Printer Issue

[pfisher]

A teacher has an HP LJ M203dw printer in the room.   This printer has a wired (IP) connection.  When the teacher goes to print a document that is more than one page, like 1-4 pages, the first page will start to crumble and tear on the right side of the paper.  You can see the edge of the paper as it is trying to come out but starts to go sideways then jam up.   The paper never completely comes out.   So, she never completely prints out the document. 

However, when I go to print out a config page which is one page then it comes out fine.  I have removed the drum, toner and paper to see if there is anything that would cause this behavior and I don't see anything. 

What is causing it? 

[Max3Aj]

@pfisher, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you. 
Based on the issue you've described with the HP LaserJet M203dw where only multi-page print jobs cause the first page to crumple and jam on the right side, while single-page prints like the configuration page come out clean, this strongly points to a mechanical paper feed or path issue, most likely involving:

Worn or Misaligned Pickup/Roller Assembly

Symptoms: First page starts to go sideways or skews and tears.

Why it happens: With multi-page jobs, the rollers work more continuously, so any wear or misalignment gets amplified. A single-page job might not trigger the same problem due to shorter engagement.
 

Obstruction or Debris in the Paper Path (Right Side)

Symptoms: Crumpling or tearing always happens on the right.

Check for:

• Tiny scraps of paper
• Paper dust build-up
• Misaligned guides or stuck bits in the path
• Bent metal tabs or plastic rollers on the right edge

Incorrect or Damaged Paper Tray Settings

Symptoms: The paper may feed at a slight angle and jam.

Check:

• Ensure paper width guides in the tray are snug and aligned—not too tight or too loose.
• Check if the tray is damaged, cracked, or misaligned.
• Test using the manual feed slot (if available) to isolate the tray as the source.

Paper Type or Quality

Symptoms: Paper jamming under multi-page stress but not on single pages.

Try:

• A different brand or ream of paper.
• Using 20 lb (75 gsm) laser-compatible paper.

Fuser Unit Damage or Warping

• Unlikely, but possible if the fuser only misbehaves under sustained printing (like a multi-page job).
• Check for signs of fuser roller damage or heat roller misalignment.

Troubleshooting Steps

Manually inspect the entire paper path:

• Use a flashlight to closely inspect right side of the path from the tray to the output.
• Look under the rollers and behind flaps or access doors.

Clean the rollers:

• Use a lint-free cloth with a bit of distilled water or isopropyl alcohol.
• Clean the pickup roller, feed roller, and separation pad.

Try printing multi-page job via manual feed tray:

• If it works fine, the tray or tray-fed roller is the culprit.

Replace or rotate the paper tray if possible, or test with another M203dw tray (if you have access to one).

Try printing from a different OS/machine:

• Just to eliminate software-based margin shifts (though hardware is more likely in this case).

If the issue persists after inspecting and cleaning:

Replace the pickup/feed rollers.

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. Select "Yes" on the bottom left to say “Thanks” for helping! 

Max3Aj

HP Support