My C3180 HP photosmart keeps flashing the "check paper"error.

[larryohio]

I have tried everything. Uninstall and reinstall. Fix tool download. There is NO paper jam. Is there any way to work around this sensor?

[Bob_Headrick]

Try the troubleshooting steps in the document.

[larryohio]

I have been through all of those steps there is NO paper jam.

[Binary_Zen]

If the check paper light is blinking and there is no paper jam then it could be two things;

1. The paper sensor could be stuck or broken. This sensor can be checked by removing the rear access door and looking at the ceiling of the printer between the first two rollers form the left. It is rather small but basically the way it works is just like a lever. The paper passes through to push it up letting the printer know that there is paper. It will trigger a paper jam if the printer detects that it should already be down based on the length of the paper. Check if this "lever" is there and is not stuck pushed to the ceiling of the printer. 

2. The printer might be having a hard time picking up the paper. When you try to print do you actually hear or see the printer picking up the paper?

[larryohio]

It appears that it is a problem with the the initial feed step. It never 'grabs' the paper to feed it. It makes all of the normal sounds and there are rollers turning, but it doesn't grab the paper.

[Binary_Zen]

I have linked a video below that might be able to help you resolve your issue. The video uses a different printer but the steps should be the same for your printer.

http://www.youtube.com/user/justprintingaround#p/search/5/--oriQhVPhI

[jojow]

: My C3180 HP photosmart keeps flashing the "check paper"error.

[bluecray]

Thanks for the advice, my C3180 was taking paper in and the paper light blinking, press cancel, paper came out but light still blinked.

Found your comment about the sensor, so I had a look, the sensor moved up and down very freely , no spring resistance at all. Once I'd done that, I tried printing again and this time it worked but once printed the light resumed flashing.

I then tried copying a sheet of written paper and setting printer for a number of copies and this is what it's doing.

Copy and number of copies, prints one and light flashes I then press cancel, printer makes a lot of noises almost like a self check process, then prints another sheet and the process continues like this till all copies printed.

So at least I can print now but it still has a fault, should the sensor be spring loaded?