3101 laser jet door won't close - even with no cartridge

[SMG66]

Hi. I've got a LaserJet 3101 and the top door won't close, even if there's no cartridge in it.  No paper jam or any other stuff in printer. As I close the door, i here a "click" when it's 2/3 closed. Then it stops.

I watched a video on youtube, and it seems that after the cartridge clicks in, you are supposed to push the cartridge down. After I click the cartridge in, there is no downward movement possible. Maybe that's the issue.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @SMG66 

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

Thanks for the detailed description—this issue with the HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101’s top door not closing is surprisingly common, even when no cartridge is installed. 

Here’s what’s likely going on and how to fix it:

Likely Cause

• The cartridge locking mechanism or door latch sensor may be misaligned.
• A plastic tab or spring inside the door assembly might be stuck or not engaging properly.
• The “click” you hear at 2/3 closed suggests the latch is catching—but not fully engaging.

One user on the HP Support Community described the exact same issue, and it turned out to be a cartridge seating problem—even when the cartridge seemed fully inserted.

Fix Steps to Try

1. Remove the Cartridge and Inspect the Slot

• Look for any plastic tabs, springs, or levers that might be out of place.
• Use a flashlight to check the left and right sides of the cartridge bay—especially near the black cartridge slot.

 

2. Reinsert the Cartridge Firmly

• Insert the cartridge until it clicks.
• Then apply firm downward pressure on the cartridge—especially near the rear edge.
  • Some users report needing to press down harder than expected to engage the final latch.

 

3. Try Closing the Door Without the Cartridge

• If the door still won’t close, the issue is likely with the door latch sensor or a plastic tab inside the door.
• Look for a white or black plastic arm near the top-left or top-right corner—this should move freely and align with the door.

 

4. Gently Wiggle the Door While Closing

• Apply gentle upward and inward pressure while closing the door.
• Sometimes the latch needs to be nudged into alignment.

If That Doesn’t Work

• Try printing with the door held closed manually (just to confirm the sensor is the issue).
• If the printer still won’t initialize, the door sensor may be faulty or misaligned.

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Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye