How to Clear a Paper Jam on a Multi-Function Printer

Paper jams can be frustrating. Not only do you lose time getting your current print job done, but you also have to fiddle around in the guts of your multi-function printer to get it up and running again. The process isn't brain surgery, and by following a step-by-step process you can reduce your downtime and get that printer spitting out pages again. Follow these instructions to clear a paper jam on a multi-function printer.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Multi-function printer
• Paper

1. Turn off the printer and disconnect power supply. Let the printer stand for a few minutes to dissipate any residual charge before continuing.
2. Find out where paper is jammed. Paper usually hangs up in one of three places: before it completely leaves the feed tray, between the feed tray and the print carriage, or between the print carriage and the output tray.
3. Remove the input tray if the paper jammed before it fully left the feed tray area. You may have to use tools to remove this part or other panels on the printer. Once you have accessed the jammed sheet, pull the paper with steady pressure using both hands near the center of the edge closest to you.
4. Get at paper jammed between the feed tray area and the print carriage by removing the back panel of the multi-function printer. Use your thumbs and fingers on the edges of the paper to steadily work the sheet out of the machine.
5. Open the carriage access door to remove a jam further inside the multi-function printer. Use gentle pressure to move the print carriage out of the way if necessary and remove the jammed paper. Grasp the paper firmly and use steady pressure rather than tugging sharply.
6. Close any open panels. Reconnect power and turn on the printer.
7. Press clear or allow the printer to reset itself automatically before further use.

Tips & Warnings

• Load paper into the feeder tray correctly to reduce the risk of jams in the future. Do not overfill the tray.
• If you have to take the back panel off to get at the paper jam, see if the rollers on the back of the panel move freely. Replace damaged rollers if necessary.
• Avoid using different sizes and kinds of paper while printing. If you need to print to a different type of paper, do it as a separate job after adjusting your multi-function printer to accept the new paper.
• Do not reach inside the machine while it is still connected to power. Even while turned off, the interior of the multi-function printer may retain a residual charge. Allow this charge to dissipate before reaching inside the machine.
• Do not add paper to the feed tray while printing.

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