LaserJet 5200 tray 2 jam and clicking noise

[thenoune]

We have a LaserJet 5200 that is constantly saying "Jam in tray 2". When we clear the jam and close the top it goes through the setup and makes a clicking noise and says its jammed again. There isn't any paper jammed that we can see, and we are able to print from Tray 1 with no issues.

Does anyone have any ideas on what we can check? The clicking noise makes me think its possibly having issues lifting the paper tray.

[davidzuts]

How may pages have you printed.  Do a config page using tray 1 for the information.  If over 60K odds are the pickup rollere is worn or very dirty.  If you reuse paper by turning it over and placing the printed side up in the paper tray, over time toner from the previously printed pages gets on the roller and makes them slick.  The clicking noise you are hearing is the solenoid engaging to move the pickup roller.  It tries 3 times and then you get a jam message if paper does not reach the first sensor flag in the path.  You can try cleaning the roller with warm soapy water.  Just do a google search for replacing the roller as it is very easy to remove.  Look at it and if shinny and smooth it needs to be replaced.

[thenoune]

It has printed over 60,000 pages. I tried wiping off the pickup roller and putting it back in and the printer successfully pulled paper through. However this time, the paper got "jammed" under the toner cartridge. Could the issue still be the pickup roller? I've ordered a replacement for that and the separation pad just in case.

[davidzuts]

I assume the job was more than 1 page.  If that was the case it is common with a worn pickup roller.  The first sheet gets picked up and the second page does not and when it does not reach the first sensor flag in the path the printer again thinks a jam and stops the process.  Wait till you install the new roller and sep pad as it should solve the issue.  Also make sure the backstop in the paper tray is in the correct position.  If to far forward it can impede the movement of the paper and cause jams.

[SHThompson]

The error message you received will have a numeric part that identifies what sensor detected the jam.

If the jam was a 13.1 then it was very likely as David says that the paper was not fed properly from the tray and it just coincidentally stopped the other sheet under the toner cartridge. When the printer detects a jam all paper motion stops which sometimes leads to you thinking that the jam was in a different place than it actually was.

[thenoune]

We replaced all the rollers are we are back to having the three clicking noise again. Does anyone have any more suggestions we can try?

[davidzuts]

When you put the tray in the printer the paper lifts up.  Make sure the backstop is not to far forward which will impeded the movment of the paper up and prevent the pickup roller from grabbing the paper.