Printer head not center when open cover on smart tank 511

[IBaoluo]

My printer HP smart tank 511 is not printing black and blue, so I want to check the printer head. Procedure from manual is to open the front cover and the head should center automatically. However, my printer doesn’t. During initial procedure it does sweep the head hence there seems no mechanical issue

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @IBaoluo,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

I understand your concern. When the HP Smart Tank 511 printhead doesn’t move to the center for access, it can feel like the printer is ignoring the manual instructions. Here’s what you can do:

On the HP Smart Tank series, the printhead only moves to the center when the printer detects a valid maintenance state (like cartridge/ink tank access or printhead replacement mode). If the printer is in normal idle mode, it will keep the carriage parked.

Steps to Access the Printhead

1. Power On the Printer
   Make sure the printer is turned on and not in sleep mode.
    
2. Open the Ink Access Door
   • Lift the front cover slowly and fully.
   • Wait for 10–15 seconds; normally, the carriage should move to the center.
      
3. If It Doesn’t Move
   • Cancel any pending print jobs.
   • Press and hold the Cancel (X) button for 5–10 seconds.
   • Alternatively, start a printhead cleaning cycle from the printer menu or the HP app. During this process, the carriage often unlocks.
      
4. Manual Unlock (Advanced)
   • Power off the printer.
   • Gently move the carriage by hand only when the printer is OFF, never force it while powered on.
   • This should be done carefully to avoid damaging the encoder strip or gears.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

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Regards,

VikramTheGreat