Carriage stuck all way to the right. Won’t move.

[OogumBoogum]

Here’s the skinny on our HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 issues. The ink carriage is stuck all the way to the right, it will not move and I cannot move it. One of the ink cartridges is popped out and will not pop back in. We have tried every troubleshooting option that the interwebs has thrown at us. Please. Help.

[Rachel571 · Accepted solution]

Hi @OogumBoogum 

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

It sounds like you're dealing with a stuck ink carriage on your HP OfficeJet Pro 8720, and an ink cartridge that's popped out and won't go back in. This can be frustrating, but let’s go through a step-by-step troubleshooting process to see if we can get the printer working again.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for a Stuck Ink Carriage:

Step 1: Power Off the Printer

First, ensure the printer is powered off. If it's on, press the Power button and wait for it to fully shut down. This will prevent any potential damage during the troubleshooting process.

1. Turn off the printer using the Power button.
2. Unplug the printer from the power source for at least 30 seconds to allow any internal mechanisms to reset.
3. Plug it back in and leave it off for a moment.

Step 2: Check for Paper Jams or Obstructions

It’s possible the carriage is stuck because of a paper jam or foreign object inside the printer.

1. Open the printer's front cover where the ink cartridges are located (this will expose the carriage).
2. Carefully inspect the area around the carriage for any paper, small bits of debris, or other obstructions that could be causing it to get stuck.
3. Look inside the carriage area to see if anything is preventing it from moving. This could be a piece of torn paper or dust that has gotten stuck in the mechanism.
4. If you find something, gently remove the obstruction.

Step 3: Manually Move the Ink Carriage

If the carriage is still stuck, it’s time to try to move it manually.

Important: Be careful when attempting to move the carriage manually, as it may damage the printer if you force it.

1. Try gently moving the carriage to the left or right with your hand.
   • Do NOT force it. If you feel resistance, stop immediately to avoid damaging the internal parts.
   • Check for resistance: If the carriage doesn’t move easily, there could be something physically blocking it or a mechanical failure.

Step 4: Check the Ink Cartridge

Since one of the ink cartridges has popped out, this could be a reason the carriage isn’t moving properly. The cartridge might be misaligned, or there could be a blockage that is causing the carriage to get stuck.

1. Check the ink cartridge that’s popped out:
   • Remove it completely from the printer if you haven’t already.
   • Inspect the cartridge and its slot for any visible issues such as bent pins or debris.
   • Reinstall the cartridge carefully. Press it back into place until you hear a click to ensure it’s properly seated.
2. After reinstalling the cartridge, gently move the carriage again to see if it’s now able to move.

Step 5: Inspect the Cartridge Holder and Rail

If the carriage is still stuck, there may be an issue with the rail or the mechanism that moves the ink carriage.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

Rachel571

HP Support

[OogumBoogum]

Well gosh, thank you so much for your reply! I really appreciate you taking the time to send me all of that helpful information. A printer repair person opened everything up. They concluded that the carriage has a mechanical issue that is beyond repair. It is impossible to move it automatically and manually, even after a full reset. Also, the ink cartridge began leaking everywhere after we were able to get it clicked back in properly. Thank you again!