MFP M227fdw false paper jam preventing scanning

[JayThere]

A recurring false paper jam error is preventing me from scanning documents. All printing functions are working properly, and I am occasionally able to scan successfully through various tactics (power on/off, hard reset, etc.), but the false paper jam error always comes back in short order and prevents scanning again. 

I have tried all the fixes I have come across or could think of, including all the steps in the document HP LaserJet Pro, Ultra Printers - Paper Jam Error. I have checked all the paper pathways to make sure they are clear, of even small bits of paper, and clean. I have also used the printer's Restore Default command to reset the printer to its factory settings, and used macOS's Reset Printing System function in System Settings \ Printers & Scanners. The printer is plugged directly into a wall outlet. The printer's firmware is up to date. 

I bought this printer in 2018. I had not tried to add the printer to my HP profile till just now, and the 'Add a product to my profile' process does not recognize my printer, even though I double-checked that I am using the right serial number and model no./product code. Maybe that is a hint that my printer is considered elderly beyond hope. But the printer sees only light use, and its performance, except for this false error issue, has not degraded at all. It seems a real shame if its life has to end when its basic hardware capabilities are fully intact. What else can I try? 

[Garp_senchau]

@JayThere,

Welcome to HP Support Community,

Thank you for posting your query; I’m here to help by guiding you through steps to resolve this issue

Inspect and Clean the ADF (Automatic Document Feeder)

Since your issue is specifically with scanning, I’d recommend focusing on the ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) if your printer has one. The false jam could be happening due to a misalignment or dust buildup in the scanner components. Try these steps:

• Turn off the printer and unplug it.
• Open the ADF cover and check for any visible paper particles, dust, or debris.
• Gently clean the rollers and any moving parts in the ADF with a soft cloth or a cotton swab lightly dampened with water or rubbing alcohol. This can help eliminate dust buildup that may cause the sensor to misread.
• If your printer has an ADF sensor (a small switch that detects paper movement), check that it isn’t stuck or obstructed.

Check for Obstructions Inside the Scanner

• Open the main scanner lid (where the glass platen is) and carefully check the scanner’s path for anything that could cause a false jam.
• If there’s anything like small bits of paper or even dust near the sensor or in the scanner's path, it could be enough to trigger the error. Clean it carefully with a soft lint-free cloth.

Reset the Scanner's Hardware

Since the issue is related to scanning, sometimes a full reset of the scanning hardware can help:

• Power off the printer.
• Hold down the “#” and “6” buttons on the printer’s control panel and then turn the printer back on while holding these buttons. This can reset the scanner hardware.
• Wait for the printer to boot up fully, and then test the scanner again.

[Garp_senchau · Accepted solution]

Run HP's Printer Diagnostic Tool

HP offers a diagnostic tool that may help identify hardware-related issues:

• Visit the HP Support website and download the HP Print and Scan Doctor for Mac.
• Run the tool to check if it identifies any underlying scanning problems or hardware issues.

Check Paper Type and Settings

A false paper jam error can sometimes be triggered by paper type settings or certain paper handling issues. Double-check these:

• Ensure the paper you're scanning is within the recommended paper type and size for your printer. Avoid heavily textured or glossy paper, as these can cause feed issues.
• Adjust the paper guides in the input tray to ensure the paper is properly aligned.

Update or Reinstall Drivers on Your Mac

There may be an issue with how macOS is interacting with the printer for scanning. Try reinstalling the printer's drivers:

• Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.
• Remove the printer by selecting it and clicking the minus (-) button.
• Reinstall the printer either from macOS’s list of available printers or by downloading the latest drivers from HP's website.
• This can resolve communication issues between the printer and macOS that could be contributing to the false paper jam error.

I hope these steps help resolve the issue

Please feel free to reply here if you have any questions or if you need further clarification on any of the steps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

Problem solved? 🎉 Awesome! Mark this as the Accepted Solution to help the next person find their way faster. 🧭 And if it was helpful, click 'yes'—you’ll make someone’s search journey that much easier (and give this reply some well-deserved street cred 🏅)

Regards,

[JayThere]

Thank you. I have already thoroughly checked the paper path and dusted and cleaned the rollers and scanner assembly. 

I cannot execute the instructions for resetting the scanner hardware because this printer has no keypad. It has a touchscreen control panel.

[JayThere]

My printer's scanning function seems to be stable (no false paper jam error) since the last time I reset the printer and restored the factory default settings. This was a few days ago. However, I have run through a couple of the suggested steps anyway.

Regarding HP's Printer Diagnostic Tool, the HP Print and Scan Doctor for Mac does not exist. This software only exists for Windows. I did download HP Smart for Mac and ran its Diagnose & Fix function. I don't know if this does the same thing as the Print and Scan Doctor. In any case, Diagnose & Fix found no issues.

I removed the printer from my Mac in the Printers & Scanners system settings and then reinstalled the printer's driver using HP Easy Start. I then added the printer back to my Mac.

Hopefully with these steps, the scanner's behavior will continue to be stable and the false paper jam error will not reappear and block the scanning function again.

[Garp_senchau]

@JayThere,

It sounds like you've really been on top of troubleshooting your printer, which is awesome! 🙌 It’s great to hear the scanner has been stable since the reset—fingers crossed that the false paper jam error stays away for good! 🤞

Let’s hope all the hard work pays off and you get smooth scanning without any interruptions! 💚 

Keep me posted if anything changes, I’m rooting for you! 🌟

Take care and have a good day. 

If this reply nailed it, 🔨 mark it as the "Accepted Solution"—it’s like a spotlight for future problem solvers. ✨ And clicking 'yes' under 'Was this reply helpful?' is the cherry 🍒 on top of the solution sundae. Sharing is caring! 💕

Regards,