Take care and have a good day.
Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.
Rachel571
HP Support
Sneha_01- HP support