Printer error and jam

[Annig27]

Hello, 

i recently got the hp smart tank printer 5000 and when i try to print the paper gets jammed where the ink cartridges are moving and the error code it gives me is E3.
I don’t know how to fix this problem, this printer is brand new. Any help or solutions to this problem is appreciated. 

[Raj_05]

Hi @Annig27,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

HP Smart Tank 5100 All-in-One Printer is showing an E3 error and paper jams around the carriage (ink cartridge area).

This error means “Paper Jam or Carriage Jam”, even if you don’t see visible paper stuck. Let’s fix it step-by-step.

Step-by-Step Fix for E3 Error (Carriage Jam)

Turn off and unplug the printer

• Press Power to turn it off.
• Unplug the power cable from the wall and printer.
• Wait 60 seconds to allow the carriage mechanism to reset.

Remove all loose paper

• Take out any paper from:
• Input tray
• Output tray
• Look for torn bits or scraps of paper near the rollers or under the carriage area (use a flashlight).

Open the front ink access door

• Gently open the cartridge access area.
• Check if the carriage (the part that holds ink cartridges) is stuck to one side.
• If it’s stuck, gently move it to the center using your fingers — don’t force it.
• Look for any small paper bits, packaging materials, or protective tape that may still be inside from setup.
  (HP Smart Tank printers sometimes ship with orange protective clips inside — remove these if still present.)

Check the rear access

• Go to the back of the printer.
• Open the rear access door or clean-out door.
• Remove any jammed paper or debris there too.

Reload paper correctly

• Use clean, plain A4 or Letter-size paper.
• Fan the stack before loading.
• Don’t overload — 10–20 sheets max for testing.

Plug back and restart

• Plug the printer back in and power it on.
• Wait until it stops making startup noises.
• The E3 light/error should clear.

Try a test print

• From the control panel or HP app, print a Test Page or Printer Status Report.
• If the paper feeds correctly and prints — the issue is fixed.

If the Error Persists

• Try these additional checks:
• Make sure no ink cartridge is jammed or not properly seated.
• Reset the printer:
• Keep the printer powered on.
• Unplug the power cable from the back.
• Wait 60 seconds.
• Reconnect and turn it on.

If the E3 error reappears immediately, it may indicate a faulty sensor or carriage assembly (rare but possible in new units).

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

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