Paper gets stuck

[Laurnizle]

My HP Smart Tank (5101) keeps feeding the paper about an inch or 2 and gets stuck. It displays E4 or E2 on the error screen. I have tried to reset and it will not work. I tried different types of paper, still nothing. I opened the front and there is no paper stuck. 

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Laurnizle 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Thanks for the detailed description—this helps a lot. The E4 and E2 errors on your HP Smart Tank 5101 typically point to paper jam or paper feed issues, even if no jam is visibly present. These can sometimes be false errors triggered by misfeeds or debris in the paper path.

Here’s a structured approach to resolve it:

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

1. Check All Jam Locations

Even if the front looks clear, inspect these areas thoroughly:

• Input tray: Remove paper, check for debris or bent paper edges.
• Output tray: Gently pull out any partially fed paper.
• Printhead access area: Open the front door, slide the carriage if needed, and check for obstructions.
• Bottom of the printer: Tilt slightly and inspect for small scraps or dust buildup.

Avoid using sharp tools—use both hands to pull paper straight out if needed.

 

2. Clean the Paper Feed Rollers

Sometimes rollers get dusty or lose grip:

• Use HP’s automated cleaning tool via the printer software.
• If that fails, manually clean rollers with a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with distilled water.

 

3. Reset the Printer Properly

Unplug the printer while it's powered on, wait 60 seconds, then plug it back in. This clears residual errors more effectively than a soft reset.

 

4. Paper Loading Tips

• Use fresh, flat paper—no curled or previously jammed sheets.
• Fan the stack before loading.
• Don’t overload the tray—align paper guides snugly but not tightly.

If you’ve tried all this and the issue persists, the rollers may be worn or the sensor misaligned. 

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Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye