HP office Jet pro 6978 makes grinding noises when starting up Scanner not usable

[MWenz1]

I used my printer yesterday to scan some documents. Some through the feeder some using the flatbed. No issues but later realized there was an error on the screen to shut down printer and restart to get the scanner to work. I did that and the printer made very loud grinding sounds and error came back stating to restart printer. If problem presists the printer may have become damaged and is unable to copy or scan. Any ideas on how to fix this?

[senan6806]

@MWenz1

A warm welcome to HP Support Community!

Re-calibrating the scanner may resolve the issue. Power resetting the printer should force the scanners to re-calibrate. Here is how to do it:

1) Make sure this printer is plugged into a direct wall, not a surge protector

2) Remove all of your ink cartridges from the printer and close the door

3) Remove the power cord from the back of the printer (Do no press the power button)

4) Plug the power cord back into the printer

5) Wait for the printer to turn on completely, then install the ink cartridges.

6) Try to Scan/Copy

Let me know how it goes!

If the information I've provided was helpful, give us some reinforcement by clicking the Accepted Solution and Kudos buttons, that'll help us and others see that we've got the answers!
Have a great day!

[MWenz1]

I followed the steps. This did not work. The printer still makes the grinding sound when starting up. Do you have any other advice to offer?

[senan6806]

@MWenz1

Grinding noise is typically caused due to loose gears, rollers, paper jam or carriage jam. Cleaning the paper feed roller, clearing any possible carriage jam and paper jam might stop the printer from making the grinding sound. You may use the following links to clear any possible carriage jam and paper jam, instructions on how to clean the paper feed rollers are available in the paper jam document.

Paper Jam

Carriage Jam