hp 6978 carriage not moving smoothly at end of return to the right carriage jam error

[charliez1305]

Carriage can move back and forth along track but "hops" with loud noises when moving through the right end of the carriage return.  A carriage jam error message results, but there is no obstruction or paper jam. Black ink is accumulating at the bottom of the printer where the carriage stays when not in use.

[Raj_05]

Hi @charliez1305,

Welcome to HP Support Community.  

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

If your HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 printer's carriage is not moving smoothly and you're encountering a "carriage jam" error at the end of its return to the right side, you can try the following troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue.

• Check for Obstructions: Turn off the printer and open the access door or cover to access the carriage area. Carefully inspect the carriage path for any obstructions such as paper scraps, foreign objects, or debris. Remove any obstacles you find.
• Manually Move the Carriage: Gently move the carriage from left to right and back. Ensure that it can move freely without any resistance. If it feels stuck or doesn't move smoothly, there may be a mechanical issue.
• Clean the Carriage Rail: Dust and debris can accumulate on the carriage rail over time, causing the carriage to get stuck. Clean the rail using a soft, lint-free cloth to remove any dirt or residue.
• Check for Paper Jams: Even if you don't see any paper jams, it's possible that a small piece of paper is stuck in the printer. Carefully check the paper path and remove any trapped paper.
• Restart the Printer: Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source. Wait for a minute, then plug it back in and turn it on. This can often resolve minor glitches.
• Reset the Printer: Sometimes, resetting the printer to its default settings can help. Refer to your printer's user manual for instructions on how to perform a factory reset.
• Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers: Ensure that you have the latest printer drivers installed on your computer. Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause printing issues. You can download the latest drivers from the HP website.
• Inspect for Mechanical Issues: If the carriage still doesn't move smoothly and you continue to encounter the carriage jam error, there could be a mechanical problem with the printer. 
• Use HP Print and Scan Doctor: HP provides a free tool called "HP Print and Scan Doctor" that can help diagnose and resolve common printer issues. You can download and run this tool from the HP website.

Remember to always handle your printer and its components carefully to avoid causing further damage.

I hope this helps. 
 

Take care and have a good day.

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Alden4
HP Support