General Paper Path Troubleshooting Paper jams occur in the printer when paper either does not reach or clear a photosensor along the printer's paper path in a specific amount of time. If a paper jam occurs, a 13.xx PAPER JAM message is displayed on the printer's Control Panel. The following lists general questions you should ask and topics you should explore prior to troubleshooting: Table 7-5. General Paper Path Troubleshooting Questions Problem Action What is the frequency of the paper jams (e.g. continuous, one jam per 100 pages, one jam per 1000 pages, etc.)? Verify with the customer. Print or display the Event Log to determine paper jam history.
See “Display” on page 391 and “Printer Messages” on page 401 and evaluate the Event Log. Do paper jams only occur when the paper is fed from a particular paper input source (e.g., Tray 1, Tray 2, Tray 3, Tray 4, Tray 5, or Envelope Feeder)? See “Paper Jams” on page 396 and use the Paper Path Test to isolate the problem. Do jams only occur when paper is output to a specific output bin (e.g., Standard Output Bin, Left Output Bin, mailbox bin, duplex operation, stapler)? Use “Paper Path Test” on page 398 to isolate the problem. Do paper jams occur with a specific type of media? Try known good media. See the HP LaserJet Printer Family Paper Specifications Guide.
Where does the leading edge of the first sheet of paper in the printer's paper path stop when a jam occurs? Are any sheets of paper physically damaged or torn? Attempt to duplicate. See “Paper Path Test” on page 398. Inspect the paper path and all paper path mechanical assemblies prior to the leading paper jam. C4085-91087 General Paper Path Troubleshooting 395