How to clear a carriage jam that does not really seem to exist.

[Jim76yr]

I have an HP Photosmart 6515 printer that keeps telling me I have a carriage jam, but following the procedure to clear it doesn't change anything. The jam doesn't seem real because the carriage moves back and forth  freely

[Sneha_01]

Hi @Jim76yr,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

When your HP Photosmart 6515 printer is showing a carriage jam error even though you can see that the carriage moves freely, it might be a sign of an internal issue or misalignment. Here’s a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot and clear the carriage jam:

1. Check for Paper Jams

• Open the front and rear access doors of the printer to check for any small bits of paper or obstructions.
• If you find any jammed paper, carefully remove it. Be sure to pull the paper in the direction of the paper path to avoid damaging internal components.

2. Inspect the Carriage and Printhead

• Power off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
• Check the carriage path for any obstructions, such as small pieces of paper or foreign objects.
• Gently clean any dust or debris from the carriage area with a lint-free cloth. Be careful not to use any liquids.
• Ensure that no protective tape or packaging materials from new cartridges are still attached.

3. Check Cartridge Alignment

• Open the cartridge access door and remove the cartridges.
• Carefully inspect the cartridges and the cartridge slots for any visible issues.
• Reinsert the cartridges, making sure they are seated correctly and securely.
• Some printers require manual alignment of the cartridges. Refer to the printer’s user manual for instructions on how to perform cartridge alignment.

4. Perform a Printer Reset:

• With the printer turned on, unplug the power cord from the back of the printer.
• Wait for 60 seconds.
• Plug the power cord back in and turn on the printer.

5. Update Firmware

1. Check for Firmware Updates:
   • Visit the HP Support website and search for your printer model.
   • Download and install any available firmware updates.

6. Run Diagnostic Tools:

• Download and run the HP Print and Scan Doctor. This tool can help diagnose and fix common issues with HP printers.

7. Check for Internal Hardware Issues:

• If comfortable, open the printer (following manufacturer instructions) to check for any loose or misaligned parts that might be causing the error.
• Look for any signs of physical damage or misalignment in the printer’s internal mechanisms.

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