cartridge jam

[Juggler111]

printer reports " cartridge jam" but when I open the cartridge access door, the cartridges do not move to the middle.  There is no paper jam.  Disconnecting the power cord does not help.  What to do now?

[A_Gayathri]

Hi @Juggler111,

Welcome to The HP Support Community.  

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

I understand you are facing an issue with your HP OfficeJet 4650 is showing a "cartridge jam" error, but the cartridges are not moving to the center for removal and there is no paper jam, here are some steps you can try to resolve the issue:

1. Check for Obstructions

• Unplug the printer and open the cartridge access door.
• Gently try to move the cartridges by hand to see if there’s any resistance.
• Look inside the printer for any small debris, bits of paper, or other obstructions that might prevent the cartridges from moving.
• Make sure that the cartridges are properly seated in their slots.

2. Inspect the Carriage for Movement

• If the cartridges are stuck and not moving, carefully check the printer’s carriage (the part that holds the ink cartridges). Ensure nothing is obstructing the rails or the movement of the carriage.
• If the carriage is stuck on something, gently move it out of the way.

3. Reset the Printer

• Sometimes, a reset can clear stuck errors. Try the following reset:
  1. Turn off the printer.
  2. Unplug the power cord from the back of the printer.
  3. Wait for at least 60 seconds.
  4. Plug the printer back in and turn it on.
  5. Check if the cartridges move into the center.

4. Check for Cartridge Issues

• If the cartridges are not seated properly, or if one is faulty, it can cause errors. Remove the cartridges and check if they are damaged or dirty.
• Reinstall the cartridges, ensuring they are seated correctly.

5. Check the Printer's Belt

• If the cartridge carriage is not moving and no obstructions are visible, it’s possible that the drive belt (which moves the cartridges) has come loose or broken. This can require professional repair, so if you suspect this issue, contact HP support or a local technician.

6. Run HP Print and Scan Doctor HP Print and Scan Doctor

• Download and run the HP Print and Scan Doctor tool, which can automatically detect and fix many printer-related issues:
  1. Go to the HP Print and Scan Doctor website.
  2. Download and run the tool.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to diagnose and fix any issues.

Refer to this document: HP Printers - Carriage jam or E3 error

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

[Juggler111]

Thanks for following up on my problem with the carriage jam.  I tried all the maneuvers you suggested with no success.  I  could not budge the carriage out from the right side.  The Geek Squad at Best Buy said they could not handle equipment as old as my 2016 DeskJet 4650.   Rather than searching for and paying an HP technician to fix (maybe) the machine, I proceeded to buy a new printer: HP OfficeJet 9125e.  The installation was a bit rocky but successful. 

So I'll never know what went wrong with the 4650, but I suspect there was a fatal problem with the drive  belt, as you mentioned.  

[A_Gayathri]

Hi @Juggler111 ,

Thank you for your response, I appreciate your efforts. As the issue persists, I am sorry to hear that I'm sending out a private message to assist you with the next course of action. 

Please check your Private -icon on the upper right corner of your HP Community profile Next, to your profile Name, you should see a little blue envelope, please click on it or simply click on this link.

I hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance.

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!