HP Envy Inspire 7955e Printer Carriage Error

[Radhaz1]

Ever since I have been receiving ink via HP Instant Ink, I have been getting intermittent "Printer carriage cannot move" errors.  There is nothing preventing the carriage from moving.  A hard reset of the printer usually clears the error after 5 or 6 tries.  This time however, it won't clear.  I have checked firmware updates and I am current.  Is there a situation with the printer and HP Instant Ink cartridges?  Short of sending the printer in for repair - which I am assuming will cost more than a replacement - is there a known fix for this?

[Max3Aj]

@Radhaz1, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

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

The "Printer carriage cannot move" error on your HP ENVY Inspire 7955e can be caused by several factors, especially since it started occurring after enrolling in HP Instant Ink. Here are some steps you can try to resolve the issue:

Check the Carriage Path Manually

Even if you believe there are no obstructions, it's worth double-checking:

• Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
• Open the ink cartridge access door and gently move the carriage from side to side.
• Look for any obstructions such as bits of paper, dried ink buildup, or misaligned cartridges.

Reinstall the Ink Cartridges

• Remove the Instant Ink cartridges and inspect them for any physical damage.
• Wipe the cartridge contacts with a lint-free cloth lightly dampened with distilled water.
• Reinstall the cartridges, ensuring they are firmly seated in their slots.

Perform a Semi-Full Reset

Since you've already tried a hard reset, you can attempt a semi-full reset:

• Unplug the power cable from both the printer and the wall outlet.
• Press and hold the Power button for 60 seconds.
• Plug the printer back in and turn it on. This should help clear any persistent errors.

Check for Mechanical Issues

• Inspect the carriage belt (the rubber belt that moves the carriage) to ensure it is not loose or out of place, as this could cause the printer to detect an obstruction.
• Look for any broken plastic tabs near the carriage area that might be interfering with its movement. 

If these steps do not resolve the issue,  you will have to visit the nearest HP authorized service center for further assistance. 
Kindly follow this link to locate the nearest HP service center: HP® Service Center Locator - United States | HP® Support
(Select the country from the dropdown menu and enter the city name or pincode) 
 

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping! 

Max3Aj

HP Support