This article will discuss HP DeskJet 6980 printer front panel lights meaning in detail.
Table of Contents
Blinking Power Light – HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Front Panel Lights Meaning
When you see the power light blinking, you don’t have to worry as this is a normal printer operation. The power light of your printer will blink when it is receiving data to carry out a print job.
Therefore, wait for your printer to complete the print job.
We recommend that you read this article: What Does This Mean On An HP Printer? [Detailed Guide] to learn more about other things you might not know about your HP printer.
Blinking Resume Light, and your Computer Might Display a Message – HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Front Panel Lights Meaning
When the Resume light blinks, it means an error has occurred. This condition is usually accompanied by a message that is displayed on your computer screen to detail the type of error that has occurred.
This error condition can be caused by any of the following:
- No paper is loaded in the printer.
- Jammed paper in the printer.
- Incompatible cartridge.
- Incorrectly installed cartridge.
To fix this error condition, you need to check the computer screen for the displayed error message and then proceed with the solution we have provided below for each error message.
Out of Paper – HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Front Panel Lights Meaning
If your computer displays this message: “Out of paper,” it means that there is no paper loaded in your printer. To fix this error, you need to reload paper into your printer.
How to Reload Paper into HP DeskJet 6980 Printer – HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Front Panel Lights Meaning
To reload paper into an HP DeskJet 6980 printer series, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Raise your printer’s output tray.
Step 2: Move the paper width guides to their furthermost positions.
Step 3: Insert a paper stack into the printer’s tray with the print side facing down.
Step 4: Push the paper stack as far as it can go into the printer.
Step 5: Move the paper width guides to hold the paper stack by its edges.
Ensure that the guides don’t squeeze the stack.
Step 6: Lower your printer’s output tray.
Step 7: Press your printer’s Resume button.
Your printer should resume printing.
If your printer doesn’t resume printing, service your HP printer.
How to Service HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Series – HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Front Panel Lights Meaning
To service your printer, contact HP Customer Support to fix a date for your printer’s repair. If you live in the Asia Pacific, you will be told to contact the nearest service center.
Printers under warranty will be serviced for free, and if the printer cannot be repaired, you will get a replacement for free.
You can click here to check the warranty status of your HP printer.
Print Cartridge Missing – HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Front Panel Lights Meaning
If your computer displays this message: “Print cartridge missing,” it means that one or both ink cartridges are not installed in the printer. It could also mean that the electrical contacts on the cartridges are not in proper contact with the electrical contacts in the printer.
To fix this issue, do the solutions below in the given order.
Important: You need to confirm that you are using compatible cartridges before you try the solutions below.
You can get replacement cartridges from a reliable retailer or the HP Store.
You can continue with the first solution if the ink cartridges are installed in the printer.
If any or both cartridges are not installed, skip to the fourth solution.
1. Remove, Examine, and then Reinstall the Ink Cartridges – HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Front Panel Lights Meaning
Removing, examining, and then reinstalling the ink cartridges will ensure that the cartridges and printer have proper contact.
To remove, examine, and then reinstall the ink cartridges, do the following steps:
Step 1: Turn on your printer by pressing the Power button if your printer is turned off.
Step 2: Open your printer’s cover.
This will cause the carriage to move to the printer’s right side.
Step 3: Wait for the carriage to become silent and idle before you proceed.
Step 4: Gently press down the carriage latch’s top area.
Step 5: Unhook the latch of the carriage by pulling it up.
Step 6: Take out the cartridge from its slot.
Caution: Ensure that you don’t touch the ink nozzles or the contacts on the cartridge. Doing so can lead to poor electrical connections, ink failure, and clogs.
Step 7: Examine the ink cartridge.
Step 8: Ensure that the protective tape is removed from the nozzles and contacts. If you find any protective tape on the cartridge, remove them.
Step 9: Hold the sides of the cartridge, while ensuring that the nozzle is facing the printer.
Step 10: Install the ink cartridge into the correct slot.
The icon on the slot must match the icon on the ink cartridge.
- The left slot is for the tri-color ink cartridge.
- The right slot is for the photo or black ink cartridge.
Step 11: Close the cartridge latch by pressing down on it.
Ensure that it is properly closed.
Step 12: Remove, examine, and then install the other ink cartridge following the same steps shared above.
Step 13: Close your printer’s cover.
Check if the problem is resolved.
If the problem is resolved, you can stop troubleshooting.
On the other hand, if the problem persists, do the solution below.
2. Clean the Contacts on the Ink Cartridges – HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Front Panel Lights Meaning
To clean the contacts on the ink cartridges, follow the steps below:
Note: Ensure that you carry out the cleaning process quickly to prevent the ink cartridges from being outside the printer for more than 30 minutes. When ink cartridges stay outside for that long, it usually leads to the ink drying up and then clogging the cartridge nozzles.
Step 1: Get the following:
i. Clean distilled, filtered, or bottled water.
Do not use tap water as the contaminants it might contain might damage your printer.
ii. Clean fluff-free cloth or cotton swabs. You can also use coffee filters.
iii. Paper towel or paper sheets.
Step 2: Open your printer’s cover.
This will cause the carriage to move to the printer’s right side.
Step 3: Wait for the carriage to become silent and idle before you proceed.
Step 4: Unplug the power cable from your printer.
Warning: Do not try to clean the cartridge contacts while your printer is plugged into power as this can lead to electrical shock and injury.
Step 5: Gently press down the carriage latch’s top area.
Step 6: Unhook the latch of the carriage by pulling it up.
Step 7: Take out the cartridge from its slot.
Caution: Don’t take out both ink cartridges at once from your printer. Instead, remove one first, and then finish cleaning it before turning your attention to the other cartridge. Also, ensure that the cartridge is not outside your printer for more than 30 minutes.
Step 8: Dampen a cotton swab or fluff-free cloth with distilled, filtered, or bottled water.
Step 9: Squeeze out the excess water from the cloth or swab.
Step 10: Clean the cartridge’s contacts with the damp cloth or swab.
Caution: Ensure that you don’t clean the cartridge’s nozzles as this might damage the cartridge.
Step 11: Dampen another cotton swab or another part of the fluff-free cloth with distilled, filtered, or bottled water.
Step 12: Squeeze out the excess liquid from the cloth or swab.
Step 13: Clean the contacts within the printer’s carriage with the damp cloth or swab.
Step 14: Allow the electrical contacts to dry naturally. You might have to wait about 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can get another swab or a dry fluff-free cloth to dry the electrical contacts yourself.
Step 15: Hold the sides of the cartridge, while ensuring that the nozzle is facing the printer.
Step 16: Install the ink cartridge into the correct slot.
The icon on the slot must match the icon on the ink cartridge.
- The left slot is for the tri-color ink cartridge.
- The right slot is for the photo or black ink cartridge.
Step 17: Close the printer’s cartridge latch by pressing down on it.
Ensure that it is properly closed.
Step 18: Clean the electrical contacts on the other ink cartridge following the same steps shared above.
Step 19: Close your printer’s cover.
Step 20: Plug the power cable into your printer.
Step 21: Turn on your printer by pressing the power button.
Check if the problem is resolved.
If the problem is resolved, you can stop troubleshooting.
On the other hand, if the problem persists, do the solution below.
3. Reinstall and then Clean the Contacts Again – HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Front Panel Lights Meaning
After doing the second solution, and the problem is unresolved, repeat the steps in solutions 1 and 2.
After repeating the steps in both solutions, check if the problem is resolved.
If the problem is resolved, you can stop troubleshooting.
On the other hand, if the problem persists, do the solution below.
4. Replace the Ink Cartridges in HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Series – HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Front Panel Lights Meaning
To replace the ink cartridges in HP DeskJet 6980 printer series, do the following steps:
Step 1: Turn on your printer by pressing the Power button if your printer is turned off.
Step 2: Open your printer’s cover.
This will cause the carriage to move to the printer’s right side.
Step 3: Wait for the carriage to become silent and idle before you proceed.
Step 4: Gently press down the carriage latch’s top area.
Step 5: Unhook the latch of the carriage by pulling it up.
Step 6: Take out the cartridge from its slot.
Step 7: Take out the replacement cartridge from the packaging.
Step 8: Remove the protective plastic tape on the replacement cartridge by pulling the tab.
Caution: Ensure that you don’t touch the ink nozzles or the contacts on the ink cartridge. Doing so can lead to poor electrical connections, ink failure, and clogs.
Step 9: Hold the sides of the cartridge, while ensuring that the nozzle is facing the printer.
Step 10: Install the ink cartridge into the correct slot.
The icon on the slot must match the icon on the ink cartridge.
- The left slot is for the tri-color ink cartridge.
- The right slot is for the photo or black ink cartridge.
Step 11: Close the cartridge latch by pressing down on it.
Ensure that it is properly closed.
Step 12: If necessary, repeat the steps above to replace the other ink cartridge.
Step 13: Close your printer’s cover.
Check if the problem is resolved.
If the problem is resolved, you can stop troubleshooting.
On the other hand, if the problem persists, service your HP printer.
To service your HP printer, follow the instructions we shared under the “How to Service HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Series” section of this article.
Wrong Cartridge Inserted – HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Front Panel Lights Meaning
If your computer displays this message: “Wrong cartridge inserted,” it means that one or both cartridges are not compatible with your printer. It can also mean that the cartridges are not seating properly in the printer’s carriage.
To resolve this problem, do the following solutions in the given order.
1. Check the Combability of the Cartridge – HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Front Panel Lights Meaning
If the cartridges are not compatible with your HP printer, this issue will occur. Therefore, you need to confirm and ensure that the cartridges are compatible with your printer. You can consult your printer manual to find out what cartridges are compatible with your printer.
It is also recommended that you always purchase your cartridges from reliable retailers or the HP Store to avoid purchasing fake cartridges.
If you are certain that you are using compatible cartridges, jump to solution 2.
If you discover that you are using incompatible cartridges, jump to solution 5.
2. Remove, Examine, and then Reinstall the Cartridges – HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Front Panel Lights Meaning
To remove, examine, and then reinstall the cartridges, follow the steps we shared under the “Remove, Examine, and then Reinstall the Ink Cartridges” section of this article.
After removing, examining, and reinstalling the cartridges, check if the problem is resolved.
If the problem is resolved, you can stop troubleshooting.
On the other hand, if the problem persists, do the solution below.
3. Clean the Contacts on the Cartridge – HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Front Panel Lights Meaning
To clean the contacts on the ink cartridge, follow the steps we shared under the “Clean the Contacts on the Ink Cartridges” section of this article.
After cleaning the contacts on the cartridge, check if the problem is resolved.
If the problem is resolved, you can stop troubleshooting.
On the other hand, if the problem persists, do the solution below.
4. Repeat Solutions 2 and 3 – HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Front Panel Lights Meaning
In case the problem is not resolved after doing the solutions provided so far, repeat solutions 2 and 3.
After repeating solutions 2 and 3, check if the problem is resolved.
If the problem is resolved, you can stop troubleshooting.
On the other hand, if the problem persists, do the solution below.
5. Replace the Ink Cartridges – HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Front Panel Lights Meaning
To replace the ink cartridges, follow the steps we shared under the “Replace the Ink Cartridges in HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Series” section of this article.
After replacing the ink cartridges, check if the problem is resolved.
If the problem is resolved, you can stop troubleshooting.
On the other hand, if the problem persists, service your HP printer.
To service your HP printer, follow the instructions we shared under the “How to Service HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Series” section of this article.
Remove and Check [Left/Right] Cartridge – HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Front Panel Lights Meaning
If your computer displays this message: “Wrong cartridge inserted,” it means that one or both of the cartridges are not correctly seated in the printer’s carriage. It could also mean that the electrical contacts on the ink cartridges are dirty, and require cleaning.
To resolve this problem, do the solutions in the given order.
1. Remove, Examine, and then Reinstall the Cartridges – HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Front Panel Lights Meaning
To remove, examine, and then reinstall the cartridges, follow the steps we shared under the “Remove, Examine, and then Reinstall the Ink Cartridges” section of this article.
After removing, examining, and reinstalling the cartridges, check if the problem is resolved.
If the problem is resolved, you can stop troubleshooting.
On the other hand, if the problem persists, do the solution below.
2. Clean the Electrical Contacts on the Cartridge – HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Front Panel Lights Meaning
To clean the electrical contacts on the cartridge, follow the steps we shared under the “Clean the Contacts on the Ink Cartridges” section of this article.
After cleaning the contacts on the cartridge, check if the problem is resolved.
If the problem is resolved, you can stop troubleshooting.
On the other hand, if the problem persists, do the solution below.
3. Repeat Solutions 1 and 2 – HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Front Panel Lights Meaning
In case the problem is not resolved after doing the solutions provided so far, repeat solutions 1 and 2.
After repeating solutions 1 and 2, check if the problem is resolved.
If the problem is resolved, you can stop troubleshooting.
On the other hand, if the problem persists, do the solution below.
4. Replace the Ink Cartridges – HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Front Panel Lights Meaning
To replace the ink cartridges, follow the steps we shared under the “Replace the Ink Cartridges in HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Series” section of this article.
After replacing the ink cartridges, check if the problem is resolved.
If the problem is resolved, you can stop troubleshooting.
On the other hand, if the problem persists, service your HP printer.
To service your HP printer, follow the instructions we shared under the “How to Service HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Series” section of this article.
Paper Jam – HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Front Panel Lights Meaning
If your computer displays this message: “Paper jam,” it means that there is paper jammed in your printer.
To resolve this problem, do the following solutions in the given order.
1. Turn off and then Turn on your HP Printer – HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Front Panel Lights Meaning
To turn off and then turn on your HP printer, do the following tasks:
1. Turn off and then Turn on your printer – HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Front Panel Lights Meaning
To turn off your and then turn on your printer, do the steps below:
Step 1: Turn off your printer by pressing the power button.
If your printer refuses to turn off, jump to solution 2.
Step 2: Wait for 60 seconds.
Step 3: Turn on your printer by pressing the power button.
Note: If your printer enters a period of warm-up, allow it to complete the warm-up before you proceed. The warm-up period should not exceed two minutes.
Do the next task.
2. Print out a Self-Test Report on HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Series – HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Front Panel Lights Meaning
To print out a self-test report on an HP DeskJet 6980 printer series, do the following steps:
Step 1: Load your printer’s input tray with normal white paper.
Step 2: Press down your printer’s Print Cancel button.
This action will cause your printer to print a self-test report.
If the problem is resolved, and your printer prints the report, don’t troubleshoot further.
If the problem persists, do the solution below.
If the report fails to print, do the solution below.
2. Remove the Paper Jam from HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Series – HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Front Panel Lights Meaning
Do the following tasks in the given order to remove the paper jam from your HP printer.
1. Remove Loose Paper Sheets from the Printer’s Tray – HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Front Panel Lights Meaning
Check the printer’s input and output trays for loose paper sheets. If you find any, remove them from the tray.
Caution: Don’t attempt to take out the jammed paper at this point. Trying to do so might damage your printer’s print mechanism.
Do the next task.
2. Remove the Jammed Paper from the Printer’s Rear Area – HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Front Panel Lights Meaning
Use any of the methods below to remove the jammed paper from the rear area of your printer.
Remove the Jammed Paper through the Printer’s Rear Access Door – Method 1
To remove the jammed paper through the printer’s rear access door, do the following steps:
Step 1: Turn off your printer by pressing the power button.
Step 2: Unplug the power cable from your printer.
Step 3: Locate and then press both latch handles on the printer’s rear access door to the middle.
Step 4: Remove the rear access door by pulling it out.
Step 5: Carefully pull out the jammed paper from the printer’s rear area if you find any.
If you were printing labels, ensure that while you were pulling out the label, no label was detached from the sheet.
Caution: In case the jammed paper tears, ensure that you check the wheels and rollers for the torn paper pieces within the device. If these pieces are left in the printer, they could cause paper jams in the future.
Step 6: Reattach the printer’s rear access door to the printer’s rear area.
Ensure that it closes properly.
Remove the Jammed Paper from the Duplexer (Two-Sided Printing Accessory) – Method 2
To remove the jammed paper from the duplexer (two-sided printing accessory), follow the steps below:
Step 1: Turn off your printer by pressing the power button.
Step 2: Unplug the power cable from your printer.
Step 3: Locate and press down the buttons on the duplexer’s sides.
Step 4: Remove the duplexer from your printer by pulling it out.
Step 5: Carefully pull out the jammed paper from your printer’s rear area if you find any.
Step 6: Open the door on the duplexer.
Step 7: Carefully pull out the jammed paper from inside your printer’s duplexer if you find any.
Step 8: Close the door on the duplexer.
Ensure that the door closes properly.
Step 9: Reattach the two-sided printing accessory (duplexer) to your printer’s rear area.
Ensure that the duplexer is properly reattached to the printer.
Remove the Jammed Paper from the Duplexer (Two-Sided Printing Accessory) with the Small Paper Tray Attached – Method 3
To remove the jammed paper from the duplexer (two-sided printing accessory) with the small paper tray attached, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Turn off your printer by pressing the power button.
Step 2: Unplug the power cable from your printer.
Step 3: Locate and press down the buttons on the duplexer’s sides.
Step 4: Remove the duplexer with the small paper tray attached from your printer by pulling it out.
Step 5: Carefully pull out the jammed paper from your printer’s rear area if you find any.
Step 6: Check the duplexer, and raise the lever on the small paper tray’s back area.
This will unhook the small paper tray.
Step 7: Incline the tray forward.
Step 8: Open the door on the duplexer.
Step 9: Carefully pull out the jammed paper from within the duplexer if you find any.
Step 10: Close the door on the duplexer. Ensure that it closes properly.
Step 11: Return the lever to its original position to secure the duplexer door.
Step 12: Reattach the two-sided printing accessory with the small paper tray to your printer’s rear area. Ensure that it is well secured.
Check if the problem is resolved.
If the problem is resolved, stop troubleshooting.
If the problem persists, remove the jammed paper from the next printer area.
3. Remove the Jammed Paper from the Printer’s Front Area – HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Front Panel Lights Meaning
To remove the jammed paper from the printer’s front area, do the following steps:
Step 1: Confirm that the power cable is removed from your printer’s back area. If it is not, remove it.
Step 2: Open your printer’s cover.
Step 3: Check the inside of the printer, and carefully pull out the jammed paper you find.
Caution: Ensure that you carefully pull out the jammed paper. If the jammed paper is removed incorrectly, it can damage your printer’s printing mechanism.
Step 4: Confirm that there are no paper pieces inside the printer. If you find any, remove them.
Step 5: Close your printer’s cover.
Step 6: Plug the power cable into your printer.
Step 7: Turn on your printer by pressing the power button.
After doing the above steps, print out a self-test report.
To print out a self-test report, follow the steps we shared under the “Print out a Self-Test Report on HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Series” subsection of this article.
If the problem is resolved, and your printer prints the report, don’t troubleshoot further.
If the problem persists, do the solution below.
If the report fails to print, do the solution below.
3. Ensure that the Carriage is Moving Freely – HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Front Panel Lights Meaning
To ensure that the carriage is moving freely, do the following steps:
Step 1: Turn on your printer by pressing the power button if it is turned off.
Step 2: Open your printer’s cover.
This will cause the carriage to move to the printer’s right side.
Step 3: Wait for the carriage to become silent and idle before you proceed.
Step 4: Unplug the power cable from your printer.
Warning: Do not try to move the carriage while your printer is plugged into power as this can lead to electrical shock and injury.
Step 5: Check if any foreign object or paper is preventing the carriage from moving freely. If you find any, remove them.
Step 6: Place your hand on the carriage and then move it.
- Slide the carriage to the left if it is on the right.
- Slide the carriage to the right if it is on the left.
- Slide the carriage to the right if it is in the center.
Step 7: Ensure that the printer’s carriage can move without any obstruction from the left to the right.
Step 8: Close your printer’s cover.
Step 9: Plug the power cable into your printer.
Step 10: Turn on your printer by pressing the power button.
After doing the above steps, print out a self-test report.
To print out a self-test report, follow the steps we shared under the “Print out a Self-Test Report on HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Series” subsection of this article.
If the problem is resolved, and your printer prints the report, don’t troubleshoot further.
If the problem persists, do the solution below.
If the report fails to print, do the solution below.
4. Clean the Paper Feed Rollers – HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Front Panel Lights Meaning
When debris, paper fiber, or dust builds up on your printer’s paper feed rollers, it could lead to paper feed problems and paper jams.
To clean your printer’s paper feed rollers, use any of the methods below.
Clean the Paper Feed Rollers after Removing the Printer’s Rear Access Door – Method 1
To clean the paper feed rollers after removing the printer’s rear access door, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Turn off your printer by pressing the power button.
Step 2: Unplug the power cable from your printer.
Step 3: Locate and then press both latch handles on the printer’s rear access door to the middle.
Step 4: Remove the rear access door by pulling it out.
Step 5: Get the following:
i. Clean filtered, distilled, or bottled water.
Do not use tap water as the contaminants it might contain might damage your printer.
ii. Clean fluff-free cloth.
Step 6: Dampen the fluff-free cloth lightly with distilled, bottled, or filtered water.
Step 7: Squeeze excess water from the cloth.
Step 8: Press the fluff-free cloth against the paper feed rollers and apply a little pressure.
The pressure will ensure that dirt and dust buildup is removed.
Step 9: Use your fingers to rotate the rollers upwards.
Step 10: Wait for 10 to 15 seconds for the paper feed rollers to get dry before you proceed.
Step 11: Reattach the printer’s rear access door to the printer’s rear area.
Ensure that it closes properly.
Step 12: Plug the power cable into your printer.
Step 13: Turn on your printer by pressing the power button.
Clean the Paper Feed Rollers after Removing the Duplexer – Method 2
To clean the paper feed rollers after removing the duplexer, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Turn off your printer by pressing the power button.
Step 2: Unplug the power cable from your printer.
Step 3: Locate and press down the buttons on the duplexer’s sides.
Step 4: Remove the duplexer from your printer by pulling it out.
Step 5: Get the following:
i. Clean filtered, distilled, or bottled water.
Do not use tap water as the contaminants it might contain might damage your printer.
ii. Clean fluff-free cloth.
Step 6: Dampen the fluff-free cloth lightly with distilled, bottled, or filtered water.
Step 7: Squeeze excess water from the cloth.
Step 8: Press the fluff-free cloth against the paper feed rollers and apply a little pressure.
The pressure will ensure that dirt and dust buildup is removed.
Step 9: Use your fingers to rotate the rollers upwards.
Step 10: Wait for 10 to 15 seconds for the paper feed rollers to get dry before you proceed.
Step 11: Open the door on the duplexer.
Step 12: Reattach the two-sided printing accessory (duplexer) to your printer’s rear area.
Ensure that the duplexer is properly reattached to the printer.
After cleaning the paper feed rollers using any of the methods above, print out a self-test report.
To print out a self-test report, follow the steps we shared under the “Print out a Self-Test Report on HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Series” subsection of this article.
If the problem is resolved, and your printer prints the report, don’t troubleshoot further.
If the problem persists, do the solution below.
If the report fails to print, do the solution below.
5. Reset the HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Series – HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Front Panel Lights Meaning
The paper jam error might in some cases be a false error when there is no real paper jam. In such cases, a power reset should resolve the issue.
To power reset your HP printer, do the following steps:
Step 1: Confirm that your HP printer is on. If it is off, press the power button to turn it on.
Step 2: Remove the power cable from your HP printer.
Step 3: Disconnect the power cable from the electrical wall outlet.
Step 4: Wait for a minimum of 15 seconds.
Step 5: Reconnect the power cable to the electrical wall outlet.
Step 6: Plug the power cable into your HP printer.
Step 7: Press the power button to turn on your printer.
After resetting your printer, print out a self-test report.
To print out a self-test report, follow the steps we shared under the “Print out a Self-Test Report on HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Series” subsection of this article.
If the problem is resolved, and your printer prints the report, don’t troubleshoot further.
If the problem persists, do the solution below.
If the report fails to print, service your HP printer.
To service your HP printer, follow the instructions we shared under the “How to Service HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Series” section of this article.
Carriage Jam – HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Front Panel Lights Meaning
If your computer displays this message: “Carriage jam,” it means that there is a carriage jam.
To resolve this problem, do the following solutions in the given order.
1. Turn off and then Turn on your HP Printer – HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Front Panel Lights Meaning
To turn off and then turn on your HP printer, follow the instructions we shared under the “Turn off and then Turn on your HP Printer” section of this article.
If the issue is not resolved after doing the instructions, do the solution below.
2. Clear Paper Jam – HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Front Panel Lights Meaning
To clear the paper jam, follow the instructions we shared under the “Remove the Paper Jam from HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Series” section of this article.
If the issue is not resolved after doing the instructions, do the solution below.
3. Ensure that the Carriage is Moving Freely – HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Front Panel Lights Meaning
To ensure that the carriage is moving freely, follow the instructions we shared under the “Ensure that the Carriage is Moving Freely” section of this article.
If the issue is not resolved after doing the instructions, do the solution below.
4. Remove and then Reinstall the Cartridges – HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Front Panel Lights Meaning
Removing, and then reinstalling the cartridges will ensure that the cartridges are properly placed and installed in case they weren’t.
To remove and then reinstall the cartridges, do the following tasks.
1. Remove the Ink Cartridges – HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Front Panel Lights Meaning
To remove the ink cartridges, do the following steps:
Step 1: Turn on your printer by pressing the Power button if your printer is turned off.
Step 2: Open your printer’s cover.
This will cause the carriage to move to the printer’s right side.
Step 3: Wait for the carriage to become silent and idle before you proceed.
Step 4: Gently press down the carriage latch’s top area.
Step 5: Unhook the latch of the carriage by pulling it up.
Step 6: Take out the cartridge from its slot.
Caution: Ensure that you don’t touch the ink nozzles or the contacts on the cartridge. Doing so can lead to poor electrical connections, ink failure, and clogs.
Step 7: Repeat the above steps for the other ink cartridge.
Do the next task.
2. Reinstall the Ink Cartridges – HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Front Panel Lights Meaning
To reinstall the ink cartridges, do the following steps:
Step 1: Hold the sides of the cartridge, while ensuring that the nozzle is facing the printer.
Step 2: Install the ink cartridges into their correct slots.
The icon on the slot must match the icon on the ink cartridge.
- The left slot is for the tri-color ink cartridge.
- The right slot is for the photo or black ink cartridge.
Step 3: Close the cartridge latch by pressing down on it.
Ensure that it is properly closed.
Step 4: Close your printer’s cover.
Do the next task.
3. Print a Self-Test Report – HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Front Panel Lights Meaning
To print out a self-test report, follow the steps we shared under the “Print out a Self-Test Report on HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Series” subsection of this article.
If the problem is resolved, and your printer prints the report, don’t troubleshoot further.
If the problem persists, do the solution below.
If the report fails to print, do the solution below.
4. Plug your Printer Directly into an Electrical Wall Outlet – HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Front Panel Lights Meaning
Plugging your printer into other power sources might not supply your printer with the voltage required for it to function correctly. Therefore, plug your printer directly into an electrical wall outlet.
To plug your printer directly into an electrical wall outlet, do the following steps:
Step 1: Remove the power cable from your HP printer.
Step 2: Unplug the power cable from the power source (surge suppressor, power strip, etc.) it is connected to.
Step 3: Plug the power cable directly into an electrical wall outlet.
Step 4: Plug the power cable into your printer.
Step 5: Turn on your printer by pressing the power button.
After doing the steps above, print a self-test report.
To print out a self-test report, follow the steps we shared under the “Print out a Self-Test Report on HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Series” subsection of this article.
If the problem is resolved, and your printer prints the report, don’t troubleshoot further.
If the problem persists, do the solution below.
If the report fails to print, do the solution below.
5. Power Reset your printer – HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Front Panel Lights Meaning
To power reset your printer, follow the instructions we shared under the “Reset the HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Series” section of this article.
If the issue is unresolved, after following the instructions, service your HP printer.
To service your HP printer, follow the instructions we shared under the “How to Service HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Series” section of this article.
Turned-on Print Cartridge Status Lights (One or Both) – HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Front Panel Lights Meaning
When you see one or both of the print cartridge status lights on, these are indications that one or both of the installed ink cartridges has low ink.
The print cartridge status light on the left is for the tri-color cartridge while the print cartridge status light on the right is for the photo or black cartridge.
To resolve this problem, do the following tasks in the given order.
1. Check the Estimated Ink Levels of the Cartridges – HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Front Panel Lights Meaning
To check the estimated ink levels of the installed cartridges, click this link: Check the Ink Level of the Black Cartridge – HP Printer Warning Check Black Ink Cartridge, and then use any of the methods discussed under that link that works best for you.
If one of the cartridges has low ink, you need to think about replacing the affected cartridge. Therefore, skip to the next task to replace the affected cartridge or cartridges.
On the other hand, if none of the cartridges has low ink, resume printing normally.
Note: You don’t have to replace the cartridge when the ink is low. You can still print with the low ink until the ink is depleted or you become unhappy with the print quality.
2. Replace the Affected Cartridges – HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Front Panel Lights Meaning
To replace the affected cartridges, follow the steps we shared under the “Replace the Ink Cartridges in HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Series” section of this article.
If the issue is not resolved after replacing the affected cartridge or cartridges, service your printer.
To service your HP printer, follow the instructions we shared under the “How to Service HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Series” section of this article.
Blinking Print Cartridge Status Lights (One or Both) – HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Front Panel Lights Meaning
When you see one or both of the print cartridge status lights blinking, these are indications that one or both of the installed ink cartridges have become dirty and require cleaning or replacing.
- If the print cartridge status light on the right is blinking, the affected cartridge is the photo or black cartridge.
- If the print cartridge status light on the left is blinking, the affected cartridge is the tri-color cartridge.
Do the following solutions to resolve this problem.
1. Clean the Contacts on the Cartridges – HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Front Panel Lights Meaning
To clean the contacts on the cartridges, follow the steps we shared under the “Clean the Contacts on the Ink Cartridges” section of this article.
After cleaning the contacts, check if the problem is resolved.
If the problem is resolved, don’t troubleshoot further.
If the problem is unresolved, do the solution below.
2. Replace the Affected Cartridge – HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Front Panel Lights Meaning
To replace the affected cartridges, follow the steps we shared under the “Replace the Ink Cartridges in HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Series” section of this article.
If the issue is not resolved after replacing the affected cartridge or cartridges, service your printer.
To service your HP printer, follow the instructions we shared under the “How to Service HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Series” section of this article.
Blinking Print Cartridge Status Lights (One or Both) when you try to Print a Borderless Document – HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Front Panel Lights Meaning
When you see one or both of the print cartridge status lights blinking when you try to print a borderless document, these are indications that the paper type and size loaded into the printer do not match the print settings.
Do the following steps to fix this problem:
Step 1: Locate and then open the borderless document you tried to print before the issue occurred if it is not open.
Step 2: Click “File.”
Step 3: Click “Print.”
Step 4: Click “Preferences” or “Properties” depending on the software you are using.
This action will display the Printer Properties dialog box.
Step 5: Click the tab labeled “Printing Shortcuts.”
Step 6: Click the Paper size drop-down menu.
Step 7: Choose the paper size that matches the size of the paper in your printer’s input tray.
Step 8: Click the Paper type drop-down menu.
Step 9: Choose the paper type that matches the type of paper in your printer’s input tray.
If you want to print in grayscale, click on the tab labeled “Features,” then check under Color Options, and choose “Print in grayscale.”
Note: When using the ink-backup mode, don’t print a borderless document.
All Lights on the Control Panel are Blinking – HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Front Panel Lights Meaning
When all the lights on the control panel are blinking, it is an error condition that requires a printer reset.
To resolve this issue, do the steps below:
Step 1: Confirm that your HP printer is on. If it is off, press the power button to turn it on.
Step 2: Remove the power cable from your HP printer.
Step 3: Disconnect the power cable from the electrical wall outlet.
Step 4: Wait for a minimum of 15 seconds.
Step 5: Reconnect the power cable to the electrical wall outlet.
Step 6: Plug the power cable into your HP printer.
Step 7: Press the power button to turn on your printer.
If the issue is not resolved after doing the above reset, service your printer.
To service your HP printer, follow the instructions we shared under the “How to Service HP DeskJet 6980 Printer Series” section of this article.
