E3 HP deskjet 2700

[samz3]

My printer keeps showing the E3 error, and the colour inkjet light along with the paper light keeps flashing. It keeps saying that the cartridge carriage is stalled. I have already done all the steps and it is still not working. But when I take one cartridge out and leave the other one in, the printer works fine. But when both of them are in it doesn’t work.

[Sneha_01]

Hi @samz3 

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

The E3 error on the HP DeskJet 2700 series indicates that the cartridge carriage is stalled, and this error is often related to problems with the printhead or the cartridges themselves. Since you mentioned that the printer works fine with only one cartridge installed, but gives the error when both cartridges are in, the issue might be related to:

• A problem with the cartridge carriage (the part that holds the ink cartridges).
• Ink cartridge issues or dirty contacts.
• Obstructions inside the printer.

Here’s a comprehensive list of troubleshooting steps you can follow to resolve the issue:

1. Power Cycle the Printer

Sometimes, simply restarting the printer can clear temporary errors.

1. Turn off the printer using the power button.
2. Unplug the printer from the electrical outlet.
3. Wait for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
4. Plug the printer back in and turn it on again.

Try printing again and see if the error persists.

2. Check for Obstructions in the Cartridge Area

Since the error is related to the cartridge carriage being stalled, it’s important to check for any obstructions that might be blocking the movement of the cartridge.

1. Open the printer’s top cover and check the area around the cartridge carriage for any paper or debris.
2. Manually move the cartridge carriage from left to right gently (if it’s not moving freely, there might be something obstructing it).
3. Remove any obstructions that you find.

3. Clean the Ink Cartridge Contacts

Sometimes, dirty contacts on the cartridges or the cartridge carriage can prevent proper communication, leading to errors.

Steps to clean the cartridge contacts:

1. Turn off the printer and remove both ink cartridges from the printer.
2. Clean the cartridge contacts (the copper-colored areas) with a soft, lint-free cloth or a cotton swab lightly dampened with water. Be careful not to touch the nozzles.
3. Clean the electrical contacts inside the printer (where the cartridge contacts make contact with the printer).
4. Wait for the cartridge contacts to dry completely before reinserting the cartridges.

Once dry, insert both cartridges back into the printer and test.

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