My son has pulled a piece of the printer

[Tbis]

My son has pulled out a plastic strip, after opening the print cartridge flap. I believe it prevents the cartridge holder from extending too far, as it's now crashing against the casing. Does anyone know where it connects, as I can't see anywhere obvious. Thanks

[Bob_Headrick · Accepted solution]

The strip is called the encoder strip, it is used by the printer to determine where the printhead is.  Without it properly in place the carriage will slam to the side of the printer.

The encoder strip will need to be threaded back into the carriage, then reconnected to its supports. The post here may help.  It is for a different printer but the same principles should apply.  Check the ends of the strip, if it was pulled off the printer the mounting tabs may be damaged.  You may be able to repair this with tape.

[Tbis]

Sorry, took a while to getting around to this, but, although the photos of the printer is different to mine, but the basic premise, ie find the tab, find where it goes through the carriage and the attachment at the other end. It worked! I did have to repair the damaged end with scotch tape, and be patient, but it workd, thank you

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@Bob_Headrick wrote:

The strip is called the encoder strip, it is used by the printer to determine where the printhead is.  Without it properly in place the carriage will slam to the side of the printer.

The encoder strip will need to be threaded back into the carriage, then reconnected to its supports. The post here may help.  It is for a different printer but the same principles should apply.  Check the ends of the strip, if it was pulled off the printer the mounting tabs may be damaged.  You may be able to repair this with tape.

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[Bob_Headrick]

You are welcome.  I am glad you got things resolved.