paper jam no actual jam

[ZionsMominMN]

Continuous printer jams according to the printer, but no actual paper jam. Eventually  the printer tells me to turn it off and then on again. When I switch it off it says "shutting down" for long periods of time - overnight even - until I remember to check it. With the spinning wheel of death lasting 8+ hours, I unplug it from the wall, plug it back in and then turn it on. Then it starts up, runs the gear noises and printer cartridges noises and starts all over. HELP! It's been like this for a couple of weeks.

Spoiler

[Jerry_57]

Hi @ZionsMominMN,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

I understand you are experiencing frequent paper jam warnings from your HP Photosmart printer, even when no physical jam is present. Here are the steps to troubleshoot and hopefully resolve the issue:

 

Check for Hidden Paper Jams:
 

• Ensure that there are no small pieces of paper stuck in the paper path. Sometimes small fragments may not be easily visible.
• Remove the rear access door or duplexer and inspect for any obstruction.

Inspect and Reload Paper:
 

• Remove all the paper from the main paper tray.
• Inspect the stack to ensure there are no curled or damaged sheets.
• Fan the edges of the stack to prevent sheets from sticking together and reload only the recommended amount of paper, ensuring the edges are aligned.

Check the Paper Path:
 

• Open the printer’s top cover and confirm that the print carriage can move freely across the width of the printer.
• Remove the ink cartridges, and check the carriage path for any small bits of paper or other debris.

Clean Paper Rollers:
 

• Use a lint-free cloth lightly moistened with water to clean the rollers that feed paper into the machine. This can help improve grip and feed efficiency.

Verify Printer Software and Firmware:
 

• Check if your printer software is up to date. Sometimes outdated software can lead to false error messages.
• Visit the HP support site to download any available updates for your printer model.

Inspect Maintenance Settings:
 

• Sometimes, maintenance settings can cause repeated jam errors. Check your printer’s maintenance settings to ensure everything is configured correctly.

Perform a Hard Reset:
 

• Power off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
• Wait about 10-15 seconds and then plug it back in.
• Turn on the printer to see if the reset resolves the issue.

Direct Sunlight Interference:
 

• Ensure that the printer is not in direct sunlight, as this can interfere with the sensor operation.
  
  I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

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Jerry_57

HP Support