HP9020

[glmcbeth]

I am receiving the following error message: "The print carriage cannot move. Open the cartridge access door, clear any paper jam or obstruction, and select "OK"." Unfortunately I've opened every compartment I can find and see no paper jams or obstructions. I tried to follow the instructions for some other similar printers/issues and am not having luck. I cannot manually move the print carriage, even when the printer is off and unplugged. I don't see any latches that I can depress or debris stuck along the path of the print carriage. 

Please help!

[A_Gayathri]

Hi @glmcbeth,

Welcome to The HP Support Community.  

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

I understand you're dealing with a mechanical issue that's preventing the print carriage from moving in your HP OfficeJet Pro 9020. If the carriage is completely stuck and you cannot move it manually, here are a few steps you can try to resolve the issue:

1. Check for Hidden Obstructions

• Even if you’ve already checked all visible areas, there may be a small obstruction or something stuck in the carriage path that is preventing movement. Use a flashlight to carefully inspect the area along the sides of the carriage path, looking for paper fragments or debris.
• Pay particular attention to the area under the printhead or inside any slots near the ink cartridges.

2. Ensure the Carriage Path Is Not Misaligned

• Sometimes the print carriage can become misaligned or stuck due to a mechanical issue.
• Gently try to move the carriage left and right while the printer is powered off, but do not force it. If the carriage moves a little, there could be some tension, indicating an issue with the alignment or the motor that moves the carriage.
• If the carriage won’t move at all, it may be stuck due to a gear or motor failure.

3. Reset the Printer

• Perform a hard reset to see if that resolves the issue.
  1. Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power outlet.
  2. Wait at least 60 seconds to allow any internal circuits to reset.
  3. Plug the printer back in and turn it on to see if the error persists.

4. Check the Ink Cartridge Latches

• Ensure that the ink cartridges are properly seated. Even though you’ve inspected the compartments, sometimes a cartridge latch can become loose or misaligned, causing issues with the carriage movement.
• Remove and reinstall the ink cartridges carefully, ensuring they snap into place correctly.

5. Try Cleaning the Carriage Path

• Dust and ink buildup can sometimes create resistance along the carriage path. Gently clean around the printhead and carriage using a soft, lint-free cloth. Be sure not to disturb any of the internal components too much.

6. Inspect the Printhead

• The printhead may be stuck or misaligned, preventing movement. If you're comfortable doing so, carefully remove the printhead and check for any visible damage or misalignment.
• If the printhead is damaged or improperly seated, this could be the cause of the issue.

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day.

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