Can't clear a "Jammed cartridge area" error when there is absolutely no paper jammed.

[Filote]

Hello folks,

This has never happened before, but today when I opened the front and rear doors to print on card stock on my LaserJet M404dw, the printer went into the following error, with absolutely no jam--no paper went through, and no jam previously:

"Event code 13.09.03   Jam in cartridge area. Open both the cartridge access door and the rear door. Leave both doors open while you clear the jam."

Took me FOREVER to clear the initial (false) jam. When it finally cleared, I tried it with card stock again. This time, the printer started to grab the cardstock, but the paper went sideways, and now I have the same jam, even after removing the jammed paper. removing the cartridge/put it back, I have unplugged/replugged, opened and closed every door, followed HP's online advice on clearing a jam, but no luck.

So it's two problems: Cant clear the jam, and when I do, the paper doesn't feed straight.

Help, please! I'm dead in the water, and support has absolutely no way to contact them. I'm out of warranty on a 2 year-old product. I'm willing to PAY for support, but there's no way to contact them!!

Thank you for any ideas besides "Buy a new printer"  😉

[Repairatrooper]

If you remove the cartridge you will see a small metal ramp in front of the spongy transfer roller. 

We have seen some cases where that becomes dislodged, sticks up slightly and blocks paper. This type of error can also be caused by a bad toner cartridge, especially 3rd party cartridges.