Can you keep using it?
Can you keep using it?
Contact customer support if any of these apply
- !E3 returns immediately after restart.
- !The carriage cannot move cleanly or feels physically blocked.
What to check first
Step-by-step checks
- 1
Safe first step
Power the printer off before checking the carriage area.
Start with the official recovery step before moving on to parts or deeper servicing.
- 2
Safe first step
Remove any obvious scraps or obstructions without forcing the carriage.
- 3
Safe first step
Restart once after the carriage path looks clear.
Background
What this message usually means
HP uses E3 or a carriage jam message on the OfficeJet Pro 9010 and 9020 family when the print carriage cannot move through its path cleanly. It usually points to a paper-path obstruction, stuck carriage, or supply-state problem that needs a careful check before forcing anything.
Diagnosis
Likely causes
A paper scrap or obstruction is blocking the carriage path.
The carriage is stuck after a jam or interrupted startup.
A supply or internal latch is out of place and preventing carriage movement.
Service
When service or replacement is more likely
- -Do not force the carriage through resistance because that can turn a recoverable jam into a service repair.
See also
Related codes in this family
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Keep browsing
Where to go next
Source notes
HP's OfficeJet Pro 9010 and 9020 troubleshooting page includes a Carriage Jam or E3 error path for this family.
Built around official HP support guidance for the OfficeJet Pro 9010 and 9020 families. Exact wording can vary a little by firmware, app workflow, and regional support site.
Printer error codes can vary a little by firmware, region, and exact model variant. Use this guide as a family-level starting point and stop if the next step would require disassembly or service-mode changes.
Known family variants: OfficeJet Pro 9010, OfficeJet Pro 9012, OfficeJet Pro 9015, OfficeJet Pro 9020, OfficeJet Pro 9022, OfficeJet Pro 9025
Last reviewed: 2026-04-12
Reference: Open reference