HP Color Laser Jet Pro MFP M182nw is cutting every sheet at the top

[SNaas]

every sheet of paper fed into this printer from Tray 1 ends up with a notched folded over about 1/8" deep and about 3/8" wide  in it from the paper "feeder". The notch is off-center slightly to the right of the center point of the sheet. 

How do we fix this issue?

[A_Gayathri]

Hi @SNaas,

Welcome to The HP Support Community.  

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

I understand the issue you're experiencing with your HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M182nw, where each sheet of paper is getting a notched fold from Tray 1, is likely due to a problem with the paper feed mechanism or misalignment within the tray. 

Here are some steps you can follow to troubleshoot and potentially fix this problem:

 

1. Check the Paper Type and Quality

• Use Recommended Paper: Ensure you are using paper that is recommended for your printer. The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M182nw is designed to work best with specific paper types and weights. Check the user manual for the recommended paper specifications.
• Inspect Paper Quality: Make sure the paper isn't damaged, curled, or has any creases before loading it into the tray.

2. Inspect and Clean Tray 1

• Remove Paper: Take out any paper currently in Tray 1.
• Inspect the Tray: Look for any obstructions, such as pieces of paper, paper clips, or other debris, that could be causing the paper to catch and fold.
• Clean the Tray: Use a clean, lint-free cloth slightly dampened with water to wipe down the inside of the tray. Make sure to clean the paper guides as well.

3. Check the Paper Guides

• Align the Paper Guides: Make sure the paper guides in the tray are properly aligned with the edges of the paper. If they are too tight or too loose, they can cause the paper to feed incorrectly, resulting in folds or notches.
• Adjust as Needed: Adjust the guides so they lightly touch the paper stack without bending it.

4. Inspect the Paper Feed Rollers

• Access the Rollers: Open the printer's front or rear cover (depending on the model) to access the paper feed rollers.
• Clean the Rollers: Gently clean the rollers with a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with water. This helps remove any dust, dirt, or paper dust that could be causing feed issues.
• Check for Damage: Inspect the rollers for any signs of wear or damage. If they are worn out or damaged, they might need to be replaced.

5. Reset the Printer

• Power Cycle: Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source for about 60 seconds. Then, plug it back in and turn it on. This can help reset the printer and clear any minor glitches.

6. Test with Different Paper

• Use Different Paper: Try using a different batch or type of paper to see if the problem persists. Sometimes, a specific batch of paper may have inconsistencies that cause feeding issues.

7. Check for Firmware Updates Update the firmware on an HP printer

• Update Firmware: Ensure your printer firmware is up to date. Firmware updates can sometimes resolve hardware-related issues. You can check for updates through the HP website or the HP Smart app.

8. Perform a Printer Diagnostic

• Run Diagnostics: Use the printer's built-in diagnostic tools to check for any errors or issues. You can access this through the printer’s control panel or software.

Refer to this document: HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M182nw User manual 

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day.

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