carriage jam on HP photosmart c5280

[Janai3]

How to clear a jam to the carriage on a 25 yr. old HP photosmart c5280. The carriage is stuck, according to the error message.  Thank you.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Janai3 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! 

Thanks for posting your query! We're here to help you get back up and running.

A carriage jam on your HP Photosmart C5280 can be tricky, especially for a printer that's been around for a while! 

Here are some steps to help you clear the jam:

Turn Off and Unplug the Printer:

• Power off the printer and unplug it from the wall outlet.
• Wait for about a minute before proceeding.

Check for Obstructions:

• Open the printer's access door and inspect the carriage path for any paper jams, debris, or foreign objects.
• Remove any visible obstructions carefully.

Manually Move the Carriage:

• With the printer turned off, gently try to move the print carriage back and forth. It should move freely. If it’s stuck, there may be a hidden obstruction.

Clean the Carriage Path:

• Use a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with distilled water to clean the carriage path and rollers. Dust or debris might be causing the issue.

Perform a Power Reset:

• Plug the printer back in and turn it on. Check if the carriage moves during startup.

Inspect the Ink Cartridges:

• Remove and reinstall the ink cartridges to ensure they are seated properly. Misaligned cartridges can sometimes cause carriage jams.

Update Firmware:

• If the printer starts working, visit the HP Support page to check for firmware updates for your printer model.

If this solution hits the spot, please come back and click "Accepted Solution" to help others find the answer. And if you'd like to say thanks, select "Yes" on the bottom left of the public post, as that would make our day! 

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye