How to Clear a Printer Paper Jam

The flashing error code that indicates a jammed printer is the digital-age equivalent of a flat tire. Sooner or later it happens to everyone, so you'd better know how to get things moving again if you want to finish your print job.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Turn the printer off and on to see if it can automatically clear some or all of the jam. Many printers provide an error-code listing on the front panel display for the area where the jam occurred. If your printer shows an error code, be sure and check the printer manual to see if that identifies the area of the printer where the jam occurred.

2. Turn off the printer.

3. Remove any paper trays. Inspect them for wrinkled or damaged paper.

4. Open any other doors that give access to the printer's paper path and to the toner or ink cartridge.

5. If necessary, remove the toner or ink cartridge. Place it in a bag or away from light to avoid damaging it.

6. 

   If you find a piece of jammed paper, remove it by holding it with both hands and pulling firmly (see A). The goal is to keep the paper from tearing. If several pieces are jammed together, try pulling out the middle piece first to loosen the jam.

7. 

   If the paper does tear, try rotating the roller gears manually to free the paper (see B). Don't force anything, though.

8. Replace the toner or ink cartridge and paper trays, close any doors you opened and turn the printer back on.

9. If the printer paper jam message still appears, then there is still some paper in the printer. Reinspect the paper path.

Tips & Warnings

• If you get toner or ink on your clothing, wipe it off with a dry cloth and then launder the clothing in cold water.
• Watch out for loose toner or ink on jammed paper, and do your best to avoid spilling it on yourself or the printer. If a little bit of loose toner or ink gets in the printer, though, it should clear after a few sheets are printed.

[stacy1980]

on 9/7/2009 this article is helpful. I FORGOT about turning OFF the printer then turning it on again! It works! You may have to try this a few times but it worked for me! The paper rolled right out! It may also depend on the kind of printer you have. I have an HP Photosmart C3135.

[zpxjr12]

on 1/25/2009 I HAD THE SAME PAPERJAM ERROR JUST RE LOADED THE SOFTWARE PROBLEM SORTED

[acespower]

on 7/15/2008 You can also load a piece of thick paper, or paper with the thickness of a photo paper and press RESUME button twice to let the thick paper push out the torn pieces that left inside. Remember to wipe the ink stained on the roller inside the printer.
http://acespower.blogspot.com

[archieS3]

on 6/27/2008 If the torn piece disappears, is heard to crinkle, and printer will not spit it out, what then?

on 7/5/2006 Remove the printer cover and remove the screws for the printer. Plug in and plug out the printer for a few minutes.Connect a wire on the chip board of the printer and then touch the other end of the wire to a metal. Make sure that the paper tray and ink cartridges are removed from the printer when the printer is plugged in and plugged out.