Print Carriage won't move

[Bearcat6]

On my screen it says Carriage Head will not move.  It also says it could be from a paper jamb.  I do not have a paper jamb.    I have turned off the printer for 60 seconds to reset but the error is still present

[Sneha_01]

Hi @Bearcat6,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

If the print carriage in your HP printer won't move and you’re seeing an error message about the carriage head, but there’s no visible paper jam, here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially fix the issue:

**1. Check for Obstructions

Inspect the Carriage Path:

• Open the printer's access door and carefully inspect the area where the print carriage moves.
• Look for any foreign objects, paper scraps, or debris that might be obstructing the movement of the carriage.

Check for Jammed Paper:

• Even if you don’t see any obvious paper jam, check all accessible areas for any small pieces of paper or debris that could be causing the issue.

**2. Manually Move the Carriage

Gently Move the Carriage:

• With the printer turned off and unplugged, gently try to move the print carriage by hand from one side to the other. Be careful not to apply too much force.

Check for Resistance:

• If the carriage moves with difficulty or is stuck, note if there’s any visible obstruction or mechanical issue.

**3. Inspect and Clean the Carriage

Clean the Carriage Rods:

• If accessible, clean the metal rods or rails that the carriage moves along with a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with water. Ensure they are free of dust and debris.

Check the Carriage Belt:

• If the belt that moves the carriage is visible, check it for any signs of damage or misalignment.

**4. Reset the Printer

Power Cycle:

• Turn off the printer, unplug it from the power source, wait for about 60 seconds, then plug it back in and turn it on.

Hard Reset:

• For some printers, you might need to perform a hard reset by holding down the power button for a few seconds while the printer is off.

**5. Check Printer Firmware

1. Update Firmware:
   • Ensure your printer's firmware is up to date. Visit the HP support website and download any available firmware updates for your printer model.

**6. Check for Printhead Issues

Inspect the Printhead:

• Check if the printhead is properly installed. Remove and reinsert the printhead if necessary. Be cautious and follow the printer's manual instructions for handling the printhead.

Clean the Printhead:

• If the printhead is dirty or clogged, follow the printer’s instructions for cleaning it. Most HP printers have an automatic printhead cleaning option in the settings.

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