Printer makes clattering noise when preparing to print

[freefall9]

My 4500 printer makes a clattering, loud machine gun type noise when preparing to print.  Seems to be coming from plastic gear wheels but not sure.  There's  red ink behind the color cartridge & I've cleaned that off as much as possible.  Cleaning & reinserting cartridges does not help.  Prints fine and only makes noise when getting ready to print & cartridges move to right.

[TEJ1602]

@freefall9, Welcome to HP Support Community!

Remove the ink cartridges and close the door. The machine will do a pre-start cycle. Should the noise be gone it could be an issue with the carriage. Should the noise still be heard even without the ink then the fault can be on the drive gears.

If without the ink everything works smoothly, it means you will have to replace the cartridges and check if that helps!

Or, reach out to the HP Support in your region regarding the service options for your printer.

Hope this helps!

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