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HP DeskJet 2820e All-in-One Printer
Microsoft Windows 10 (64-bit)

Display shows E3 continuously.

Nothing in the troubleshooters works so far

Followed them as far as a system reset and now the LCD and the 4 leds just flash continuously

1 REPLY 1
HP Recommended

Hi @JMJM1,

 

Welcome to The HP Support Community.  

 

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

 

I understand the E3 error on your HP DeskJet 2820e All-In-One Printer indicates a paper jam or a carriage jam. Since you've tried the troubleshooters and performed a system reset with no success, let's try a few additional steps to resolve the issue:

 

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for E3 Error

Turn Off and Unplug the Printer

  • Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
  • Wait for about 60 seconds.
  • Plug the printer back in and turn it on.

Check for Paper Jams

  • Open the front and rear access doors.
  • Carefully inspect for any paper jams or small pieces of paper that might be stuck.
  • Remove any visible paper or debris.
  • Use a flashlight to ensure there are no hidden pieces of paper.

Check the Carriage Path

  • Open the printer’s ink cartridge access door.
  • Ensure the carriage (the part that holds the ink cartridges) can move freely from side to side.
  • If it’s stuck, gently move it to the center and clear any obstructions you find.
  • Ensure there are no foreign objects obstructing the carriage path.

Clean the Rollers

  • Turn off the printer and unplug it.
  • Open the rear access door and clean the paper rollers with a lint-free cloth slightly moistened with distilled water.
  • Ensure the rollers are free of dust and debris.
  • Allow the rollers to dry before closing the access door and turning the printer back on.

Reinstall the Ink Cartridges

  • Open the ink cartridge access door.
  • Remove the ink cartridges and inspect them for any packaging material or protective tape that might not have been removed.
  • Reinstall the ink cartridges and ensure they are seated properly.

Reset the Printer Again

  • Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
  • Disconnect any connected cables (USB, Ethernet).
  • Wait for 60 seconds.
  • Plug the printer back in and turn it on.

Check for Firmware Updates Update the firmware on an HP printer

  • Sometimes firmware updates can fix persistent error codes.
  • Ensure your printer is connected to the internet.
  • Go to the HP support website and check for any available firmware updates for your printer model.
  • Follow the instructions to update the firmware if an update is available.

Refer to this document:  HP DeskJet 2820e All-in-One Printer User manual  
HP Printers - Carriage jam or E3 error

HP DeskJet 2800, 4200, 4900 Printers - Blinking lights and error codes

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. 


A_Gayathri
HP Support Community Administrator.
† The opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the authors, not of HP. By using this site, you accept the <a href="https://www8.hp.com/us/en/terms-of-use.html" class="udrlinesmall">Terms of Use</a> and <a href="/t5/custom/page/page-id/hp.rulespage" class="udrlinesmall"> Rules of Participation</a>.