ADF Not Feeding Paper HP OfficeJet Pro 8500A Plus

Question:
My HP OfficeJet Pro 8500A Plus printer generally works fine, but the Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) has ceased functioning properly. When I try to put an original in the ADF tray and press the copy button, the ADF makes a whirring sound for one or two seconds (like gears slipping) but does not pull the paper in. I have previously cleaned the rollers, but they don’t appear engaging. Somehow, do I need to replace and fix this issue?
 
Answer: 
First, thanks so much for contacting us here at BCH Technologies. We wholeheartedly apologize for not being able to reply sooner. We get that printer problems are always urgent, and we want to dedicate individual attention to every issue. We salute your support and following our YouTube Channel ([https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies]). Your comments help improve our troubleshooting and tech resources.
 
Diagnosing the ADF Issue
From your description, the ADF can't quite start, possibly due to worn rollers, slipping gear, or a blocked sensor. Here are the most common causes and how to solve them:
 
Check the Rollers Again

• Although you have cleaned rollers, please look at the ADF pickup roller and separation pad.
• It might not be gripping the paper correctly if it looks smooth, glazed over, or worn down.

Remove and Install the ADF Pickup Roller and Separation Pad

• These are wear-and-tear items commonly responsible for paper-feeding failures.
• You can buy ADF maintenance kits from HP or source-compatible components online.
• New rollers should improve the paper grip, which will probably fix the problem.

Check for Gears that are Loose or Damaged

• The whirring noise might mean an internal gear is stripped or loose.
• If you're okay with disassembly, please open the ADF unit to check for broken or misaligned gears.

Reset the Printer

• Sometimes, the ADF fails due to a firmware glitch.
• Unplugging the printer for a few minutes and starting it again may help reset the internal components.

Check for Sensor Blockages

• It can also trigger the ADF sensors, leading to false jams or preventing the rollers from clicking into place.
• Clean around the ADF sensors using an air canister or soft brush.

When to Replace the ADF Assembly
If replacing the rollers and separation pad did not resolve the issue, the ADF motor or gear system may have failed mechanically, requiring the replacement of the entire ADF assembly.
 
Next Steps
I will need to do an additional inspection if these solutions do not resolve the issue. 
 
Printer problems are a complex one to deal with, as they are very much hands-on. So we cannot give you remote troubleshooting, we cannot give you suggestions on what to do with the printer, and we cannot help people who will repair the devices. We provide in-person evaluation and repair at our local diagnostic facility ([https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service), since they are in such high demand we run a first-come, first-served basis. So it may take a couple of weeks, through which we will get your printer to drop it off. Our offerings guide him or her in repairing an entire machine or specific components with clear guidelines on what to do next. But we also realize that our rates aren't the least expensive. So we strongly suggest you do online research for self-help. Go on YouTube, see what to find, or visit our YouTube channel homepage ([https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies]). Use the search icon to search on the right side of the menu bar, which has the items; "About" and search results appear. That question comes in dozens daily via emails from people asking which topics have videos. With nine years of videos under your belt, it’s hard to remember them all. So, the best way to search for anything is to use the search function on YouTube. You might also see relevant suggested videos from other channels to help you.
Thank you for your patience and for your commitment to troubleshooting this issue. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please visit our help center. Once again, thanks for your inquiry, and we hope you make the best decision for your printer!