HP 6978 error 0x6100004a

[AnnieBou]

I get this error message but there's no paper jam, even though it tells me that there is.  I have been unable to use my printer for the past 2 months.  I bought it 4 months ago.....  My mother has the same printer, bought in August 2018, with the same problem for also 2 months.

[atharva_gp]

@AnnieBou,

Thanks for reaching out to the HP Support community!

The error '0x6100004a' is related to the ink system of the printer.

Let's try these steps, this may fix the issue.

Step 1: Use genuine HP ink cartridges

Step 2: Reset the printer

• Make sure this printer is plugged into a direct wall, not a surge protector.
• Turn the printer on.
• Wait until the printer is idle and silent before you continue.
• Remove all of your ink cartridges from the printer and close the door.
• With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the rear of the printer.
• Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
• Wait at least 60 seconds.
• Plug the power cord back into the wall outlet.
• Reconnect the power cord to the rear of the printer.
• Turn on the printer, if it does not automatically turn on. The printer might go through a warm-up period. The printer lights might flash, and the carriage might move.
• Wait until the warm-up period finishes and your printer is idle and silent before you proceed.
• Reinsert the ink cartridges, and then close the ink cartridge access door.
• check if the error goes off. If the issue persists, proceed to the next step.

Step 3: Remove the ink cartridges, clean it and re-install the ink.

• Open the ink cartridge access door.
  • The carriage moves to the left side of the access area.
• Wait until the carriage is idle and silent before proceeding.
• Push in on the front of one of the ink cartridges to release it, and then pull the ink cartridge toward you to remove it.

          

• Remove all the ink cartridges.

• Clean the ink cartridges.

  • Gather the following materials: A clean, lint-free cloth, A clean, dry cotton swab, Distilled or bottled water.
  • Lightly dampen a clean, lint-free cloth with bottled or distilled water
• Gently wipe the copper-colored contact on the ink cartridges.

        

• Wipe the contact with a dry, lint-free cloth
• Examine the vent area located on top of the ink cartridge, next to the HP logo.
• If any of the ink cartridges have clogged vents, use a pin to clean the vents.

             

              example of a clogged vent

           

                 example of a clean vent

• Carefully reinsert one of the ink cartridges into its slot, and then push the ink cartridge forward until it clicks into place.
• Check if the error goes off. Try to print/copy if there is no error.
• if the issue persists, proceed to the next step

Step 4: Update the printer firmware

• Refer to this link to update the printer firmware.

Let me know if this helps. 

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[AnnieBou]

Not working: I'm unable to remove the cartridges as the carrier is not moving.

[atharva_gp]

@AnnieBou,

I think there could some paper jammed near the carriage area of the printer.

Follow the instruction on this video and check if there are any jammed papers and try to clear them

Once cleared, try to print/copy.

Let me know if this works.