Carriage jam on a HP Envy 5540

[gfc1963]

I have just got this message on my printer -  Carriage Jam.  It5 says to open the printer and check for any paper stuck.  There is NO paper stuck!!  I have watched a video from HP about how to clear the message and it still appears!!   I cannot even get to the stage of cleaning the page smears as I cannot get to the home screen!!  I have cleaned all the rollers, I have reset the printer and STILL get the carriage jam message!!  HELP!!

[zoey7886]

@gfc1963, Welcome to the HP Support Community!  

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding Carriage jam on a HP Envy 5540! 

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

It seems like you've tried several steps already to resolve the carriage jam error on your HP ENVY 5540 printer. Let's go through a comprehensive troubleshooting guide step by step to ensure no potential issues are overlooked:

Ensure the Printer is on a Flat Surface:

• Make sure the printer is on a flat surface clear of obstructions to prevent the input tray from bending and to avoid errors. Use a flashlight to check for any obstructions.

Clear Jammed Paper from Printer:

• Open the ink cartridge access door and check for jammed paper in the input and output trays, beneath the printer, and in the ink cartridge access area.

Clear Jammed Paper from Ink Cartridge Access Area:

• Turn on the printer and open the ink cartridge access door.
• Disconnect the power cord while the printer is still on to avoid electric shock.
• Using a flashlight, inspect the carriage area thoroughly for any obstructing paper.

Manually Move the Carriage:

• Manually move the carriage across the width of the printer to ensure it moves freely. Disconnect and then reconnect the power cord, check for any objects obstructing the carriage, and firmly push the carriage from one side to the other.

Reset the Printer:

• With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the printer and unplug it from the power source.
• Wait for 60 seconds, then reconnect the power cord to a wall outlet and to the printer.

Clean Paper Feed Rollers:

• Open the ink cartridge access door and remove the paper path cover.
• Clean the rollers thoroughly with a lint-free cloth moistened with distilled water, and let them dry completely.

Use Clean Page Smears Tool:

• If you can access the home screen, use the automated clean page smears utility to clear jams.  

Hope this helps!  

Take care, and have an amazing day!  

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, Please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!  

Regards, 

[gfc1963]

Hi Zoey - I have done all that!!  Still hav the same problemt.  The only thing I think it is, is the fact that I have had a leak from the cartridges underneath where they sit.    There was quite a lot of ink there and I think that is causing the problem.  Cleaned it upo as best I could but still get the carriage jam message.    I can't even get to the Home Screen on the printer.    I think that the pronter is gone and I need to get a new one.  I've had it for 7-8 years and printed 30,000 pages so its had  agood run!!

[gfc1963]

Same rubbish you came up with a couple of days ago.  There is NO PAPER JAM!!  

[zoey7886]

@gfc1963, Thanks for getting back to us. I completely understand how frustrating this must be, especially since you've already tried all the recommended steps and still keep seeing the same error.

From what you've mentioned, it sounds like the ink leak could be causing the issue. If there's excess ink in the carriage area, it might be preventing the carriage from moving freely or interfering with the sensors. Since you've already cleaned it up as much as possible, you could try one more thing:

Check for dried ink buildup – If ink has dried up around the carriage path, it might be sticking to the mechanism. Try gently wiping around the area again with a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with distilled water.

Inspect the carriage sensor – Some printers have a small sensor that detects movement. If ink has reached that sensor, it could be triggering the error. Unfortunately, these are delicate and not always easy to clean.

Power reset with cartridges removed – Turn off the printer, remove the ink cartridges, unplug the power for a couple of minutes, and then try powering it back on without the cartridges installed. If the error persists even without them, it could indicate a hardware failure.

Given that your printer has served you well for 7-8 years and has printed 30,000 pages, it might just be at the end of its lifespan. If none of these steps work, replacing the printer might be the best option.

I know this isn’t the outcome you were hoping for, but I appreciate your patience in troubleshooting. Let me know if you’d like recommendations for a replacement!

Take care, and have an amazing day!  

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, Please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!  

Regards,