HP Carriage Jam: Carriage Jam message
On recent OfficeJet Pro printers a Carriage Jam message means the print carriage is blocked or stuck.
What to try
- Update the printer firmware from the control panel (Menu > Settings > Firmware Update > Check for Update).
- Turn off the printer and unplug the power cord.
- Open the front door and the cartridge access door, and slide the carriage side to side. Do not force it if it is locked or stuck.
- Remove obstructions such as crumpled paper or loose labels from the carriage path.
- Reset the printer: power off, unplug for 60 seconds, plug directly into a wall outlet, and turn on.
When it needs a technician
If the carriage jam message persists after these steps, HP says to service or replace the printer.
Which models show Carriage Jam
HP documents this code for models including HP OfficeJet Pro 8120, HP OfficeJet Pro 8130, HP OfficeJet Pro 9110, HP OfficeJet Pro 9120, HP OfficeJet Pro 9130, HP OfficeJet Pro 9720, HP OfficeJet Pro 9730.
First steps for any printer error
- Write down the exact code before you do anything else — similar-looking codes often mean completely different things.
- Power the printer off, unplug it for a couple of minutes, then power it back on. A surprising number of transient errors clear here.
- Open the covers and check for paper scraps, packaging material, or anything blocking the carriage.
- Check the cartridges or tanks are genuine, correctly seated, and not empty.
- Confirm the printer is plugged directly into a wall outlet, not a power strip or extension lead.
- Check your model’s own manual — codes are model-specific, and the manual is the authority for your machine.
Source: HP Customer Support - HP OfficeJet Pro Printers, 'Carriage Jam' error. Codes are model-specific, so your own model's manual is the final word. Reviewed October 2026.
Still showing Carriage Jam?
Tell our printer technician your model and what you've tried. You'll find out whether it's fixable at home or worth repairing at all.
Ask about my printer — $1Eric Paul Amora · Printer & Hardware Repair Technician