HP All-in-One Printer 52 Scanner Motor Error – Causes, Diagnosis, and Resolution

The 52 Scanner Motor Error is a scanner subsystem fault seen on HP All-in-One (MFP) printers that include flatbed and/or ADF scanning.
When this error occurs, copying and scanning stop; printing may continue in limited cases, depending on model.

This Knowledge Base article explains the technical causes of the 52 error, when it appears, and step-by-step methods to restore scanner operation safely.

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What Is HP 52 Scanner Motor Error?

The 52 error indicates that the scanner carriage motor failed to initialize or move within expected parameters during startup or calibration.

You may see messages such as:

• 52 Scanner Error

• Scanner Failure

• Turn off then on

The firmware halts scanner functions to prevent mechanical damage.

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Technical Explanation

The scanner assembly includes:

• Carriage motor

• Drive belt / gears

• Home position sensor

• Calibration strip (white reference)

• Scanner glass and mirrors

At power-on, firmware commands the carriage to:

1. Move to the home position

2. Read the calibration strip

3. Complete a movement self-test

The 52 error is triggered when:

• The motor stalls or slips

• The belt/gears are obstructed

• The home sensor is blocked

• Calibration fails due to dirt or misalignment

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Common Use Cases Where This Error Appears

• After moving the printer (shipping/relocation)

• Dust accumulation inside scanner

• Power fluctuation during startup

• Heavy ADF usage

• Long idle periods followed by startup

• Physical obstruction under scanner lid

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Step-by-Step Troubleshooting & Resolution

Step 1: Hard Power Reset

1. Turn OFF the printer

2. Unplug power cable from wall

3. Wait 10–15 minutes

4. Plug directly into wall socket and power ON

✔ Clears transient initialization faults

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Step 2: Check for Physical Obstructions

1. Open scanner lid fully

2. Remove any paper, clips, labels, or debris

3. Gently move scanner carriage (if accessible) to check free movement

⚠ Do not force the carriage.

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Step 3: Clean Scanner Glass & Calibration Strip

1. Power OFF and unplug

2. Clean:

   • Main scanner glass

   • Small white calibration strip (usually near glass edge)

3. Use lint-free cloth slightly dampened with water

4. Dry completely before power ON

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Step 4: Reseat Scanner Connections (Advanced)

Perform only if you have service access.

1. Power OFF and unplug

2. Remove scanner top cover (model-dependent)

3. Reseat:

   • Scanner motor cable

   • Sensor ribbon cable

4. Reassemble and test

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Step 5: Update Printer Firmware

Firmware bugs can falsely trigger scanner faults.

• Update using USB or Embedded Web Server (EWS)

• Ensure uninterrupted power during update

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Step 6: Replace Scanner Assembly (Permanent Fix)

If error persists:

• Scanner motor or sensor has failed

• Replace:

  • Scanner motor

  • Entire scanner assembly (recommended)

Field repair is usually not economical on entry-level MFPs.

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Common Issues & Fixes

Symptom	Likely Cause	Fix
Error after transport	Carriage jam	Reset + realign
Error on startup only	Calibration failure	Clean strip
Loud noise then error	Belt/gears issue	Replace scanner
Error after power cut	Incomplete init	Hard reset
Scan & copy fail, print OK	Scanner subsystem	Scanner repair

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Security & Safety Considerations

• Always unplug before opening scanner

• Scanner lamps and mirrors are delicate

• Avoid compressed air (can misalign mirrors)

• Use ESD precautions when handling cables

• Dispose failed scanner parts as e-waste

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Best Practices

• Keep scanner glass clean

• Avoid slamming scanner lid

• Use voltage stabilizer in unstable power areas

• Power OFF printer before relocation

• Perform periodic firmware updates

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Conclusion

The HP 52 Scanner Motor Error is a mechanical or calibration failure within the scanner subsystem.
Basic cleaning and resets often resolve early cases, but scanner assembly replacement is the definitive fix for persistent errors.

Careful handling and stable power significantly reduce recurrence.

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