Printer error code: 0x6100004a

[Prhs]

When I turn on my printer it starts a printer maintance check but then stops and says there is a paper jam. I've checked the whole printer and cannot find a paper jam so I press ok and it continues with the printer maintance check. It stops again while doing the printer maintance check and says printer failue error code 0x6100004a. I've searched online and can't find a solution to my problem. I've checked the printer to see if there's something physically wrong with it and I can't find anything. I've tried turning the printer on and off and it didn't work. I've tried going into the settings and restoring the printer, that didn't work. I've tried cleaning printhead and updating the printer but I keep just getting the error code. I don't know what else to try. Is there a way to fix my printer

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @Prhs,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

I understand your HP OfficeJet Pro 6968 is showing a printer failure 0x6100004a and repeatedly stopping the maintenance check, even after verifying there’s no paper jam, cleaning the printhead, updating firmware, or performing a restore. Let’s go through a detailed troubleshooting process:

Power Cycle the Printer

Turn off the printer and unplug it from the wall.

Wait 60–90 seconds to drain residual power.

Plug it back in and turn it on.

Check for Hidden Obstructions

Even if no paper jam is visible, check the rear access panel, duplexer, and ink carriage path for tiny bits of paper or debris.

Sometimes small scraps or dust trigger the paper jam sensor.

Clean Paper Rollers & Sensors

Use a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with water to clean the paper feed rollers.

Make sure the paper path sensors (usually small plastic levers along the feed path) move freely.

Remove and Reinsert Cartridges

Remove all ink cartridges and check for leakage or improper seating.

Reinsert them firmly. Faulty or misaligned cartridges can sometimes trigger a printer failure.

Perform a Hard Reset / Semi-Firmware Reset

With the printer powered on, press and hold the Power button for 10–15 seconds.

Some OfficeJet models also allow a printer service mode reset:

Turn off the printer.

Hold Cancel + Power until the printer lights blink, then release.

The printer may enter service mode and reset some error states.

Try a Different Paper Tray / Paper

Remove the current paper and try using plain, unused paper in the main tray.

Sometimes curled or slightly damaged paper triggers false jam errors.

Firmware / HP Smart Update

Make sure the printer has the latest firmware installed via HP Smart or HP Firmware Update tool.

Some older firmware versions can trigger false maintenance check errors.

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,

[Prhs]

Thanks for the reply.  Had tried all except the ink cartridges.  The ink cartridge is not adjusting when opening to access it. It is staying to the left. Appears to be stuck.  Suggestions?

thanks!

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @Prhs,

Thanks for the update! I understand that the ink carriage is stuck on the left and isn’t moving when you try to access it. This is a common cause of the 0x6100004a error on OfficeJet printers. Let’s go through the steps to try and free it safely:

1. Power Off and Unplug

Turn off the printer and unplug it from the wall.

Wait 1–2 minutes to ensure all power is drained.

2. Manually Move the Carriage

Open the printer top cover.

Gently try to move the ink carriage by hand from left to right.

Do not force it; it should slide smoothly along the rails. If it feels stuck, check for any small pieces of paper, tape, or debris obstructing it.

3. Check for Obstructions

Inspect the paper path under the carriage and near the rollers.

Even tiny scraps of paper can cause the carriage to jam and trigger maintenance or error codes.

4. Reinsert Cartridges

Once the carriage is free, remove each cartridge and check for leakage, broken tabs, or misalignment.

Reinsert them firmly until they click into place.

5. Power On and Test

Plug the printer back in and turn it on.

The carriage should move to the home position and complete the maintenance check.

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,