HP LaserJet P3015 phantom paper jam?

[RKandVK]

The firmware was updated a few months ago. Unless there is a newer one probably not a solution, but will look and try.

[LBesko]

I have found that cleaning the paper pick-up rollers just above the paper tray solves the issue but only temp.

[WingFan]

Has anyone found a real  solution for this issue?  We have 8 of these that we have had for ❤️ months.  Every one of them has this issue.  We have to deal with at least one throwing a phantom jam message every day.  These don't have high print volume; the most heavily used has only done 500 prints TOTAL.  So, it's not feed rollers.  We have updated firmware, to no avail.

Any feedback is appreciated.

Eric

[DocuFlow]

This solutions applies only if you have verified that the pickup roller and pickup assy are in good order, and to printer goes right into a paper jam code without coming to ready first. 

Remove the formatter, place in a preheated oven set at 350 degrees.  Make sure the formater does not touch any metal.  I used little nut and bolt assy to create a standoff at each of the 4 corners so the board "hovered" above a cookie sheet.

Bake for 10 minutes, remove and let cool completely before moving.  Remember not to touch any of the circuits or contacts during transportation to and from the printer.

Install the formatter and test.  Viola!

[WingFan]

Not to be a smartass, but sticking a component in an oven is NOT a real  solution.

[DocuFlow]

I works.  I've performed this proceedure 3 times.  It fixed the problem 3 times.  All your doing is fixing a cold solder joint somewere on the board.  Thats a solution!

[three_jeeps]

It would have been nice if the person who described putting the formatter in the over solution described exactly what this process did to cure the problem.  If there are electronic components soldered on the board, then this solution is aimed at reflowing the solder and curing any bad or cold solder joints.  I agree....the person that posted the solution is a smart ass...

ppl really are a trip....<shaking my head>

[WingFan]

Well, whether it works or not, it is not a proper solution.  Besides, I find it hard to believe that all 8 of the printers I bought, plus countless others that have been having this issue for years (even on the replacement/refurbished units ) ALL have cold solder issues.  I'd be more inclined to believe that it's a design issue and there is a hot spot that is causing solder to unset.  Which means baking it in the oven will only work temporarily...

[DocuFlow]

I am just stating fact. Not fiction.  These repairs resulted in just that. A repair.  The first time I tried this was two years ago.  I still have the same customer today.  The still have that printer and it's still working.  Now, the person who brought up the idea that its a hot solder joint could be right.  The problem may return, someday.  If and when it does, I will sell them a new machine. 

[three_jeeps]

OK, so I am going to be nit-picky and argue semantics.  Taken at face value, baking the board *strongly suggests* a solder problem.  It *could also be* lots of other problems (e.g. connector misalignment, etc.) Without a more detailed diagnosis, it is not clear if the posted solution is a "proper" one.  Once can't say the solution if 'proper' until the root cause is determined.  Kudos for  suspecting a cold solder joint and the idea to heat the board.  If indeed this fixed the printer, it suggests that a cold solder joint was the problem, but does not *prove* that it was....a basic shot gun approach to solving a problem.

Now since one of the posters said s/he has 8 printers all with the same problem, that, in and of itself *suggests* some mfg or operational timing problem within the printer.  It is very difficult to believe that 8 printer failures in the say way would be caused by the same board being bad (with the same implied solder problem) on all 8 units and the many other cases of this problem all over the world...just google hp 3015 ghost or phantom printer problem.   Hard to believe that there are that many poorly manufactured boards that got by QC.  ...then again, if the flaw can only be detected at integration time, then this suggests that the QC procedure of the board is missing some important tests, or, the tests of the assembled printer is lacking.  Maybe that is why HP is fiddling with this issue for 3+ years...they can't figure it out. 

I got one of these printers in my HO...with about 12K prints on it, and have been seeing this problem since about 7K pages.  Pickup rollers should NOT be worn at this point.  This problem is driving me nuts because my spouse uses the printer more than I do, and she runs into this problem once a week, which results in a phone call to me....and a extra job when I come home (as she is mechanically inept).   Given any lack of progress on this problem, I am about to literally chuck the printer out the window and get a Xerox phaser printer....After springing $600 for a printer, it should not behave like this...... pssst...I can make you a good deal....