why does my smart tank make a loud grinding or crunching noise when it starts up or prints?

— asked by Taylor

Quick answer: That's the sound of the printhead carriage hitting an obstruction. The most likely culprit is a dried blob of ink or a forgotten piece of packing material stuck in its track.

Diagnosis

That's the sound of the printhead carriage hitting an obstruction. The most likely culprit is a dried blob of ink or a forgotten piece of packing material stuck in its track.

How to Fix It

Power off and unplug the printer. Open the scanner unit to expose the interior. Manually move the printhead carriage (the part that holds the ink cartridges) from side to side along its silver rail. Feel for any grit or stickiness. If you find any, dampen a lint-free cloth with a little distilled water, wring it out well, and wipe the silver rail clean. Also wipe the plastic guide on the back. Let it dry completely.

If That Didn't Work

Check for a foreign object. A paperclip, staple, or that little orange plastic shipping lock (it should have been removed) can fall into the track. Inspect with a flashlight and remove anything you find.

Heads Up

Never spray cleaners directly into the printer. If you use a cleaner on the cloth, make sure it's specifically for electronics and doesn't leave a residue. Forcing the carriage while the printer is on can strip the gears.

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