cartridge will not move

[Cheesehead79]

8710.  Instant Ink.  I just replaced 2 instant ink cartridges last week.  They were sent to me over 3 years ago.  I don't know if that's a problem.  Since putting those new Instant Ink cartridges in, I've printed maybe 10 pages.  That maybe unrelated to my problem.  This week I now get error that says "cartridge cannot move.  Clear obstructions."  I have looked, can't find any obstructions.  I have turned the power off, but it will not turn off, just goes into power down mode, but goes no further.  I've unplugged power cord, waited 5 minutes, and when plugged back in it powers up, then goes into startup check mode and says "cartridge cannot move".  Instructions on line say to clear obstructions, done.  Next to pull the power cord which I've done.  Then it says to pull out the ink cartridges, well I can't do that if the cartridge won't move over to the middle so I can pop the ink cartridges out.  I've tried moving it manually but it doesn't want to budge.  I don't know if there is a release button or something, and I don't want to force it, but it won't go over very easily.  What else can I do.  Thanks.  

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Cheesehead79 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Thanks for laying out the situation so clearly—this sounds incredibly frustrating, especially when you're trying to get back to printing and the device won’t cooperate. 

Let’s walk through a few steps that may help free the cartridge carriage and restore normal operation on your OfficeJet Pro 8710.

 

Step-by-Step Recovery for “Cartridge Cannot Move” Error

1. Power Reset with Access Door Open

• Unplug the printer while it’s still powered on.
• Open the ink cartridge access door fully.
• With the door open, plug the printer back in and power it on.
• This sometimes forces the carriage to attempt movement during startup with the door open, allowing you to observe or assist gently.

 

2. Manual Carriage Release (Safely)

• With the printer unplugged and the access door open, use a flashlight to inspect the carriage track.
• Gently try to slide the carriage toward the center. It may resist if the service station (on the far right) hasn’t retracted.
• Avoid forcing it—if it’s locked in place, it may need a firmware reset or mechanical release.

 

3. Check for Hidden Debris or Dry Ink

• Shine a light into the far right corner where the carriage parks. Look for dried ink, bits of paper, or plastic tabs that may be interfering.
• Use a soft cloth or compressed air to clear anything you find.

 

4. Firmware Update via USB

If the printer powers on but doesn’t complete startup, you may still be able to update firmware via USB:

• Download the latest firmware for the 8710 from HP’s official firmware page
• Follow the instructions to install via USB, which may help reset internal logic and release the carriage.

 

5. Service Station Jam

The service station (where the cartridges park) may be stuck. If you’re comfortable:

• Unplug the printer.
• Gently tilt the printer and listen for loose parts or debris.
• If you hear grinding or resistance during startup, the service station gears may be jammed or misaligned.

If none of these steps help, the issue may be mechanical—such as a seized carriage motor or faulty encoder strip. In that case, a service inspection would be necessary. 

I truly regret the inconvenience this has caused, especially after replacing cartridges and expecting smooth operation.

Let me know how far you get with these steps, and I’ll guide you further if needed.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

[Cheesehead79]

I gently shook the printer, and a found a loose gear, smaller than a dime.  It did not look damaged.  I am unsure where it might go.  Can you suggest where to start to try to reattach that gear?  Otherwise the printer is going to e-recycling, I'm not wasting to much more time on it or any money.  It is 9 years old and has earned it's keep.  Thanks for your help.

[Hawks_Eye · Accepted solution]

@Cheesehead79 

You're absolutely right—after nine years of service, that printer has more than earned its retirement badge. 

Still, I admire your instinct to investigate before sending it off to e-recycling. That loose gear might be part of the carriage drive system or paper feed mechanism, both of which are common culprits when cartridges stop moving.

 

Where to Start with the Loose Gear

Here’s a structured approach to help you assess whether it’s worth reattaching:

 

1. Inspect the Carriage Path

• Open the ink access door and manually slide the carriage (if it moves).
• Look for any missing gear teeth or empty gear shafts near the carriage belt, encoder strip, or drive motor.
• If the gear fits snugly onto a visible shaft and aligns with other gears, it may belong there.

 

2. Check the Paper Feed Assembly

• Flip the printer and inspect the underside near the PF (Paper Feed) gear cluster.
• Some HP models (like the OfficeJet Pro 9010 series) have small gears that drive rollers—these can pop loose during transport or wear.

 

Since HP doesn’t offer repair documentation for older models, your best bet is to:

• Call HP Support and ask about trade-in or recycling incentives.
• Some regions offer discounts on new purchases or free pickup for e-waste.

You’ve already gone above and beyond—whether you give it one last shot or send it off with honors, you’ve handled it like a true pro. 

If you’re eyeing a replacement, I can help shortlist models based on your current needs. 

Just say the word.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye