<h1 data-path-to-node="0"><strong data-path-to-node="0" data-index-in-node="0">{FIXED} HP Printer "E3" &amp; "E4" Error Guide (2026 Edition)</strong></h1>
<p data-path-to-node="1">If your HP printer is displaying an <strong data-path-to-node="1" data-index-in-node="36">E3</strong> or <strong data-path-to-node="1" data-index-in-node="42">E4</strong> error code on the control panel, your device has encountered a mechanical obstruction. In 2026, these codes are the most common physical alerts for the <strong data-path-to-node="1" data-index-in-node="197">HP Smart Tank</strong>, <strong data-path-to-node="1" data-index-in-node="212">DeskJet</strong>, and <strong data-path-to-node="1" data-index-in-node="225">Envy</strong> series. An <strong data-path-to-node="1" data-index-in-node="241">E3</strong> indicates a carriage stall, while an <strong data-path-to-node="1" data-index-in-node="281">E4</strong> signifies a paper jam or sensor failure.</p>
<p data-path-to-node="2">For immediate help with a 2026 mechanical reset or to bypass a persistent "Paper Jam" alert, you can speak with a technical specialist at <strong data-path-to-node="2" data-index-in-node="138">[phone]</strong>.</p>
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<h3 data-path-to-node="4"><strong data-path-to-node="4" data-index-in-node="0">I. Understanding the 3-4 Error Codes</strong></h3>
<ul data-path-to-node="5">
<li>
<p data-path-to-node="5,0,0"><strong data-path-to-node="5,0,0" data-index-in-node="0">E3 (Carriage Stall):</strong> The internal "cradle" that holds your ink cartridges is stuck. This is often caused by a dislodged cartridge, a snapped timing belt, or a 2026 firmware glitch that misreads the carriage position.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p data-path-to-node="5,1,0"><strong data-path-to-node="5,1,0" data-index-in-node="0">E4 (Paper Jam):</strong> The printer detects paper in the path when there shouldn't be any. In 2026, this error can also trigger if the <strong data-path-to-node="5,1,0" data-index-in-node="127">Paper Width Sensor</strong> is dirty or if you are using non-standard "Eco-Paper" that is too thin for the rollers.</p>
</li>
</ul>
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<h3 data-path-to-node="7"><strong data-path-to-node="7" data-index-in-node="0">II. Step-by-Step Fixes for E3 &amp; E4 Errors</strong></h3>
<h4 data-path-to-node="8"><strong data-path-to-node="8" data-index-in-node="0">1. Resolving the E3 Carriage Stall</strong></h4>
<ol start="1" data-path-to-node="9">
<li>
<p data-path-to-node="9,0,0"><strong data-path-to-node="9,0,0" data-index-in-node="0">Open the Access Door:</strong> With the printer ON, open the main cartridge access door.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p data-path-to-node="9,1,0"><strong data-path-to-node="9,1,0" data-index-in-node="0">Clear Obstructions:</strong> Check the far left and far right of the printer for any scraps of paper or packing tape.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p data-path-to-node="9,2,0"><strong data-path-to-node="9,2,0" data-index-in-node="0">Manual Slide:</strong> Gently try to push the carriage. If it&rsquo;s locked, do not force it.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p data-path-to-node="9,3,0"><strong data-path-to-node="9,3,0" data-index-in-node="0">Reset the Logic:</strong> While the door is open, unplug the power cord from the back. Wait 60 seconds, plug it back in, and close the door. This forces the 2026 controller to "re-home" the carriage.</p>
</li>
</ol>
<h4 data-path-to-node="10"><strong data-path-to-node="10" data-index-in-node="0">2. Resolving the E4 Paper Jam</strong></h4>
<ol start="1" data-path-to-node="11">
<li>
<p data-path-to-node="11,0,0"><strong data-path-to-node="11,0,0" data-index-in-node="0">Check All Trays:</strong> Remove all paper from the input and output trays.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p data-path-to-node="11,1,0"><strong data-path-to-node="11,1,0" data-index-in-node="0">Clean the Rollers:</strong> Use a lint-free cloth lightly dampened with water to clean the rubber pick-up rollers. Dust buildup in 2026 is a leading cause of "ghost" jams.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p data-path-to-node="11,2,0"><strong data-path-to-node="11,2,0" data-index-in-node="0">Reset the Sensor:</strong> If no paper is found, the sensor might be "blind." Shine a flashlight into the paper path to ensure no tiny scraps are covering the 2026 optical eye.</p>
</li>
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<p data-path-to-node="11,3,0"><strong data-path-to-node="11,3,0" data-index-in-node="0">Firmware Sync:</strong> Sometimes an E4 is a software error. Open the <strong data-path-to-node="11,3,0" data-index-in-node="61">HP Smart App</strong>, select <strong data-path-to-node="11,3,0" data-index-in-node="82">Diagnose &amp; Fix</strong>, and let the 2026 utility clear the stuck print queue.</p>
</li>
</ol>
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<h3 data-path-to-node="13"><strong data-path-to-node="13" data-index-in-node="0">III. 2026 Maintenance &amp; Service Table</strong></h3>
<table data-path-to-node="14">
<thead>
<tr>
<td><strong>Error Code</strong></td>
<td><strong>Meaning</strong></td>
<td><strong>2026 Pro-Tip</strong></td>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><span data-path-to-node="14,1,0,0"><strong data-path-to-node="14,1,0,0" data-index-in-node="0">E3</strong></span></td>
<td><span data-path-to-node="14,1,1,0">Carriage Stall</span></td>
<td><span data-path-to-node="14,1,2,0">Check if the <strong data-path-to-node="14,1,2,0" data-index-in-node="13">Clear Plastic Strip</strong> (Encoder Strip) is oily or dirty.</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span data-path-to-node="14,2,0,0"><strong data-path-to-node="14,2,0,0" data-index-in-node="0">E4</strong></span></td>
<td><span data-path-to-node="14,2,1,0">Paper Jam</span></td>
<td><span data-path-to-node="14,2,2,0">Ensure your paper guides are snug but not tight against the stack.</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span data-path-to-node="14,3,0,0"><strong data-path-to-node="14,3,0,0" data-index-in-node="0">E1 / E2</strong></span></td>
<td><span data-path-to-node="14,3,1,0">Size Mismatch</span></td>
<td><span data-path-to-node="14,3,2,0">Your 2026 software settings (A4/Letter) don't match the loaded paper.</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span data-path-to-node="14,4,0,0"><strong data-path-to-node="14,4,0,0" data-index-in-node="0">E9</strong></span></td>
<td><span data-path-to-node="14,4,1,0">Firmware Error</span></td>
<td><span data-path-to-node="14,4,2,0">The 2026 update failed. Call <strong data-path-to-node="14,4,2,0" data-index-in-node="29">[phone]</strong> for a manual flash.</span></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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<h3 data-path-to-node="16"><strong data-path-to-node="16" data-index-in-node="0">IV. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)</strong></h3>
<p data-path-to-node="17"><strong data-path-to-node="17" data-index-in-node="0">Q: Why does my printer say E4 when there is no paper inside?</strong></p>
<p data-path-to-node="17"><strong data-path-to-node="17" data-index-in-node="61">A:</strong> This is a "Ghost Jam." It usually means the 2026 paper sensor is stuck in the "Down" position or there is a hardware failure in the gear assembly. For a sensor reset, call <strong data-path-to-node="17" data-index-in-node="236">[phone]</strong>.</p>
<p data-path-to-node="18"><strong data-path-to-node="18" data-index-in-node="0">Q: Can a 2026 firmware update fix an E3 error?</strong></p>
<p data-path-to-node="18"><strong data-path-to-node="18" data-index-in-node="47">A:</strong> Yes. If the carriage stall is caused by a software "timing" issue, the latest 2026 firmware will recalibrate the motor speeds.</p>
<p data-path-to-node="19"><strong data-path-to-node="19" data-index-in-node="0">Q: My printer makes a loud grinding noise and then shows E3.</strong></p>
<p data-path-to-node="19"><strong data-path-to-node="19" data-index-in-node="61">A:</strong> This indicates the gears are slipping or the timing belt is worn out. Avoid further printing to prevent motor burnout and contact the 2026 service line at <strong data-path-to-node="19" data-index-in-node="219">[phone]</strong>.</p>
<p data-path-to-node="20"><strong data-path-to-node="20" data-index-in-node="0">Q: Does using 3rd party paper cause E4 errors?</strong></p>
<p data-path-to-node="20"><strong data-path-to-node="20" data-index-in-node="47">A:</strong> In 2026, many sensors are calibrated for specific paper weights. Using very light or very glossy non-HP paper can cause the rollers to slip, triggering a false E4 jam.</p>