HP color laserjet 4600 Tray 2 paper jam/misfeed

[TXMisterC]

This question was addressed in the past, but I need some help with a suggested remedy.  The printer prints a few pages from Tray 2, and then jams with error message 13.02.00 .  There is paper in the fuser, and a page coming onto the belt. There is no jamming when printing from Tray 1.   I bought the printer new in about 2005, and it has slightly under 22,000 pages printed.  I have replaced the roller and sep pad in Tray 2, and the two large rollers in the paper pickup unit.  Still jams.  A reply to the earlier posting of this problem referred to the Tray 2 solenoid - cleaning and replacing packing at the solenoid (the service manual troubleshooting procedure told how to check the resistance across the solenoid, but nothing about the physical mounting).  Please elaborate on the packing - what is it and how to obtain it.  I haven't been able to find any reference in the service manual to this packing, or anything about replacing the solenoid.    The next step in the service manual (Page 225) is to replace the pickup motor, then the pickup assembly (sounds expensive).  But, these remedies are also listed for Tray 1 jams.  Since Tray 1 doesn't jam, I would think these may not be the problem.  This is an old printer, but it has been a very good one and I would like to keep it going.  THANK YOU.

[Repairatrooper]

If the solenoid is the style with an arm that is pulled by an electromagnet then just about anything from thin foam to electricians tape can be used. The foam serves to lower the noise level and prevent the two metal components from sticking together due to residual magnetism. Usually you can hear if the solenoid is bad as the pickup assembly will make a couple of rotations instead of one.

[TXMisterC]

THANKS MUCH for the quick reply.  I have downloaded a second service manual (500+ pages) to replace the original (300+ page) one I downloaded when I bought the printer.  I clearly see the solenoids, but I can't quit visualize where the padding goes (I don't want to disassemble the printer just to look).   Tell me what to look for.  As an alternative, I've found a source for the complete RG5-6468-040CN paper pickup assembly (new HP, not refurb), which appears to have all the parts described in the service manual troubleshooting guide (pickup drive with solenoids, PCA sensor, gears), except the DC board which I believe is okay because Tray 1 feeds correctly.  I'm tempted to buy this (the price is less than 1 toner cartridge!!!)  if I were pretty certain the problem lies therein and it is still available.  From your experience, could the problem be in the ECB transfer unit, which is equally expensive.  Again, I doubt the ECB is the problem since Tray 1 feeds correctly.  I can't hear anything unusual (as you mentioned) but the overall noise I think would mask any extra rotations unless I really knew what to listen for.   You seem to know your stuff, and I already respect your opinion. 

[Repairatrooper]

The solenoids for the pickup are mounted to the side of the pickup assembly which if I remember correctly can be removed without complete disassembly of thep printer.

For a more detailed explanation of this type of solenoid I refer you to an article I wrote on SpiceWorks,

https://community.spiceworks.com/topic/2246531-the-printer-exposed-why-you-be-jamming-edition?from_f...

[TXMisterC]

THANKS.    The Spice Works article was great - exactly what I needed.   Sounds like a chronic problem (and job security for service techs), just like the failure of the washer-fluid-level sensor in Subaru's (the fix for that is to unplug the sensor cable an put a 1 meg resistor across the contacts in the plug socket - who needs the sensor?)   I suppose HP has an "official" foam pad that is impossible to find, but as you noted earlier probably anything cushion-y of about the same thickness should work.  Worth a try - might save $225+ for a new pickup assembly.  I'll post my results.  Again, thanks much.

[TXMisterC]

Follow-up #1:   Removed paper pick-up assembly (required disassembly to this level) and examined solenoids.  For both solenoids condition was exactly as described - damper pads completely deteriorated and sticky residue on both contact surfaces.  Disassembled solenoids, cleaned residue, and installed small piece of Gorilla tape as new damper (VERY close space tolerance did not permit anything thicker, such as the fabric side of a Velcro fastener as suggest in other posts on this topic ).  Tape was thicker than electrical tape and has some cushion effect.  I considered using heat-shrink tubing over the tape to secure it in place, but the situation did not seem to lend itself to this.  Will do this if tape comes loose.  Printer worked when put back together, but no multi-page print test yet.  Will report again later when more testing done.  Thanks again for help.  I would have never identified the deteriorated pads and residue as the problem, and probably would have replaced the solenoids or whole paper pick-up assembly.

[east2100]

Just use a piece of paper folded into V-shape and insert it into in-between that two metals to avoid them sticking together again then all will be done.

You really doesn't need to trying to take those two solenoids out and put them back.

Easiest way often is the best.

[TXMisterC · Accepted solution]

For Repairatrooper:   Follow-up #2:    Today printed several multi-page batches from Tray 2 (working up to about 50 pages) without a jam.   Also a 10-page batch from Tray 1 to verify that it still worked, again with no jam.  Your diagnostic appears to have been spot-on, and was equally applicable to both solenoids.  I had already replaced the pick-up rollers in my earlier repair attempts.  I will be interesting to see how the single-thick pieces of Gorilla tape (one on each solenoid) hold up, and how much longer it will be before something else dies (printer has only 22,000 pages, and the service manual says the ETB should be good for around 130,000).   Curious, but the Tray 1 solenoid had the very same amount of deterioration and residue as that for Tray 2, but I had not yet experienced jams with Tray 1 - luck or coincidence.  Again, thanks much for the help and info.