HP Laserjet 1320n feeds extra blank page about every fith printed page

[0enqK9odTZOFLca]

My HP Laserjet 1320n has suddenly started to print a blank page approximately every fifth page. The behaviour is a bit different depending on if I print a sequence of single pages manually, or if I print a large document with multiple pages. The problem arises in simplex as well as duplex mode.

If I print a sequence of single pages manually:

When I have printed approx 5 pages an empty sheet is fed after the (successful) printing of the 5th page.

If I print a large document with multiple pages:

About every 5th page an empty page is fed. Sometimes the sheet gets stuck half-way through the printer, and I have to drag it out (this never happens if I print a sequence of single pages, as I describe above).

What I've tried so far:

• Cleaned the inside of the printer.
• Run the cleaning of print path program.
• Cleaned all rubber rollers and pad, and they feel sticky and fresh still.

Would be very glad to get some advice on this one!!

[Repairatrooper]

Do the rollers have visible fingerprint ridges on them? If not then the roller is wrong out. It may also be a sticking solenoid on the pickup assembly.

[0enqK9odTZOFLca]

Yes, if you mean the pickup roller, it has some ridges on it and looks clean and fresh.

Do you have any suggestion as to which solenoid to check?

[Repairatrooper · Accepted solution]

Yes, the paper pickup solenoid, it is under the left cover (right side if you are facing the printer). There are many Youtube videos on fixing this type of issue. The problem is that the foam bumper they use to prevent the arm of the solenoid from becoming magnetic, breaks down over time and leaves a stick residue which results in the pickup roller making extra rotations. Very common issue on older printers.

[0enqK9odTZOFLca]

Thanks for the info! I'll look into that in a couple of days, and post back what I come up with so others will now.

[0enqK9odTZOFLca]

This video has a clever suggestion that you can get the solenoid out without disassembling the gear house, and it works great. Just be careful with the cable.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7euQhDeYxcI

When I removed the solenoid and flapped the flap on it so to say, it's obvious that it's indeed very sticky. It says in place for several seconds so I can't imagine this is not the issue.

I replaced the old foam rubber with a thin foam rubber pad made out of double sided foam tape one side which I covered with electrical tape to just make it stick on one side. One bonus is that the printer is now much more silent as well 🙂 I might fix the foam on the duplex roller when I'm at it.

https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/HP+LaserJet+1160+or+1320+Duplexer+Solenoid+Replacement/53173