How to Fix HP OfficeJet Pro Carriage Jam and Error 71.02.4A

Question:
My HP OfficeJet Pro 8012, 8035, 8022, or 8025 printer has a carriage jam issue. The printhead gets stuck on the right side. I managed to move the gears on the left with my finger without disassembling, which allowed the cartridge to move left and right again. However, I'm still getting the same error 71.02.4A. The carriage does not come out to the middle when I open the lid. I also noticed splattered and pooled black ink at the far right bottom area, around a rubber-like ribbon loop, and the black plastic track beneath it. Is it worth disassembling and cleaning the unit, or will that be a waste of time?

Answer:

The error code 71.02.4A usually points to a carriage stall or obstruction. Since you were able to free the carriage by manually moving the white gears, you've already ruled out one of the most common mechanical blockages. However, the fact that the carriage still won't return to the center when opening the lid indicates that the printer's sensors or encoder system may still be compromised.

Here are some areas to check and possible fixes:

1. Ink Pooling and Splattering

   • The pooling of black ink you observed near the right-hand "service station" is a strong indicator of a clogged or overfilled waste ink pad. This area collects excess ink during purging cycles, and when it gets saturated, ink can spill into the track and sensor area.

   • Excess ink buildup can coat the carriage encoder strip (the thin, semi-transparent film running behind the carriage) or the encoder disk (attached to the gear system). If these parts are smudged, the carriage loses positional accuracy and triggers repeated stall errors. Cleaning them with a lint-free cloth lightly moistened with distilled water or isopropyl alcohol can sometimes resolve the issue.

2. Carriage Path Obstruction

   • Even if the gears are free, dried ink or debris on the carriage rail can cause resistance. Carefully wiping the rail with a soft cloth and re-lubricating with a small amount of light machine oil (not WD-40) may restore smooth motion.

3. Service Station and Pump Assembly

   • The rubber-like ribbon you described is likely part of the pump cap or service station. If this area is clogged with ink, the carriage may not be able to dock correctly, triggering error 71.02.4A. Partial disassembly and cleaning of the service station can sometimes help, but it's a messy and time-consuming process.

   • If the waste ink pad is fully saturated, it will need replacing. Unfortunately, HP doesn't officially provide replacement pads for these models, so it may require third-party parts or a workaround.

4. When Disassembly Is Worth It

   • If you're comfortable with precision work and already have the tools, disassembly and cleaning can sometimes bring the printer back to life. However, if the electronics or sensors have been damaged by the ink overflow, cleaning alone won't resolve the issue.

   • Many users find that after disassembly and cleaning, the same error persists, which is why it can feel like wasted effort. That being said, if the printer is already unusable, attempting a careful cleaning may be a worthwhile last step before considering replacement.

Addressing printer issues can be complex due to the hands-on nature of the problems. Because of this, we're unable to provide remote troubleshooting or repairs. However, we do offer an in-person evaluation and repair service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service) at our local diagnostic facility. Repairs are handled on a first-come, first-served basis, and it may take a few weeks before your printer can be processed. We provide services for full printer repairs or specific parts, but please note that our rates may not always be the most economical. That's why we also recommend trying self-help solutions first. You can search our BCH Technologies YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies) for detailed videos using the search icon on the channel's homepage. YouTube may also suggest additional videos from other creators that could be useful.

Thank you once again for reaching out. Your engagement helps us continue to provide in-depth answers and resources for the printer community.