A method of operating a printer enables a controller in the printer to operate electrical motors to move printheads in the printer for longer periods of time before maintenance is required. Each printhead in the printer is operatively connected to an electrical motor for movement of the printhead and the printheads are organized in groups with each group being operatively connected to an electrical motor for movement of the group. By selectively designating printheads as being moveable or fixed, electrical motors that fail to move a printhead can be taken out of operation and an electrical motor that moves the printhead group used instead to continue printing operations without requiring a service call for replacement of the failed motor.