HP Envy 5540 printer keeps jamming when I use lightweight card etc

[Eclectilina-23]

My HP ENVY 5540 printer still  works very well for standard A4 paper and also used to be fine for lightweight card and A4 photo paper but has recently stopped printing card and photo paper - it prints a small bit of the image then either smudges or just stops printing the rest of the image. I'm only using the same card and photo paper that i have always used and which used to print perfectly well. I've never used card heavier than specified by HP for this model. Any suggestions why it's stopped printing anything other than standard weight A4 paper? thanks for your help!

[Raj_05]

Hi @Eclectilina-23,

Welcome to HP Support Community.  

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

If your HP ENVY 5540 printer is experiencing issues when printing on cardstock or photo paper, there are several potential causes for the problem. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can take to address the issue.

• Check Paper Settings: Ensure that the paper settings in the printer driver match the type and size of the cardstock or photo paper you are using. Incorrect settings may lead to printing issues. Adjust the paper type and size in the printer driver before printing.
• Clean Print Heads: Print heads may become clogged over time, especially if the printer hasn't been used for a while. Most printers have a built-in tool to clean the print heads. Refer to your printer's manual for instructions on how to run the print head cleaning utility.
• Inspect for Paper Jams: Check for any paper jams or obstructions in the paper path. Even a small piece of paper or debris can disrupt the printing process. Make sure there are no remnants of previous prints stuck in the printer.
• Use High-Quality Paper: Ensure that you are using high-quality cardstock and photo paper that meets the specifications recommended by HP for your printer model. Using substandard paper may cause printing issues.
• Update Printer Drivers: Make sure you have the latest printer drivers installed. Visit the HP support website to download and install the most recent drivers for your specific printer model.
• Adjust Print Quality Settings: If the issue persists, try adjusting the print quality settings. Lowering the print quality may help in case the printer is struggling with heavier paper types. However, keep in mind that this might affect the overall print quality.
• Check Ink Levels: Ensure that your ink cartridges have sufficient ink levels. Low ink levels can result in incomplete prints. Replace any low or empty cartridges.
• Inspect for Mechanical Issues: Examine the printer for any visible mechanical issues, such as damaged rollers or sensors. 
• Perform a Printer Reset: Turn off the printer, unplug it from the power source, and wait for a few minutes. Plug it back in and turn it on. This can sometimes resolve minor glitches.

I hope this helps. 
 

Take care and have a good day.

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Alden4
HP Support