Hi @SullyFarms,
Welcome to HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.
It sounds like you've already tried all the typical troubleshooting steps, which is frustrating. Given that your SmartTank 5101's alignment keeps failing despite the printheads being properly installed and the carriage moving normally, there are a few possibilities to explore.
- Printhead Alignment Sensor Issue: It's possible that the sensor responsible for detecting printhead alignment is malfunctioning. Since the printhead carriage is moving normally, this could be a sensor issue that prevents it from detecting proper alignment.
- Ink Cartridges or Ink Levels: Even though the ink has been installed, ensure that the cartridges are properly seated and that ink levels are sufficient for printing.
- Printhead Contacts: Check that the electrical contacts on both the printhead and the printer are clean and free from ink residue or dirt. Sometimes this can interfere with alignment.
- Firmware Issue: If your printer's firmware is out of date, it may not properly handle alignment. You can check for updates through the HP Smart app or the printer's control panel.
- Defective Printhead or Printer: Given your description, there's a chance that your printhead or the printer's alignment mechanism is defective.
I hope this helps.
Take care and have a good day.
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Alden4
HP Support