The scanner head is constantly moving back and forth

[sonjamoso]

I was connecting to my deskjet plus 4120 printer and it works fine, except the scanner head goes continously back and forth, with a short pause in between. I have googled this problem, and did unconnect it from the electric for 60 seconds without any result. Is there any other way to solve this problem?

[Kumar0307]

@sonjamoso, Welcome to the HP Support Community!

This seems to be an issue with the scanner mechanism in the printer. When the printer is powered ON, the scanner bar will perform 1 cycle and stop.

If it continues and does not stop, let us try these steps:

Reset the printer

1. With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the rear of the printer.
2. Wait at least 60 seconds.
3. Reconnect the power cord to the rear of the printer.
4. Turn ON the printer, if it does not automatically turn on.
5. Wait until the printer is idle and silent before you proceed.

Note: HP recommends connecting the printer directly to a wall outlet rather than a surge protector or a power strip.

If this does not help, unplug the power cable and hold the power button down for 10-15 seconds and release it. Power on the printer and check.

Update the printer firmware

Click here to download and install the latest printer firmware from your computer.

Click here to know different methods of updating printer firmware.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted. 

Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.

Click the “Kudos, Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Have a great day! 

[sonjamoso]

Thank you for your help.

Unfortunately neither of these solutions helped. I have my printer plugged direct, but I don't know if the cord is the original one as there are also British cord with the printer and extra European cord. I think I try to get a new one. 

[Kumar0307]

@sonjamoso

Yes, you may use an HP-compatible power cord and check if that helps. 

If the issue persists, I'm afraid this could be a hardware issue with the scanner mechanism in the printer.

Please reach out to the HP Technical Support team in your region regarding the service/replacement options for your printer. 

You may create a case on the website to obtain a case number if required. Kindly watch this video to know how.

Keep me posted for any other assistance.