HP Smart Tank 5000 printer carriage head is stuck. Printer clanks when turned on. Error E3

[Mary_Lou_Anders]

HP Smart Tank 5000, carrier stuck on left side. Machine clanks when turned on. Error code E3.

[Garp_senchau]

@Mary_Lou_Anders, Welcome to HP Support Community,

Thank you for posting your query; I’m here to help by guiding you through steps to resolve this issue

If the carriage inside the printer is clogged or restricted and an "E3" error code message appears on the printer control panel display, follow these steps to resolve the error.

Step 1: Check for Obstructions in the Carriage Path

Press the Cancel button on the control panel if it is lit, and wait until the printer is idle and silent.

Disconnect the power cord with the printer turned on.

Open the cartridge access door to reach the carriage inside the printer.

Gently slide the carriage from side to side to ensure it is not obstructed.

Look for and remove any obstructions in the carriage path, such as crumpled paper or dislodged labels.

CAUTION: Do not tilt an ink tank printer when attempting to remove obstructions as ink might spill.

If the carriage has a latch, gently press it down to make sure it is locked into place.

CAUTION: If the carriage latch is already secured, do not press down any further to avoid damaging the printer.

Close the printer cartridge access door.

Reconnect the power cord and then turn on the printer.

Step 2: Reset the Printer

Resetting the printer can recover it from errors or failures.

With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the printer.

Unplug the power cord from the power source.

Wait 60 seconds.

Reconnect the power cord to a wall outlet and to the printer.

NOTE: HP recommends plugging the printer directly into a wall outlet.

Turn on the printer to complete the reset.

I hope this helps.

Please feel free to reply here if you have any questions or if you need further clarification on any of the steps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

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Regards,