Troubleshooting Print Devices Lesson 002: Print Feed Issues

What does print feed issues encompass?

Paper jams, paper not feeding, multi-page misfeeds, grinding noises, and issues where the tray is not recognized.

Paper Jam

Occurs when a sheet of paper becomes lodged somewhere inside the printer path and prevents the printing process from continuing.

In what type of printer are paper jams most common?

Laser printers, especially in high speed models.

What is the first step in clearing a paper jam?

Consult the control panel on the printer.

What can the control panel on a printer tell a tech when troubleshooting paper jams?

Where it is inside of the printer.

What is the second step to clearing a paper jam?

Remove the paper tray.

What is the third step in clearing a paper jam?

Removing other components, depending on where the jam is inside of the printer.

What is the common cause for paper not feeding in a printer?

Worn pickup rollers.

What should a tech do regarding the issue of papaer not feeding in a printer?

Replace the pickup rollers.

Before a tech goes to replace the pickup rollers due to paper not feeding into a printer, what should he do first?

Check if the paper tray is loaded correctly and make sure the paper is properly aligned.

Besides improper loading and alignment and worn pickup rollers, what else can cause paper not to feed into a printer?

Using incompatible types of paper in a printer.

Multi-Page Misfeed

Similar to paper not feeding and occurs when multiple sheets of paper are pulled into the printer at once.

What can a multi-page misfeed cause?

Paper jams and a print job to be stretched across multiple sheets of paper.

What is the most common reason for a multi-page misfeed to occur?

Using the wrong type of paper or paper that is holding moisture or not flat.

Grinding Noises

Indicates a problem with the gears or rollers inside the printer, and the cause can vary depending on the type of printer.

What usually causes grinding noises inside of a printer?

Issues with the gears or belt of the carriage mechanism, leading to poor print quality or damage over time.

What should a tech do if he hears grinding coming from an Inkjet or impact printer?

Inspect the carriage assembly and gears and identify the source of the noise.

What usually causes grinding noises of a laser printer?

Problems with the toner cartridge, fuser, and rollers.

After identifying the source of the grinding noise in a printer, what should a tech do next?

Inspect the components in that area and replace any worn parts.

What causes a printer to fail to recognize the paper tray?

Happens for a variety of reasons.

What happens if a printer fails to recognize the paper tray?

The printer won’t be able to pick up paper to begin the printing process.

What is the first thing to check if the printer fails to recognize the paper tray?

Ensure that it is fully and properly seated into the printer.

If the paper tray is properly seated inside of a printer, what should a tech do next if the printer still cannot recognize the paper tray?

Inspect the sensors and guides for any type of obstruction.

If the tech has verified that there is nothing wrong with the printer itself, what should he do to fix the issue of a printer failing to recognize the paper tray?

Replace said component.