Printer problem

[key_man10]

Hi,

I have an HP Officejet J4680 printer. It says there is a paper jam but there isn't. Is this a known problem or do you think the printer is u/s?

 

Many thanks.

[KenB]

Hi,

 

This is direct from the HP manual:

 

Clear paper jams

If the paper was loaded in the main tray, you might need to clear the paper jam from

the rear door.

Paper can also jam in the automatic document feeder. Several common actions can

cause paper to jam the automatic document feeder:

• Placing too much paper in the document feeder tray. For information on the

maximum number of sheets allowed in the automatic document feeder, see Load

originals.

• Using paper that is too thick or too thin for the device.

• Trying to add paper to the document feeder tray while the device is feeding pages.

To clear a paper jam from the rear door

1. Press in the tab on the left side of the rear door to release the door. Remove the

door by pulling it away from the device.

 

It is on p156 of the manual.

 

The manual can be downloaded here:

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c01770356.pdf

[key_man10]

Many thanks but there isn't any paper in the printer. The message just suddenly appeared for no reason even though I wasn't printing anything at the time. I have been using the same paper for a couple of years now so I don't think the quality is the problem.

[RandyL]

Several possibilities such as damaged or dirty paper rollers.

HP link to the following.

The following factors can cause paper jams:

• Paper loaded incorrectly in the paper tray.Damaged or dirty paper rollers.Torn, wrinkled, or damp paper loaded in the paper tray.The rear access door or two-sided printing accessory (duplexer) might not be closed or is not locked into place.Paper was added to a stack already in the tray while the HP product was printing.The tray contains more than one type of paper.The paper is jammed inside the HP product where you cannot see it.An obstruction is blocking the paper path. Torn pieces of paper from a previous jam are stuck in the product.The tray is too full. If printing on an envelope, the edges of the envelope are bent.
  

[KenB]

It may be worth investing in a can of compressed air and giving the inside a cleaning.

It could be a small piece of paper that is lodged.

it could be dirt / dust.

[key_man10]

Unfortunately none of the above has worked. I am getting the error message as soon as I switch the printer on. Also I forgot to mention that when I open the print cartridge door the cartidge carriage does not move as it used to. Before, it would go to the right to enable the cartridges to be removed/replaced. Not sure if this has any bearing on the problem.

I did email HP about it but they simply said that it was out of warranty so hard cheese.

[RandyL]

I would say that confirms what I suspected. Your printer needs to be serviced or replaced. Considering the costs of servicing a printer by a qualified person it is likley to be best to just buy a new one. Replacing parts and paying for the labor will cost just as much if not more than buying a new one. Also buying a new one means ALL the parts are new not just one part.

 

In my opionion if all the other options failed to fix it then buying new is best.

[Dalo Harkin]

Have you tried resetting the printer:-

How to Reset Photosmart Printers - HP technical support (United Kingdom - English)

 

If you have had a jam and then pulled the jam through, it can sometimes need resetting :)

[key_man10]

Have you tried resetting the printer:-

How to Reset Photosmart Printers - HP technical support (United Kingdom - English)

 

If you have had a jam and then pulled the jam through, it can sometimes need resetting :)

Tried to do that but couldn't find the clutch. Mine is an Officejet not a Photosmart so perhaps it's in a different place.

[key_man10]

Solved it !!!!!. I prised the black cover off the 3rd wheel back on the left and made sure the timing wheel was going through the sensor. I then made sure the arm that lies under the small panel on the underside of the printer was located and sliding properly. Put it all back together MINUS the black cover and it now works perfectly.

[Dalo Harkin]

Glad you got it sorted :)

[RandyL]

That's great. You obviously have the hands on skills that I don't.

[key_man10]

That's great. You obviously have the hands on skills that I don't.

 

I wish I did but I cheated a bit by asking the question on another help forum and luckily someone else had had the same problem. As it didn't work I had nothing to lose by taking the screwdriver and pliers to it.

For all the help that HP were (it's out of warranty so we don't want to know) I don't think i'll be buying another HP product.

Anyway thanks for all your help. At least if someone else on this forum has the same problem then what worked for me may work for them.

Thanks again.