DIAGNOSIS That’s a carriage error. The print head carriage is physically stuck or hitting an obstruction, usually because a piece of paper, a dried ink drip, or a foreign object is jamming its path.
FIX First, turn the printer off and unplug it from the wall. Open the front cover and look inside the carriage track. Use a flashlight to spot any bits of paper or debris. Gently remove anything you see. Next, manually move the print head carriage. It should slide smoothly from side to side. If it’s stuck, don’t force it; check for a clearer obstruction. Once it moves freely, plug the printer back in and turn it on. It should do a startup cycle and clear the error.
IF THAT DIDN'T WORK If the carriage moves but the error returns, the issue might be the encoder strip—the thin, clear plastic strip behind the carriage. It gets dirty. Power off again, and with a lint-free cloth lightly dampened with distilled water (not alcohol or cleaner), gently wipe the strip clean. Let it dry completely before powering on.
HEADS UP Never spray cleaners directly into the printer. If you manually move the carriage, do it gently and only when the printer is off and unplugged to avoid damaging the motor.