• ×
    Information
    Need Windows 11 help?
    Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
    Windows 11 Support Center.
  • post a message
  • ×
    Information
    Need Windows 11 help?
    Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
    Windows 11 Support Center.
  • post a message
Guidelines
Seize the moment! nominate yourself or a tech enthusiast you admire & join the HP Community Experts!
Check some of the most frequent questions about Instant Ink: HP INSTANT INK, HP+ PLANS: INK AND TONER.


Check out our WINDOWS 11 Support Center info about: OPTIMIZATION, KNOWN ISSUES, FAQs AND MORE.
HP Recommended

I unboxed and setting up hp smart tank 7001wireless all in one printer,  went through steps of filling ink, wifi connected seems good, im stuck on the step to install the print heads, i cant get the ink carriage to center so i can remove the orange plastic thing and push on blue tab and continue with print head installation. I also check for any type of tape or packing material that might stop the carriage from moving.

1 REPLY 1
HP Recommended

Hi @flysr22,

 

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

 

Thanks for reaching out!

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

 

I understand your HP Smart Tank 7001 setup is stuck because the printhead carriage will not move to the center, so you can’t remove the orange plastic covers or press the blue tab to install the printheads. Let’s go through a few steps to check what could be causing this and get the carriage to move correctly.

Make sure the printer is fully powered on
The carriage will only move when the printer is powered and in setup mode.
Confirm the printer display is on and not showing an error.

Open the top cover the correct way
Lift the top cover (not the front door) slowly and fully.
Once opened, wait up to 30 seconds—the carriage should automatically move to the center.

Perform a controlled power reset to trigger carriage movement
With the printer turned on, unplug the power cord from the back of the printer.
Wait 60 seconds, then plug it directly into a wall outlet.
Turn the printer back on and immediately open the top cover again, then wait.

Do not try to move the carriage by hand while powered
Manually forcing the carriage while power is connected can damage the mechanism.
Only attempt movement when the printer is fully powered off and unplugged—and only gently.

Check that all setup steps before printhead installation are complete
Confirm ink tanks are filled to the correct level and caps are closed.
The printer will not release the carriage if it thinks ink setup is incomplete.

Look for messages or lights on the control panel
If the display shows a prompt or icon related to setup, follow it exactly.
Some Smart Tank models won’t move the carriage until the screen instructs you to install printheads.

Restart the setup using HP Smart
Close HP Smart completely on your phone or computer.
Reopen HP Smart and restart the printer setup process so it sends the correct command to the printer.

Verify no shipping locks remain
Although you already checked, recheck inside the carriage path for any orange clips, cardboard, or plastic tabs.
Even a small piece can prevent carriage release.

Try a different power outlet
Plug the printer into a different wall outlet (not a power strip).
Insufficient power can prevent the carriage motor from initializing.

I hope this helps.

 

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍

 

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

 

Best regards,

Kuroi_Kenshi
I am an HP Employee

† The opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the authors, not of HP. By using this site, you accept the <a href="https://www8.hp.com/us/en/terms-of-use.html" class="udrlinesmall">Terms of Use</a> and <a href="/t5/custom/page/page-id/hp.rulespage" class="udrlinesmall"> Rules of Participation</a>.