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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printer Wireless, Networking & Internet
- Ink head won’t move- stuck far right

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07-17-2025 03:14 AM
@S-T-E, Welcome to HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.
I understand your HP printer’s ink carriage is stuck on the far right, and you're seeing a "carriage jam" error even though there's no visible obstruction. Let's work through this together to get your printer back up and running.
Power Reset the Printer
This simple step can often resolve carriage jam issues.
- Turn off the printer and unplug the power cord from the back.
- Wait 60 seconds.
- Plug the power cord back in and turn the printer on.
- Check if the carriage moves freely when the printer starts.
Check for Obstructions Manually
Even if nothing is visible, small bits of paper or debris can cause jams.
- Open the printer access door (where you replace ink cartridges).
- Gently move the carriage to the center if it’s not locked.
- Use a flashlight to inspect the entire carriage path for:
- Torn paper
- Paper clips or debris
- Ink buildup or dried ink
Important: Do not force the carriage if it’s stuck.
Check the Carriage Path and Belt
- Look for any obstructions or damage to the carriage belt (the thin black belt that moves the carriage).
- If the belt is off-track or broken, it may need service.
Clean the Carriage Rod
Sometimes dried ink or dust on the metal rod can cause friction.
- Power off and unplug the printer.
- Use a lint-free cloth lightly moistened with distilled water or isopropyl alcohol.
- Gently wipe the carriage rod (the metal bar the ink carriage slides on).
- Let it dry completely before powering the printer back on.
Update or Reinstall Printer Firmware
If the hardware is fine, a firmware glitch could be the cause.
- Visit the HP Software and Driver Downloads page and enter your printer model.
- Download and install the latest firmware for your printer.
I hope this helps.
Take care and have a good day.
Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Select "Yes" on the bottom left to say “Thanks” for helping!
Max3Aj
HP Support