Multiple page feed even when printing test page

[idea-catalyst]

I have tried PCL5, PCL6, 32bit, 64bit, multiple computers and still get the same result:  The printer feeds an extra page for the first page (first page printed correctly, second page blank).  It will do this for two pages (after a power reset) and then the third page misfeeds and stops midway through the feed.   It even feeds a "test page" (correctly) followed by a blank page.  If I clear the paper jam, it then only prints one page (correctly), one page (blank) and then misfeeds. 

It seems to me that there is a disconnect between the page size of the paper (8 1/2 x 11) and the expected paper size but I am using all of the HP defauls.  I have checked PDF settings and they are all for "adjust to page size" and "8 1/2 x 11) but I still get the problem.  The paper is 8 1/2 x 11 and the paper tray is set for "letter". 

I'm sure I'm just missing some obscure configuration setting and would sure appreciate sugestions.  Thanks in advance.

[Valsimot]

If you load Tray 1 with paper ( leave tray2 empty ) will it print normally?

[idea-catalyst]

Yes, I think you're onto something.  When I print a test page and tray 2 is supplied, it prints the test page plus one blank.  If tray 2 is empty and tray 1 is supplied, it only prints one page.

Brilliant!!

So how do I fix it?

Thanks in advance.

[Valsimot · Accepted solution]

You have Tray 2 sticky solenoid issue. 
Download service manual from google, remove the right cover of your printer go to page 131 of service manual remove 4 screws, go to page 133 locate solenoid on your printer and sticky sponge part on solenoid, put a piece of duck tape on a sponge that became sticky with time, put your printer parts back and you are ready to print.  

This is how it looks on different model of HP, the part you need to do after accessing solenoid starts at 02:00 minute of video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvXO8MymNh0

It looks complicated, but it is quite an easy fix.

btw. 

 I found comments on youtube for this issue that some user used spray lubricant/solvent to spray sticky sponge on the solenoid and have fixed without disassembling.

[idea-catalyst]

New (additional) information.  An 8 page print job completed successfully with no intervening pages, but after the final page, it processed one additional page that jammed.  ???  I sure would like some help understanding this problem.

[idea-catalyst]

This was an absolutely spot-on diagnosis, but after I discovered that the disassembly required was fairly extensive, I tried something different.  The service manual helped me locate the relay, but the "approved" solution required removal of all covers, the fan, the gear carrier, and other related stuff.  Once I'd found the relay, confirmed that it was sticking, and understood that removal/replacement of the sticking "cushion" was the solution, I thought I might try something else.  I used a "spludger" - a thin metal tool usually used to disassemble cell phones - and a thin strip of paper towel soaked in rubbing alcohol to clean both surfaces.  You can work it between the relay and its arm to clear out all of the adhesive residue.  Once clean, assemble a small piece of high-quality tape (masking, paper, anything that doesn't "bleed") that is  about 1/2" x 1" and two more "pads" to thicken the tape under the arm.  Use the same spludger to negotiate the tape between the relay coil and the arm, stick it down, and voila!  Works like a champ and I would have only needed to remove the righ cover to accomplish this repair.  Even simpler!!!!   Thanks VERY MUCH for the spot-on diagnosis.