Model 9018e: Paper path cover is stuck. No tab on rear of printer

[LoisCA]

I can't clear a paper jam in my AIO HP 9018e. Paper is jammed behind the paper path cover. The paper path cover is stuck and can't be removed without breaking something. The videos show a wide tab in the middle of the rear of the printer to open the door. There is no such tab at the back of my printer.

My questions: How can I open the rear door of the printer? Assuming the paper can be removed, will this allow me to remove the paper path cover?

Thanks for any help you can provide.

[Raj_05]

Hi @LoisCA,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

It sounds like you're dealing with a paper jam in the HP OfficeJet Pro 9018e, and the rear paper path cover is stuck without the visible tab. Here's how you can proceed.

Opening the Rear Paper Path Door:

• For most HP printers, including the 9018e, the rear door or paper path cover typically has a latch or tab that opens to allow access to clear jams. If there's no tab visible on the back, it's possible that the tab is either recessed or broken off.
• Check for a recessed button or tab: Look closely for any small indents or areas along the rear where a tab or button might be located.
• Use a flat tool: If no button or tab is visible, carefully use a flat tool like a small plastic card to gently pry open the rear door or paper path cover. Avoid using excessive force to prevent damaging the printer.
• Ensure you're lifting the right panel: There may be an additional flap or door you need to unlock or lift, so make sure you are trying to open the correct cover.

Removing the Jammed Paper:

• Once you have the rear door open, gently pull the jammed paper out. Be careful not to tear the paper, as bits of torn paper can cause further jams.
• If the paper is stuck deeper inside, you may need to remove other covers or access points to reach it.

Removing the Paper Path Cover:

• Once the paper jam is cleared, the paper path cover (the piece that's stuck) may become easier to remove. The cover might still be stuck due to the paper jam, or it could be locked in place for other reasons.
• After clearing the paper, check if the cover moves more freely. If not, look for any additional fasteners (screws or clips) securing the cover, which you can carefully unscrew or unclip.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Alden4

HP Support 

[LoisCA]

Thank you so much! Was on the verge of replacing the printer! Will try and let you know if I succeed. 

[Raj_05]

Hi @LoisCA,

Thank you for your response, 

Please feel free to reach out to us. We are here to assist you and provide any necessary support.

I will be archiving this case for now however, you can respond to the same thread to continue the conversation.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Take care and have a great day ahead!

Alden4

HP Support 

[LoisCA]

Hi  Alden,

The bad news is: The back panel is a single piece with an uneven top. I could not pry it open along its entire top, either with a credit card or a very small flat-head screw driver. There are four holes on the back panel  covered with plastic pieces (two small rectangles of equal size and two trapezoidal pieces of unequal sizes). I was able to pry them off, hoping I could use them to get the back panel off,  but that didn't help either. All of the above took over half an hour. I can't avoid the conclusion that the back panel is designed not to come off.

The good news, for now: I opened the printer one more time and spent another few minutes wriggling the paper path cover from side to side. Eventually, I was able to remove it and reach the paper jammed behind it. I was able to re-seat the cover and resume printing, but the placement of the cover feels different than before this incident. I'm not confident that it can be removed and replaced properly if another jam occurs.

I took photos I'd like to send you, but I don't see how to attach files to this message. If you'd like to see them, let me know how to send them to you.

Regardless of the above, you have at least temporarily forestalled the need to replace the printer. I am very grateful for that.

Lois

[Raj_05]

Hi @LoisCA,

Thank you for your response, 

I'm sending a private message to assist you with the next action.

Please check your Private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Community profile Next, to your profile Name, you should see a little blue envelope, please click on it or simply click on this link.

I hope this helps! Keep me posted.

Alden4

HP Support