What To Know
- This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps on how to clear a carriage jam on your HP DeskJet 3520 printer.
- Check the paper tray, the output tray, and the rear of the printer for any visible paper jams.
- Once the reset is complete, plug the printer back into the power outlet and turn it on.
The HP DeskJet 3520 is a popular printer known for its affordability and ease of use. However, like all printers, it can experience occasional issues, including the dreaded carriage jam. This frustrating problem can prevent you from printing important documents or photos. But don’t worry! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps on how to clear a carriage jam on your HP DeskJet 3520 printer.
Understanding the Problem: What is a Carriage Jam?
A carriage jam occurs when the printing mechanism, known as the carriage, gets stuck or obstructed. This can happen due to various reasons, including:
- Paper jams: Paper jams are the most common cause of carriage jams. When paper gets stuck inside the printer, it can prevent the carriage from moving freely.
- Foreign objects: Small objects like paper clips, staples, or even dust can get lodged in the printer’s inner workings and obstruct the carriage.
- Damaged parts: Sometimes, the carriage itself or other printer components can become damaged, leading to a jam.
- Software glitches: In rare cases, software issues or driver problems can cause a carriage jam.
Step 1: Power Off the Printer
Before you start troubleshooting, the first step is to shut down your printer. This is a safety precaution to prevent any electrical hazards and ensure you’re not dealing with a live machine.
Step 2: Unplug the Printer
Once the printer is powered off, unplug it from the power outlet. This completely cuts off power to the printer and helps prevent any accidental shocks.
Step 3: Inspect the Printer for Obvious Obstacles
With the printer unplugged, carefully inspect the exterior for any visible obstructions. Look for:
- Paper jams: Check the paper tray, the output tray, and the rear of the printer for any visible paper jams.
- Foreign objects: Look for any small items that might have fallen into the printer, such as paper clips, staples, or even dust.
Step 4: Access the Carriage Area
Open the printer’s front cover to access the carriage area. Be gentle and avoid forcing anything open. You should be able to see the carriage and the printhead.
Step 5: Remove Any Obstructions
Carefully remove any obstructions you find in the carriage area. This might involve:
- Removing jammed paper: Gently pull out any jammed paper, working from the back to the front of the printer. Avoid tearing the paper, as this can cause further damage.
- Removing foreign objects: Use tweezers or a small tool to carefully remove any foreign objects you find. Avoid pushing them further into the printer.
Step 6: Manually Move the Carriage
Once the carriage area is clear, try manually moving the carriage. You can do this by gently pushing it back and forth. If it moves freely, the jam is likely resolved.
Step 7: Reset the Printer
After clearing the jam, reset the printer by holding down the power button for 30 seconds. This will clear any temporary errors and reset the printer’s internal settings.
Step 8: Plug the Printer Back In and Turn It On
Once the reset is complete, plug the printer back into the power outlet and turn it on.
Step 9: Test the Printer
Run a test print to verify the carriage jam is resolved. If the printer prints successfully, you have successfully cleared the jam!
Troubleshooting Tips
If the carriage jam persists despite following these steps, consider these additional tips:
- Check for damaged parts: Inspect the carriage, printhead, and other printer components for any signs of damage. If you find any damaged parts, you may need to replace them.
- Check the paper tray: Ensure the paper tray is properly loaded and that the paper is not wrinkled or damaged.
- Clean the printer: Dust and debris can accumulate inside the printer and cause jams. Clean the printer’s rollers and other internal parts with a soft cloth and a mild cleaning solution.
- Update the printer driver: An outdated printer driver can sometimes cause carriage jams. Update the driver to the latest version.
- Contact HP support: If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and the carriage jam persists, contact HP support for further assistance.
Time to Print Again: Wrapping Up
By following these steps, you should be able to clear a carriage jam on your HP DeskJet 3520 printer and get back to printing quickly. Remember to be patient and careful when handling the printer, and don’t hesitate to contact HP support if you need further assistance.
Popular Questions
Q: What if I can’t see any obstructions in the carriage area?
A: If you can’t see any obstructions, the jam might be caused by a mechanical issue. Try manually moving the carriage back and forth. If it’s still jammed, you may need to contact HP support.
Q: How often should I clean my printer?
A: It’s recommended to clean your printer at least once a month to prevent dust and debris from accumulating and causing jams.
Q: What if I accidentally tear the jammed paper?
A: If you tear the jammed paper, try to remove as much of it as possible. You may need to use tweezers or a small tool to carefully remove the remaining pieces. If you can’t remove all of the paper, contact HP support for assistance.
Q: What should I do if the carriage still won’t move after I’ve cleared the jam?
A: If the carriage still won’t move, it might be a sign of a more serious problem. Contact HP support for assistance.
