print head stocked

[Jaygalan]

i removed the top cover     the printer and the cover covering the print head to not avail the print head is stocked in the right hand side o f the printer.    nothing i have done has helped.  trying to reset to factory reset doesnt help.   trying to move the print head by hand doesnt help

thank you

[Samrit26]

Hello,

It sounds like you’ve already gone deep into the unit, and the behavior you’re describing on the OfficeJet Pro 6978 is consistent with a mechanical carriage lock or a failed carriage/drive assembly. Before I tell you to send it in, I need a couple of confirmations so I can be absolutely sure this is not a sensor or obstruction issue.

Please tell me:

1. When you power it on, do you hear the normal startup sequence (carriage attempting to move, paper feed roller twitch, etc.), or does it stay quiet?

2. Any error message on the screen, or does it just stay stuck with no movement?

3. Did you see any torn paper, pieces of label, or ink buildup under the carriage path when you removed the top cover?

4. When you gently push the carriage to the left with power OFF, is it completely locked, or does it move slightly and then hit a hard stop?

From what you’ve described—carriage locked hard on the right, unable to slide manually, factory reset not helping—this is typically hardware failure of the carriage assembly, carriage motor, or the service station (the “capping” mechanism) stuck in an up position blocking travel.

If you confirm the points above and the carriage cannot move freely with power off, then this is pure hardware. For HP inkjet AIO units like the 6978, customers must ship the printer to the repair center for depot repair; there is no field-service or replaceable part for this mechanism.