printer not lifting up the paper tray to the pickup roller

[Bruce253]

HP CP1215 color laser printer.

Sometimes the printer doesn't lift up the edge of the paper tray to feed the paper into the pickup roller. 

I can hear the mechanism running on and on but the paper doesn't lift up.

There is a cam and a spring and a lever that lifts the edge of the paper tray up to the roller. I don't see anything wrong and the springs aren't broken.  Any Ideas     Bruce Duncan 

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @Bruce253,

Welcome to the HP Support Community! 

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding your printer!

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

Try these steps:

Inspect the Paper Tray:

• Ensure the paper is loaded correctly and not exceeding the maximum capacity.
• Check for any obstructions or debris in the paper tray.

Inspect Mechanical Components:

• Examine the cam, spring, and lever mechanism that lifts the paper tray:
  • Ensure all components are clean and correctly aligned.
  • Verify that the springs are intact and providing sufficient tension.

Lubricate Moving Parts

1. Apply a small amount of light machine oil or lubricant to the moving parts (cam, levers) to ensure smooth operation.
   • Be cautious not to apply excessive lubricant which could attract dust and dirt.

Perform Manual Reset

• Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
• Wait for at least 60 seconds before plugging it back in.
• Turn the printer back on and test the paper feeding mechanism.

Paper Weight and Type

• Ensure you are using paper that meets the printer’s specifications (correct weight and type).
• Avoid using paper that is too heavy or too lightweight, which can affect feeding.

Clean Rollers

• Turn off the printer and unplug it.
• Access the pickup rollers (usually located at the front or bottom of the printer’s paper path).
• Use a lint-free cloth dampened with water or isopropyl alcohol to gently clean the rollers.

Transfer Roller Maintenance

• Check the condition of the transfer rollers if accessible.
• Clean them if necessary and ensure they are properly seated and functioning.

Reset the Printer to Factory Defaults

Refer to the steps on this link to restore factory defaults.

Update Printer Firmware

Kindly refer to this link to update your printer firmware.

I hope this helps.

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Best regards,