HP LaserJet 5200

General paper-path troubleshooting
Use the following suggestions to isolate the cause of a problem. After identifying the cause, use the
tables for a recommended solution.
NOTE Use the paper-path test in the DIAGNOSTICS menu to print pages when
troubleshooting.
●
View or print the event log to determine if a particular jam error occurs more often than others. Try
to identify a pattern.
●
Use the event log to determine the frequency of a particular jam. If a jam occurs repeatedly at
approximately the same page count, consider it a single jam that the customer tried to clear.
●
Try printing to all available trays to determine if the problem is isolated to one tray.
●
Print the job in simplex and duplex modes to determine if the problem occurs in a particular mode.
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Try printing on media from an unopened ream that has been stored correctly. If a jam does not
occur, the customer's media might be causing the problem.
●
If the jam occurs after the printer is turned on, check the paper path for small, torn pieces of media.
Also, check for broken sensors and flags, and check for loose or defective connections.
●
If the media is torn, folded, or wrinkled, check the paper path for items that could be causing the
damage.
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Replace any non-HP supplies with genuine HP supplies.
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If necessary, tell the customer about proper media storage, correct loading technique, and printer
operation. Make sure that the customer knows not to grab media in the output bin during duplex
printing.
Paper-path checklist
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Make sure that the media is loaded correctly, and that all of the length and width guides are set
correctly.
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Clean the printer. Toner and media dust in the paper path can inhibit the free movement of media
through the printer and can block the sensors.
●
Use the paper-path test in the DIAGNOSTICS menu to vary the input selections of the printer to
determine if the problem is associated with a particular area of the printer.
●
Check the condition of the pickup rollers and separation pads. Worn rollers or separation pads can
cause multifeeds. Bent separation tabs (on the front corners of the input trays) can cause misfeeds
and multifeeds. Replace the tray if necessary.
●
Defective paper-tray switches can cause jams by communicating the wrong paper size to the
formatter.
●
Check that the paper path is clear when cleaning the printer and clearing jams. Scraps of media
in the paper path can cause intermittent jams. Also, remove the fuser and carefully check it for
debris from jams.
224 Chapter 6 Troubleshooting ENWW