canon g7020 making a loud grinding noise when it tries to print, like it's stuck

Diagnosis

The loud grinding noise in the Canon PIXMA G7020 is almost always caused by a mechanical obstruction preventing the print head carriage from completing its travel path. When the stepper motor attempts to move the carriage and hits a physical block, the gears continue to spin against each other, creating a high-pitched "ratcheting" or grinding sound. This is typically caused by a "paper jam" that hasn't fully cleared, where a small strip of paper (often less than an inch long) is lodged in the far left or right margins of the carriage path. Another common cause is a failure of the plastic encoder strip—the thin, clear translucent ribbon that runs across the width of the printer. If this strip becomes smudged with grease or ink, the printer "loses" the position of the carriage. It may then try to drive the carriage past its physical limit, resulting in a violent grinding noise as the motor fights the physical end-stop. You can confirm this by checking if the carriage slams into the side of the chassis before the noise begins, or if it stops abruptly in the middle of the tray.

How to Fix It

1. Power off the printer and disconnect the power cable from the wall to prevent any accidental movement of the carriage during the process.
2. Open the main scanning unit/cover to expose the interior.
3. Using a high-lumen flashlight, inspect the far left and far right ends of the carriage rail. Look for tiny scraps of paper, staples, or paperclips that may have fallen into the track.
4. Gently attempt to slide the print head carriage by hand. If it resists, do not force it. Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to extract any visible debris from the gear assembly or the rail.
5. Locate the encoder strip (the clear plastic strip running horizontally behind the carriage). Dampen a lint-free microfiber cloth with a small amount of distilled water or 70% isopropyl alcohol.
6. Gently wipe the strip from one end to the other. Do not apply heavy pressure, as displacing the strip from its mounting clips will cause a "Carriage Error" (Error B200).
7. Ensure the carriage can now slide smoothly from the far left (home position) to the far right without any clicking or resistance.
8. Plug the unit back in and perform a power reset by holding the power button for 10 seconds.

If That Didn't Work

• Check the Rear Tray: Open the rear paper feed slot. Sometimes a piece of paper is folded over inside the feed mechanism, creating tension that pulls the carriage off-track. Use a flashlight to ensure the rollers are clear of any torn paper fragments.
• Inspect the Ink Valve Lever: On the G7020, ensure the ink transport levers are in the correct "Printing" position. If a lever is partially engaged or jammed, it can physically obstruct the carriage's path during the cleaning cycle.
• Clear the Paper Output Tray: Check the output tray area for any "accordion-style" jams. If paper is jammed deep in the output slot, it can create back-pressure that prevents the carriage from moving forward, triggering the grinding motor.
• Lubricate the Carriage Rail: If the grinding is a "dry" sound rather than a "crash," the metal rail may have lost its factory lubrication. Apply a tiny amount of high-grade synthetic grease (lithium-based) to the metal rail using a cotton swab, then slide the carriage back and forth to distribute it.

Heads Up

• Never use oil-based lubricants (like WD-40) on the carriage rail, as these can attract dust and eventually gum up the motor gears.
• Avoid touching the encoder strip with your bare fingers; skin oils can create "blind spots" that lead to misalignment and grinding.
• If you hear a loud "crack" followed by the grinding, the plastic gear on the carriage drive may have stripped. This requires a full replacement of the carriage assembly.
• Always keep the printer covered when not in use to prevent dust and foreign objects from falling into the open ink tank areas and the carriage track.