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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printing Errors or Lights & Stuck Print Jobs
- new ink cartriges (2) correctly installed. but fault message...

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09-14-2025 12:10 PM
After correct installation of 2 new HP ink cartridges, fault error message: "printer carriage cannot move" ??
Solved! Go to Solution.
Accepted Solutions
09-17-2025 03:09 AM
@RP12121, Welcome to the HP Support Community – it’s great to have you here!
I appreciate you taking the time to share your question. I'm more than happy to assist with this and provide a solution that works for you.
The error message "Print carriage cannot move" typically indicates a carriage jam or obstruction inside the printer. This can happen even after correctly installing new ink cartridges. Here's how you can resolve it:
Power Reset the Printer
- Turn off the printer and unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
- Wait for 60 seconds.
- Plug it back in and turn the printer on. This resets the carriage mechanism.
Check for Obstructions
- Open the ink cartridge access door.
- Look inside for any paper scraps, packing material, or foreign objects that may block the carriage.
- Gently move the carriage left and right. If it’s stuck, apply minimal pressure to guide it.
Reinstall Ink Cartridges
- Remove both cartridges.
- Check for any protective tape still attached to the cartridges.
- Reinsert them firmly until they click into place.
Check Cartridge Alignment
- Ensure cartridges are seated correctly and not tilted.
- Close the access door and check if the error clears.
Clean the Carriage Path
- Use a flashlight to inspect the carriage path.
- Remove any debris or ink buildup using a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with distilled water.
Optional: Use HP Smart App
If you have the HP Smart App, you can run Diagnose & Fix from the app: Use Diagnose & Fix in the HP app to repair common printing issues (Windows, macOS) | HP® Support
Fix Carriage Jam Issues | HP® Support
I hope your issue is now resolved. If not, feel free to reply and we’ll continue helping until everything’s sorted!
If the post helped, please click “Accepted Solution” to help other users easily find it. And if you’d like to say thanks, just tap the “Yes” button!
Cheers,
Max3Aj
HP Support
09-17-2025 03:09 AM
@RP12121, Welcome to the HP Support Community – it’s great to have you here!
I appreciate you taking the time to share your question. I'm more than happy to assist with this and provide a solution that works for you.
The error message "Print carriage cannot move" typically indicates a carriage jam or obstruction inside the printer. This can happen even after correctly installing new ink cartridges. Here's how you can resolve it:
Power Reset the Printer
- Turn off the printer and unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
- Wait for 60 seconds.
- Plug it back in and turn the printer on. This resets the carriage mechanism.
Check for Obstructions
- Open the ink cartridge access door.
- Look inside for any paper scraps, packing material, or foreign objects that may block the carriage.
- Gently move the carriage left and right. If it’s stuck, apply minimal pressure to guide it.
Reinstall Ink Cartridges
- Remove both cartridges.
- Check for any protective tape still attached to the cartridges.
- Reinsert them firmly until they click into place.
Check Cartridge Alignment
- Ensure cartridges are seated correctly and not tilted.
- Close the access door and check if the error clears.
Clean the Carriage Path
- Use a flashlight to inspect the carriage path.
- Remove any debris or ink buildup using a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with distilled water.
Optional: Use HP Smart App
If you have the HP Smart App, you can run Diagnose & Fix from the app: Use Diagnose & Fix in the HP app to repair common printing issues (Windows, macOS) | HP® Support
Fix Carriage Jam Issues | HP® Support
I hope your issue is now resolved. If not, feel free to reply and we’ll continue helping until everything’s sorted!
If the post helped, please click “Accepted Solution” to help other users easily find it. And if you’d like to say thanks, just tap the “Yes” button!
Cheers,
Max3Aj
HP Support