Several issues with HP 7740

[Pianomanross]

I have an HP Officejet 7740 that is experiencing several issues:

1) It sometimes says it is jammed even though I've cleared everything out

2) It sometimes makes a terrible grinding sound

3) It sometimes says that the ink carriage can't move

4) When it does print, it doesn't start until halfway down the paper and there are several long blank lines down the page, even with new cartridges.

I've tried cleaning everything, resetting, hard resetting, etc...

Any ideas would be helpful since it is 2-1/2 years old and apparently that doesn't give me access to tech support.

Thanks.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Pianomanross 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! 

Thanks for posting your query! We're here to help you get back up and running.

It sounds like your HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 is experiencing multiple issues, which can be frustrating. 

Here are some steps to address each problem:

 

1. Paper Jam Errors

• Double-check the paper path for any small debris or torn pieces of paper.
• Clean the paper rollers using a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with distilled water.
• Ensure the paper is loaded correctly and not curled or bent.

 

2. Grinding Sound

• The grinding noise might indicate a mechanical issue with the rollers or carriage.
• Turn off the printer and unplug it. Open the printer and inspect the rollers and carriage for obstructions or damage.
• Lubricate the carriage rod with a small amount of silicone grease if it appears dry.

 

3. Ink Carriage Movement

• Check for obstructions in the carriage path. Remove the ink cartridges and inspect the area for debris.
• Perform a hard reset:
  • Turn off the printer and unplug it.
  • Wait for 60 seconds, then plug it back in and turn it on.

 

4. Printing Issues

• Run a printhead cleaning cycle using the printer's control panel or the HP Smart app.
• Align the printhead:
  • Go to Settings > Printer Maintenance > Align Printhead.
• Update the firmware via the HP Support website to ensure compatibility and performance.

 

Additional Steps

• Perform a factory reset:
  • Access the hidden support menu by tapping the lower-left corner of the touchscreen four times in quick succession during startup.
  • Select Full Reset or Semi-Full Reset.

If this solution hits the spot, please come back and click "Accepted Solution" to help others find the answer. And if you'd like to say thanks, select "Yes" on the bottom left of the public post, as that would make our day! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye