How to Fix Printer Error 13 : Paper Jam / Printer Jam/ Out of paper

One of the most frustrating problems faced by a printer user would be paper jams. These are not restricted to lack or shortage of papers in tray alone, but all printers (Canon, HP, Lexmark and IBM) can gives this problem at one time or another due to various reasons explained below.

For example HP printer Error Message Forms: 13.XX.YZ - additional location info on display

XX = Jam Code,Y = Device Number,Z = Device Type
Possible Locations: Tray 1, Tray 2, Tray 3, Rear Door, Top Cover

For example Jam 13.13.00 indicates a jam in the duplexer assembly

Possible solutions

- Check the paper, make sure it meets the paper specifications for your printer. Tractor feed paper with the edges ripped off doesn't seem to work very well. Extremely heavy or thick paper is also a problem. Check the HP paper specification guide for more info.

Be careful with labels, use only labels designed to take the heat generated by the fuser assembly. Regular labels my 'ooze' adhesive as they pass through the fuser assembly and literally gum up the works! Also check for any partially peeled labels, this can be a disaster if they come off inside the printer.

- Check the paper path for toner or paper dust buildup. Look for bits of paper lodged in the path particularly around the sensors.  HP 4L/4P printers can have paper stuck in the pickup area which is accessed by removing the screw over the oblique roller cover.

- You may have a worn pickup roller. Check the feed and separation rollers in the printer and in the tray. Look for smooth, sedimented or cracked worn surfaces. Sometimes you can clean a pickup roller and get a little more life miles out of them but when you start to get jams with a smudge on the top middle of the page, it's time to replace the roller or do it after a given time.

If your machine uses a paper separation pad, a small rubber or cork material pad check for a smooth surface without any friction. This pad needs to provide friction to the feeding paper. If worn, replace.

-Is the paper size correct? Is the software set for the size you're using? Is the menu set for the size you're using? Check these items.  If the software tells the printer to expect a different size (legal, A4, COM10) than the tray available, you will get an error. This can happen when printing a FAX document formatted for A4 size paper.

-You could also have a defective or dirty exit sensor. Replace or clean as needed.

-Check to see if the sensor flag for input is broken or not and also ensure the system boards and cable 2 is not defective.

-Make sure the paper cassettes are installed correctly and adjustments are set properly. A buildup of toner on the edges of the tray which slides into the printer can sometimes cause problems. Take a sharp tool, like a razor blade and scrape the buildup off these edges.

-Bad drive gears. Again on the HP LJII/III we are starting to see more and more failures of the gear drive assembly. A broken tooth on one gear is all it takes. Replace this as an assembly.

-Listen for the motor operation, make sure it's operational. If not replace the motor or drive circuit as required.

Note :

HP IIP/IIIP and Apple Personal LaserWriter's that pickup the paper and then crunch it up at the toner cartridge usually have a bad drive gear assembly. If the paper crinkles right at the toner cartridge it is most likely the drive gear located on the right side of the printer. If you fold down the right side cover, you will see a white gear/clutch assembly.

Replacing this should solve your problem. You need RG1-1777, Drive Gear Assembly. Take a look at the white gear - if it looks as if it has twisted on the shaft that is the problem. You can remove it and rotate the inner white gear - it should exhibit a one way clutch action and rotate smoothly. The outer gear should rotate in one direction only with a spring action which limits it rotation.

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