Dealing with a fake paper jam error on an HP printer can be frustrating and time-consuming, especially when you are not sure where to begin. In this article, we will discuss how to troubleshoot a fake paper jam error on an HP OfficeJet 6978 printer.

If you are facing this error, the first step is to read the error message carefully. The error message will not provide much information, and it will ask you to remove any jammed paper. If you click 'OK,' you will see a second error message that will provide you with a little more information. It will tell you that the original document loaded is jammed in the document feeder.

Upon checking, you might not see any paper jammed in the printer, and you will realize that this is a scanner failure error message. This error message can be caused by a loose FFC (flat flexible cable) cable from the scanner. You might also encounter a printer failure error message (0x6100004a) caused by the power cable or FFC cable issues.

When these errors occur, the printer might not be shut down correctly, causing the printer's waste basket to be in an unusual position. This might give you a generic paper jam error message, which can be boring to fix. However, it is essential to fix these issues to avoid any further problems.

If you encounter improper shutdown error messages, you might need to fix the waste basket first. Check out the link above for a video tutorial on how to fix this. To fix the scanner failure error message, you need to open up the scanner by removing the hinge. This might require a bit of force to bend it forward. A screwdriver can help you bend it forward.

Once the hinge is detached, you can remove ten screws to remove the top cover. There are two tabs behind the LCD panel that you need to push in to remove the LED panel by contacting the white cables. You can then remove the top cover. When you come back to the FFC, check where the connection point is. When you plug it in, ensure that the shiny part or the iron part is connected to those connection points.

As previously mentioned, the scanner failure error message can be caused by a loose FFC cable. Ensure that the two cables are installed correctly and that the power cable is clicked in place. Every time you open the scanner, ensure that the cable is secured to avoid any issues.

Before putting everything back, double-check that all cables are secured and check the paper tray. When you insert the paper, you should see a little lever falling down. Raise it up and release it, and it should spring back and fall down. Check all the rollers and clean them with alcohol and a paper towel.

Put everything back in place, ensuring that you start the cable on the correct side. Put back the ten screws and reattach the scanner's hinge. Ensure that both ways close gradually, and there are no more error messages.

In conclusion, troubleshooting a fake paper jam error message on an HP OfficeJet 6978 printer might be challenging, but it is essential to fix these issues to avoid any further problems. Ensure that all cables are secured and that the paper tray and rollers are clean. If you encounter any further problems, check out the video tutorials above, or seek professional help.