How to Clear a Paper Jam in a Lexmark Laser Printer

By eHow Computers Editor

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Clearing a paper jam in a Lexmark laser printer is an easy thing to do. Laser printers produce high-quality products and are fairly complex machines, but paper jams (in most cases) can be solved mechanically with a little know-how and time. Follow these steps to learn how to clear a paper jam in a Lexmark laser printer.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

printer

Step1

Take the paper out of the paper trays. This will prevent any more paper from being drawn into the printer to further the jam.

Step2

Remove the cover from the housing of your Lexmark laser printer. This will expose the inner workings of the printer, and you also should be able to see the jammed paper.

Step3

Pull gently on the jammed paper. In many cases this is all that is required; the paper jam should move out slowly and smoothly.

Step4

Press the flashing paper jam button. This will allow the rotors to turn freely, which will facilitate the easy removal of the jam.

Step5

Unplug your Lexmark laser printer if the jam persists. This will allow you to pull more firmly without the gears working against you.

Step6

Examine the inner workings and confirm that all paper and shreds of paper have been removed. If the paper tore during the clearing, make sure none remains or it will inhibit normal printer function.

Step7

Plug the printer back in, refill the paper tray and try to print again.

Tips & Warnings

Make sure to use a printer and paper type that are compatible. Consult your owner’s manual and the manufacturer’s Web site.
To deal with a large jam, it might be necessary to pull sheets from the middle of the jam in order to loosen the whole thing.
Always pull the paper “with the grain” of the mechanism, if possible. Pull it through the printer the way paper normally travels so that you don’t go against the gears.
For more serious repairs, contact an electronics store or professional repair person.