yellow flashing light and E3 error code, no obstruction, had some null notifications

[Linda388]

Had overnight null notification on HP app, noticed E3 error on printer. no printing was done to cause error message. gone through troubleshooting for obstructions many times, rebooted printer also. has an overnight update caused this problem and how can I fix it please?

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @Linda388,

Welcome to the HP Support Community! 

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding your printer!

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

Try these steps:

Inspect and Clear Obstructions:

• Open the cartridge access door and remove any paper jams or debris inside the printer.
• Check for any obstructions in the carriage path and remove them carefully.

Reset the Printer:

• While the printer is powered on, disconnect the power cord from the printer.
• Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
• Wait for about 60 seconds.
• Reconnect the power cord to the printer and plug it directly into a wall outlet.
• Turn the printer on.

Update Printer Firmware:

• Ensure your printer firmware is up to date. You can check for updates using the HP Smart App or by visiting the HP support website.

Check for Software Updates:

• Ensure the HP Smart App and your operating system are up to date to avoid any compatibility issues.

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,

[Linda388]

Hello @Kuroi_Kenshi, many thanks for looking at my query.  There appears to be no obstructions in the carriage path or any paper jams,  and I've reset the printer as per your instructions many times.  The firmware is up-to-date as is the operating system, but there was an update to the operating system I think at the time when I received an overnight null message on the HP Smart app, and the printer hasn't worked since.  I have very limited knowledge and hope you may be able to help me further. Thank you for your continued assistance,

Kind regards

Linda388

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @Linda388,

Thank you for the response.

Here's what you can try next:

1. Recalibrate the Printer Mechanism:
Sometimes after an update, the carriage may need to be recalibrated manually.

Turn off the printer and unplug it.

Gently move the printhead/ink carriage from side to side if it’s not locked.

Plug the printer back in and turn it on to see if it resets itself correctly.

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,

[Linda388]

Hi @Kuroi_Kenshi, thank you for your reply.  The print head/carriage is not locked and I moved it from side to side. When I switched the printer on the printer head did move alittle to left and then to right, but the error message still shows.  I repeated your instructions several times. Is there anything else I can try please?

Many thanks for your time and attention.

Regards 

Linda388

[Garp_senchau]

@Linda388, Welcome to HP Support Community,

Thank you so much for posting your query! My colleague @Kuroi_Kenshi is currently out, but don't worry – I’ll be taking over and making sure we get this sorted for you.

I understand that you are getting a carriage jam issue on the printer, and it shows code: E3, I am glad to assist you in fixing this issue.

Check for obstructions in the carriage path to make sure the carriage path is not blocked.

• With the printer on, disconnect the power cord from the rear of the printer.
• If your printer has a battery, remove the battery.
• Open the door to access the carriage inside of the printer.

Examples of carriage access doors

• Look in the carriage path for debris such as crumpled paper or dislodged labels, and then remove any that you find.

Example of a printer with debris in the carriage path

• If the carriage on your printer has a latch, make sure it is closed.

• Use your hand to move the carriage to each side, making sure it moves freely. If the carriage is stalled or docked to one side of the printer and you cannot move it, continue with these steps.
• Close the carriage access door.
• Reconnect the power cord to the rear of the printer, and then turn the printer on.

Reset the printer

• An error might continue to display after the jam is cleared. To clear the error state, reset the printer, connecting the power cord directly to a wall outlet to make sure the power source is stable and prevent more carriage jams.
• With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the printer.
• Unplug the power cord from the power source.
• Wait 60 seconds.
• Reconnect the power cord to a wall outlet and to the printer.

Update the printer firmware to install the latest updates

Click here for the steps.

Source: HP Printers - Carriage jam or E3 error | HP® Support

I truly hope these steps help get things back on track. If you have any questions or need any further clarification, just let me know – I’m happy to guide you through it and make sure everything works perfectly.

Take care, and I hope you have an amazing day ahead! 😊

Problem solved? 🎉 That’s fantastic! If you could mark this as the Accepted Solution, it would help others find their way here faster. And if you found this helpful, a simple ‘yes’ would mean a lot – it makes my day and gives this reply a little street cred! 🏅

Regards,