printer issue

[Di99]

When printer is turned on it makes weird grinding noises, prints 2 pages, 1 more paper is caught in printer; when printer is cleared of all paper it still shows blinking E then 4...like there is till a paper jam.

Also, not sure the carriage bar is in the correct position.

Hope the printer is not just done. It is not that old - 4 years?

[Sneha_01]

Hi @Di99,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

When your printer is making grinding noises, experiencing paper jams, and showing error codes, it can be quite concerning. The issues you're describing suggest mechanical problems within the printer, such as a paper jam, an issue with the carriage bar, or other hardware malfunctions. Here are steps to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the issues:

1. Check and Clear Paper Jams

Even if you think you have removed all paper, small pieces might still be stuck inside the printer.

• Turn Off the Printer: Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
• Open All Access Panels: Open all access panels and doors, including the paper tray and the back panel if available.
• Remove All Paper: Carefully remove any visible paper or paper fragments. Use a flashlight to look inside if necessary.
• Check Rollers and Pathways: Look for any paper stuck in the rollers or pathways and gently remove it.

2. Reset the Printer:

• Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
• Wait for about 60 seconds.
• Plug the printer back in and turn it on.

3. Inspect the Carriage Bar:

• Open the printer to access the print head carriage.
• Manually move the carriage gently to the left and right to ensure it can move freely.
• Check for any obstructions or debris that might be causing the carriage to get stuck.

4. Clean the Printer

• Use a lint-free cloth and compressed air to clean the inside of the printer, including rollers and the carriage path.
• Ensure there is no debris obstructing any moving parts.

5. Check for Foreign Objects

      Carefully inspect the inside of the printer for any foreign objects and remove them.

6. Update Printer Firmware

• Visit the HP Support website and check for any available firmware updates for your printer model.
• Follow the instructions to update the firmware.

7. Perform a Diagnostic Test:

• Access the printer’s menu and look for a diagnostics or maintenance option.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to run the diagnostic test.

8. Check the Error Code

Error code "E4" on HP printers typically indicates a paper jam or a problem with the paper feed mechanism.

• Consult the Manual: Refer to your printer’s manual for specific error codes and troubleshooting steps.
• HP Support: Visit the HP Support website and search for the error code for more detailed solutions.

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