6978 Printhead stuck in right position, part found loose in printer, where does it go?

[ishoottrap1]

Long shot.  After replacing the print heads in my 6978, the cartridge trolley is stuck to the right and the printer shows an issue with the print system.  I can operate the drive shaft manually with the power off and retract the printhead cover assembly to get access to the trolley but as soon as power is restored, the printer goes back to the same state.  I found this part lying on the printhead cover assembly and think I've probably somehow dislodged it from somewhere, the question is where?  Can anyone tell me where this goes?  It looks like it probably some kind of "latch"...

[Raj_05]

Hi @ishoottrap1,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

It sounds like you’ve found a loose part that might be crucial to the mechanism of the printhead assembly. From your description, this part could be a latch or spring mechanism that helps guide or lock the printhead assembly in place.

In the HP OfficeJet Pro 6978, there’s a spring latch that holds the printhead carriage in place during operation, and a loose part could cause the carriage to get stuck or misaligned when powered on. Since it appears to be from the printhead cover assembly, it's possible that it attaches to either:
 

1. The printhead carriage itself: It could be part of the locking mechanism that secures the printhead during storage or when the printer is turned off.
2. The printhead cover assembly: It could be a latch or guide that ensures proper positioning when the cover opens and closes.

If you're able to identify a place where the part fits snugly (often near a guide rail or a bracket), it might give you a clue. Since this is a delicate issue with moving parts, you might need to check carefully where the printhead assembly slides or locks into place, especially around the sides or bottom of the printhead carrier.

If you're uncertain, it may help to refer to the service manual for the printer or look for any visual clues on the assembly itself to see where this part could fit.

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. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Alden4

HP Support 

[ishoottrap1]

That's your answer?  Look around and see if you can figure it out?  Gee, why didn't I think of that?  As for "If you're uncertain, it may help to refer to the service manual for the printer or look for any visual clues on the assembly itself to see where this part could fit.", if I had a service manual I wouldn't be posting here.  Ridiculous.

[Raj_05]

Hi @ishoottrap1,

Thank you for your response, 

I'm sending a private message to assist you with the next action.

Please check your Private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Community profile Next, to your profile Name, you should see a little blue envelope, please click on it or simply click on this link.

I hope this helps! Keep me posted.

Alden4

HP Support