HP 7740 printing cartridge stuck on the right side

[MichaelJung]

The printing cartridge of our HP 7740 is stuck on the right-hand side and does not move

- there is no paper feed issue

- the printer was reset and turned on/off multiple times

- all cartridges are HP originals

- while all the little wheels are moving during the reset, the cartridge does not move an inch  

[A_Gayathri]

Hi @MichaelJung ,

Welcome to The HP Support Community.  

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

I understand the printhead is stuck in its home position and unable to move freely. Here are some steps to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the issue:

Check for Obstructions:

• Open the printer cover and inspect the printhead area for any visible obstructions or debris that might be preventing the printhead from moving.
• Gently remove any paper or objects that might be blocking the printhead.

Manually Move the Printhead:

• With the printer turned off, carefully try to manually move the printhead to the center. Do this gently to avoid damaging the mechanism.
• If the printhead moves freely, it could be a software or electronic issue. If it doesn’t move, there may be a mechanical blockage.

Perform a Hard Reset:

• Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
• Wait for about 60 seconds.
• Plug the printer back in and turn it on. This can sometimes reset internal components.

Check the Carriage Path:

• Sometimes, ink or small bits of paper can get stuck in the printhead carriage path. Clean the area gently with a lint-free cloth.

Inspect and Clean the Encoder Strip:

• The encoder strip is a clear plastic strip that runs across the width of the printer. If it is dirty or damaged, it can prevent the printhead from moving.
• Gently clean the encoder strip with a lint-free cloth and some isopropyl alcohol.

Update Firmware:  Update the firmware on an HP printer

• Ensure your printer firmware is up to date. Sometimes, firmware updates can resolve issues related to the printhead and carriage movement.
• You can check for firmware updates on the HP support website and follow their instructions to update the printer firmware.

Reinstall Printer Drivers:

• Sometimes, driver issues can cause communication problems between your computer and the printer.
• Uninstall the printer drivers from your Mac and reinstall them. You can find the latest drivers on the HP website.

Here is a detailed step-by-step guide for some of these troubleshooting steps:

Step-by-Step Guide:

Checking for Obstructions and Manually Moving the Printhead:

Turn off the Printer:

• Press the power button to turn off the printer.
• Unplug the printer from the power source.

Open the Printer Cover:

• Open the top cover of the printer to access the printhead carriage.

Inspect for Obstructions:

• Look for any paper, debris, or foreign objects in the printhead area.
• Carefully remove any visible obstructions.

Move the Printhead:

• Gently try to move the printhead to the center of the printer. If it moves freely, there may be no physical blockage.
• If the printhead doesn’t move, proceed to the next steps.

Cleaning the Encoder Strip:

Locate the Encoder Strip:

• The encoder strip is a thin, clear strip running across the width of the printer behind the printhead.

Clean the Encoder Strip:

• Dampen a lint-free cloth with isopropyl alcohol.
• Gently wipe the encoder strip to remove any dirt or ink residue.
• Be careful not to damage the strip.

Updating Firmware and Reinstalling Drivers:

Check for Firmware Updates:

• Visit the HP Support Website.
• Enter your printer model (HP OfficeJet Pro 7740) and check for firmware updates.
• Follow the instructions to download and install any available updates.

Reinstall Printer Drivers:

• On your Mac, go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.
• Select your HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 and click the - button to remove it.
• Visit the HP support website to download the latest drivers for your printer.
• Install the drivers and add the printer again in Printers & Scanners.

Refer to this document:  HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 Wide Format All-in-One Printer series User manual

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day.

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