E 3, carriage stops

[BlamSam]

On Macbook Air

Mac OS Sonoma 14.6.1

Hi, the paper was not been pulled in correctly, and I had a E 3 error.  I tried all the TS steps, disconnected everything, removed the paper, there is nothing else in there now, disconnected everything multiple times, switched off and rebooted my mac, checked and switched my cables, but the printer does not show up in my printers. The E 3 error is still blinking. The ink carriage is moveable, but with a slight-medium resistance in the middle. What else can I do?

Thx in advance.

[Sneha_01]

Hi @BlamSam 

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

The E3 error on your printer typically indicates a paper jam or a problem with the carriage. Since you've already tried several troubleshooting steps, here are a few more things you can check and do:

Inspect for Obstructions:

• Even if you’ve removed the paper, double-check for any small pieces of paper or other debris that might be stuck in the printer. Look in both the paper path and the area around the ink cartridges.

Check the Carriage Path:

• Make sure there’s nothing blocking the carriage from moving freely. Gently move the carriage back and forth to see if it’s obstructed.

Examine the Ink Cartridges:

• Remove the ink cartridges and inspect their slots for any obstructions or issues. Ensure that the cartridges are not damaged and are seated correctly.

Clean the Encoder Strip:

• The encoder strip is a thin plastic strip that runs along the carriage path. Gently wipe it with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove any smudges or dirt.

Power Cycle the Printer:

• With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord. Wait for about 60 seconds before plugging it back in and turning the printer on.

Check for Mechanical Issues:

• If the carriage has resistance, there might be a mechanical issue. Listen for any unusual sounds when moving it manually, which could indicate a problem.

Run Diagnostics:

• If your printer has a built-in diagnostic mode, try running it to see if it can identify the problem.

Reset the Printer:

• If applicable, perform a factory reset on the printer. Refer to your printer's manual for instructions.

Reinstall Printer Software:

• Since your printer is not showing up on your Mac, consider reinstalling the printer software. You can usually download the latest drivers from the manufacturer's website.

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