Thread: How to handle carriage jams

When I turned on my printer it displayed an error message on my computer saying that there's a 'carriage block'. I tried restarting both, my computer and the printer but am still unable to print even a single document. Please help.

Printer carriages are present within the body and are the main access using which the cartridges move from one end to another. There are various reasons why errors related to a malfunctioning printer carriage occur.

If you have just experienced a paper jam, and have forcibly pulled the paper out from the front of the paper.

If the print carriages aren't installed correctly in the first place. They are either aligned incorrectly or fit loosely.

If there is an obstruction on the path of the carriage that does not allow smooth movement of the cartridges across its complete length.

Here are some steps that will help you overcome the 'carriage block' errors. Make sure that you follow these steps correctly to avoid any further damage to your printer.

1.Switch off your printer and remove its power chord.

2.Check to see if the printer cartridges are installed correctly. Refer to your printer manual for fitting the cartridges properly. The above step is merely for diagnostic purposes.

3.Even if the cartridges are aligned, remove them and reinstall them again. Many printers come with supporting applications that help you install and align cartridges correGtly with the help. of step by step guides. Some printers also display these instructions on LCDs that are mounted on them.

4.If this doesn't solve the problem then look for other obstructions on the carriage path that may be blocking the smooth functioning of the carriage.

5.Open the rear door of the printer and remove any scraps of paper that may be stuck inside the printer owing to prior paper jams.

6.Rotate the rollers gently by a small angle with your fingers in an upward direction.

7.Make a note of the home position of your cartridges. This happens to be the extreme end of the carriage where the cartridges rest when the printer is in idle state.

8.Open the flap of the printer and check if the cartridges are in their home position or not: If they are somewhere in between then gently guide them to their home position by pushing their sides with your hand. Avoid exerting much force.

Remember that mixing different manufacturers’ inks can lead to printer failure. Use ink of the same trade mark so that you can get a quality image and have an efficiently working printer. The printer’s construction does not need to go through ANY changes if you have continuous ink supply system attached. All you need to do is to remove original cartridges, install the CISS cartridges and connect the tube to the printer. No more cartridge jams