Quick notes
- The first step to clearing a paper jam is to identify where the paper is stuck.
- If you’re printing on both sides of the paper (duplex printing), the paper could be jammed in the duplex unit.
- A less common jam location is the fuser unit, which is responsible for fusing the toner to the paper.
Are you facing the dreaded paper jam on your HP LaserJet Pro M402 printer? It’s a common issue that can be frustrating, but don’t worry! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of clearing a paper jam on your HP LaserJet Pro M402 printer, step by step. We’ll cover everything from identifying the jam’s location to troubleshooting common problems.
Identifying the Paper Jam Location
The first step to clearing a paper jam is to identify where the paper is stuck. Your HP LaserJet Pro M402 printer may display an error message on its control panel, providing a clue about the jam’s location.
Here are some common paper jam locations on the HP LaserJet Pro M402:
- Paper Tray: The most common jam location is the paper tray itself. Check for any visible paper that might be stuck or crumpled.
- Duplex Unit: If you’re printing on both sides of the paper (duplex printing), the paper could be jammed in the duplex unit.
- Fuser Unit: A less common jam location is the fuser unit, which is responsible for fusing the toner to the paper.
- Output Tray: The paper may get stuck in the output tray as the printed sheets are ejected.
How to Clear a Paper Jam in the Paper Tray
If the paper jam is in the paper tray, follow these steps:
1. Turn off the printer: Press the power button on your printer to turn it off completely.
2. Open the paper tray: Gently pull the paper tray out of the printer.
3. Remove the jammed paper: Carefully remove any visible paper that is stuck in the tray. Be gentle to avoid tearing the paper, which could further complicate the situation.
4. Check for obstructions: Inspect the paper tray for any foreign objects or debris that might be obstructing the paper path. Remove any obstructions you find.
5. Close the paper tray: Once you have removed the jammed paper and any obstructions, carefully slide the paper tray back into the printer.
6. Turn on the printer: Press the power button to turn the printer back on.
Clearing a Paper Jam in the Duplex Unit
If the paper jam is in the duplex unit, follow these steps:
1. Turn off the printer: Press the power button on your printer to turn it off completely.
2. Open the duplex unit: Locate the duplex unit, which usually has a lever or button for opening it.
3. Remove the jammed paper: Carefully remove any visible paper that is stuck in the duplex unit.
4. Check for obstructions: Inspect the duplex unit for any foreign objects or debris that might be obstructing the paper path. Remove any obstructions you find.
5. Close the duplex unit: Once you have removed the jammed paper and any obstructions, close the duplex unit.
6. Turn on the printer: Press the power button to turn the printer back on.
Clearing a Paper Jam in the Fuser Unit
If the paper jam is in the fuser unit, follow these steps:
1. Turn off the printer: Press the power button on your printer to turn it off completely.
2. Open the fuser unit: Locate the fuser unit, which is typically located in the back of the printer. Consult your printer’s manual for detailed instructions on how to open the fuser unit.
3. Remove the jammed paper: Carefully remove any visible paper that is stuck in the fuser unit. Be very careful, as the fuser unit can be hot.
4. Check for obstructions: Inspect the fuser unit for any foreign objects or debris that might be obstructing the paper path. Remove any obstructions you find.
5. Close the fuser unit: Once you have removed the jammed paper and any obstructions, close the fuser unit.
6. Turn on the printer: Press the power button to turn the printer back on.
Clearing a Paper Jam in the Output Tray
If the paper jam is in the output tray, follow these steps:
1. Turn off the printer: Press the power button on your printer to turn it off completely.
2. Open the output tray: Gently lift the output tray to access the paper path.
3. Remove the jammed paper: Carefully remove any visible paper that is stuck in the output tray.
4. Check for obstructions: Inspect the output tray for any foreign objects or debris that might be obstructing the paper path. Remove any obstructions you find.
5. Close the output tray: Once you have removed the jammed paper and any obstructions, close the output tray.
6. Turn on the printer: Press the power button to turn the printer back on.
Troubleshooting Paper Jam Issues
Even after following these steps, you may still encounter paper jam issues. Here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Check the paper type: Make sure you are using the correct type of paper for your printer. The paper should be compatible with your HP LaserJet Pro M402 and not too thick or too thin.
- Check the paper tray: Ensure that the paper in the tray is properly aligned and not bent or crumpled.
- Check the paper path: Inspect the paper path for any obstructions, such as staples or paper clips.
- Clean the rollers: The rollers in your printer can become dirty or worn, causing paper jams. Clean the rollers with a soft cloth and isopropyl alcohol.
- Reset the printer: Sometimes a simple reset can fix paper jam issues. Turn off the printer, unplug it from the power outlet, wait for a few minutes, plug it back in, and turn it on.
Avoiding Paper Jams in the Future
Here are some tips to help prevent paper jams on your HP LaserJet Pro M402 printer:
- Use the correct paper type: Always use the paper type recommended by your printer’s manual.
- Keep the paper tray clean: Regularly remove any debris or foreign objects from the paper tray.
- Avoid overloading the paper tray: Don’t fill the paper tray beyond its capacity.
- Don’t use damaged paper: Avoid using paper that is bent, crumpled, or torn.
- Check the paper path regularly: Inspect the paper path for any obstructions.
- Clean the rollers regularly: Clean the rollers with a soft cloth and isopropyl alcohol to prevent them from becoming dirty or worn.
Paper Jam Resolution: A Final Check
After trying all of the above steps, if your HP LaserJet Pro M402 printer is still experiencing paper jams, you may need to contact HP support or a qualified technician for further assistance.
Top Questions Asked
Q: What if the paper jam is not visible?
A: If you can’t see the jammed paper, you may need to use a flashlight to help you see into the printer’s interior. If you still can’t find the jam, you may need to contact HP support or a qualified technician.
Q: Can I use a vacuum cleaner to remove the jammed paper?
A: It is not recommended to use a vacuum cleaner to remove jammed paper. The suction could damage the printer’s internal components.
Q: What if I can’t remove the jammed paper myself?
A: If you are unable to remove the jammed paper yourself, you should contact HP support or a qualified technician for assistance.
Q: How often should I clean the rollers on my printer?
A: It is recommended to clean the rollers on your HP LaserJet Pro M402 printer every few months or whenever you notice paper jams occurring frequently.
Q: What are some other common paper jam causes?
A: Other common paper jam causes include using the wrong type of paper, overloading the paper tray, using damaged paper, and having obstructions in the paper path.