How to Fix a False ADF Document Feeder Jam Problem - HP OfficeJet Pro 8000, 9000 Series

If you own an OfficeJet Pro 8000 or 9000 series device, you may encounter a problem where your printer erroneously detects a feeder jam issue. You will likely receive a message letting you know that the original document is jammed in the feeder and that you should open the cover and remove and reload this paper. It might even show you a short video clip of how to complete this process. These error messages aren’t always accurate, and there may not be a paper jam at all.

If your printer is telling you there’s a printer jam when there isn’t, then read on, because this blog is for you.

For the printer to think there is a printer jam, there is likely some sort of dysfunction happening with the electronic sensors within the device. The part of the printer you are dealing with might look like it has a sensor lever. Still, if you open it up, you’ll find that the sensor is on another part, and the white lever just controls when paper has to be removed entirely before the next sheet of paper can fit into the ADF. So we’ll take a closer look at the other part.

When you scan and press the lever down, it will make a piece of plastic move away from the optical sensor. It basically detects if there is an object blocking the light between the two columns or not, so if you have a piece of paper jammed here, there’s no way you can see it from the top. If you remove it and find that it’s clogged with dirt or other debris, then you’ve identified your problem. Otherwise, check the FFC connection and ensure that the cable is inserted securely.

How to access the sensor lever

Unfortunately, you cannot easily access the lever by opening the cover. You need to remove some screws with a T10 drill bit, which you can purchase from BCH Technologies. You will have to remove a total of eight screws from the top, four on each side. Basically, if you see any screws facing up, remove them. Now open the scanner and remove two more screws, taking off the metal piece. Then, get a flat head screwdriver to push in the tabs located on the top and bottom of the scanner. Note that the paper stacker can be taken out as well. If you need an extra stacker, you can get one here.

Now we’re going to remove the long piece from the bottom. The long part of the top is harder to remove. If you’re already seeing some debris come up on the trigger, you can just clean it without removing the long piece. Otherwise, you may need to remove this piece. Bend the little box under your thumb towards you, and it should come off. When replacing this piece, put the box in first and bend it away from your body, and then you can install it.

What about sensor issues?

If there is nothing mechanically wrong with the device—for instance, a piece of debris or a lever missing a spring—then there is probably an issue with the sensor. Simply remove the sensor, get the multimeter, and start troubleshooting. However, if you’re just looking to get a new ADF, you can buy one from BCH Technologies for $25.99. But before doing so, you may want to open the white panel and determine whether or not the lever is causing the problem.

Now we’re ready to disconnect the FFC cable from the old unit. Bend the little tab, pull on the black wire, and the whole sensor should come out. At this point, you can disconnect the FFC cable and remove the old unit. If you bought the unit from BCH, you should already have that cable, so the first thing you want to do is take that out and reconnect it with the printer cable.

Now, if you put something in between and block the light, the printer will think that there’s no jam. Before putting everything back, it’s a good idea to test this, so put a piece of plastic in between and just use some tape to secure it. Now the printer should think there’s no paper jam. The error message should be gone when you power on the printer again. When reinstalling the piece, ensure the lever goes between the sensors and test the lever before closing the white cover.

Wrap it up

The rest is easy—just reassemble your device. Place the long piece back on the top, ensuring to put the box in first. Then, bend it away from you, and that should do the trick. Finally, put the stacker back and remember that you have ten screws, eight on the top and two on the bottom.