E3 Error message on HP Deskjet 2755e

[Rose12185]

I have the HPDeskjet 2755e printer and it’s continually giving me the E3 message. With the ink light flashing (the one right below the digital display) and the paper light flashing. 
I’ve taken out any paper jams and removed and reinserted the paper and done the same with the brand new ink cartridges- which I just received in the mail less than a week ago. They’re both showing full on the digital display. I’ve done numerous hard resets and I’m still having issues. My warranty just ended earlier this month (of course) so I can’t get much help through the support there. 
Is there anything I’m missing?

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Rose12185 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

You're doing all the right things—and I know how frustrating it is when a simple print job turns into a blinking-light mystery. 

The E3 error on the HP DeskJet 2755e typically signals a carriage jam, even if no paper is visibly stuck. The flashing ink and paper lights together confirm that the printer believes the carriage (the part that holds the ink cartridges) isn’t moving freely.

Let’s go deeper than the usual resets:

1. Manually Check the Carriage Path

Even tiny obstructions can trigger E3.

• Power off the printer and unplug it
• Open the ink access door
• Gently slide the carriage left and right
  • If it resists or feels stuck, check for:
    • Bits of paper
    • Ink packaging debris
    • Twisted encoder strip (thin transparent strip behind the carriage)
• Use a flashlight to inspect the far left and right corners

2. Clean the Encoder Strip

This strip tells the printer where the carriage is. If it’s dirty, the printer may misread its position.

• Dampen a lint-free cloth with distilled water
• Gently wipe the clear plastic strip behind the carriage
• Avoid pulling or bending it
• Let it dry for 5 minutes before powering on

3. Re-seat Cartridges Firmly

Even new cartridges can misalign slightly.

• Remove both cartridges
• Clean the copper contacts with a dry microfiber cloth
• Reinsert them until you hear a firm click
• Close the access door and restart the printer

4. Try a Full Reset

This goes beyond a hard reset.

1. Unplug the printer while it’s powered on
2. Hold down Power + Cancel for 10 seconds
3. While holding, plug the printer back in
4. Release buttons when the lights blink

If the carriage still won’t move freely or the error persists after these steps, it may be a mechanical fault in the carriage motor or sensor. 

You're clearly persistent and detail-oriented, and I’ll help you squeeze every last bit of life out of this printer.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye