clear output tray area

[repartist]

I'm getting an error message and the printer is locking up.  Message says "Clear Output Tray Area" "Remove paper and other material from the output bin and output door area.  Make sure the output door can open."

There is nothing blocking the output door and the output door is locked open.  I've unplug the printer and it seems to reset but after printing a page or two it happens again.

I've searched this forum and haven't found any solutions.  HELP!!!

Thanks.

[SHThompson]

That problem would usually be caused by a sticking sensor flag.

There will be a lever that hangs into the paper path which is moved up and down as paper exits the printer.

The lever will be on a rod the other end of the rod has a flag that moves in and out of the sensor.

Most of the time when his happens the rod is just out of position.

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[repartist]

Thank you but I don't see a flag and the rod doesnt seem out of position.  See photos

[repartist]

This still hasn't been resolved.  Any idea?

Thanks!

[Chukelz]

Hey guys,

I was having a similar issue. I was getting really frustrated (ask my girlfriend) about how my HP Officejet Pro X476DW MFP was not working. I was getting really erratic things happening including paper jams, then the printer would launch my paper out a hundred km/h into the wall. Finally the printer displayed a message along the lines of "Output Motor Stall" as the title followed with something in regards to clearing the output area so that the door could open. 

I could hear everyting spinning up and going through a whole bunch of motions then finally right at the end of the motions, it would sound as if a gear locked up and tried to move a couple times before that message displayed. I took the rear cover of the printer off using a T10 screw driver to remove all the screws necessary to see if I could see the condition of all the gears. Upon closer inspection, I realized that the output door gearset and another gearset near the duplexer in the bottom of the left side door were monitored by a sensor attached to the gear. The sensor uses a little clear plastic wheel with reference lines on it that run through the sensor similar to an ABS sensor on a car. The little marks are CRUCIAL to the sensor working properly and if they get dirt or any type of mark in them they will not read correctly. BLOW THE SENSORS AND THE WHEELS OFF WITH COMPRESSED AIR!!

That's all mine took to start functioning correctly! Saved a lot of money considering that when I phoned HP support they told me that I should look into replacing the printer as it's out of warranty. I know it's a little bit of work to take it all apart but be patient and be very careful and it is all very doable. 

Hope this helps guys and sorry for no pics. If you really need pics or more information let me know and I can try to make something happen. If you need some advice on how to take the back panel off I can try to walk you through it. Just let me know.

Thanks,

Ryan.