How to Reinstall the Paper Eject (PE) Lever in an HP OfficeJet Pro 9012e Printer

Question:

I'm working on reinstalling a small plastic lever inside my HP OfficeJet Pro 9012e printer - I believe it's the paper eject lever (PE lever). I'm having trouble figuring out how the right end of this lever is supposed to be installed. Could you clarify:

• Where does the right side of this lever connect?

• Does it hook into a spring, or does it simply rotate on a pivot?

• Do you have any diagrams or photos showing how it fits in place?

Answer:

Now, let's go over your question about the paper eject lever (PE lever) in your HP OfficeJet Pro 9012e.

1. Understanding the PE Lever's Function

The PE lever, or paper eject lever, is part of the printer's paper path assembly. Its main purpose is to detect and guide paper exiting the print zone. It interacts with the paper eject sensor to confirm that the paper is being fed and ejected correctly. When not properly installed, it can cause paper feed errors, false paper jam alerts, or cause the printer to refuse to print altogether.

In most HP OfficeJet Pro 9000-series printers, the lever sits on a dual-axis pivot system, meaning one end rotates freely while the other interfaces with a spring or sensor flag.

2. Where the Right Side Connects

On the HP OfficeJet Pro 9012e, the right side of the PE lever connects to a pivot post molded into the internal chassis, near the paper eject roller assembly.

• The right end does not attach directly to a spring. Instead, it rests and rotates freely on the pivot post, allowing it to move up and down when paper passes through.

• The left side, however, may connect to a sensor flag or tension spring, depending on the version of the 9010-series model (some variants share internal design similarities with the 9015e or 9020e).

• The lever must move smoothly but should not have excessive play; if it feels tight or off-angle, it's likely not seated correctly on the pivot.

When reinstalling, insert the right pivot point first, then align the left end with the sensor tab or spring connection. The lever should move freely when lightly tapped-it shouldn't stick or resist movement.

3. How It Fits in the Assembly

Unfortunately, HP doesn't publicly provide service diagrams for this specific lever (as it's part of the paper feed module, which HP usually replaces as a whole). However, based on internal design layouts and service manual references from related OfficeJet Pro models (like the 9010 and 9015e), the PE lever sits directly beneath the output roller shaft, just above the paper exit path.

Here's what to check during reinstallation:

1. Make sure the pivot hole on the right end is aligned with the plastic peg on the internal wall.

2. Confirm that the left tab of the lever lines up with the photo-interrupter sensor slot (the black U-shaped sensor).

3. If your printer had a small metal or tension spring nearby, it should connect between the left end of the lever and a small hook on the chassis-this provides the returning tension when the lever is lifted by passing paper.

If the spring is missing or misaligned, the lever may stay in a raised position, causing false paper jam errors (Error Code 0x6100004A) or "paper feed error" messages during startup.

4. Helpful Visual Reference

While HP doesn't release official part diagrams for this lever, similar assemblies can be seen in teardown videos for the OfficeJet Pro 9015e and 9020e models. You can search for "HP 9015 paper path lever reinstall" or visit our BCH Technologies YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies) and explore the paper feed or sensor troubleshooting videos. These guides demonstrate similar internal mechanisms and reinstallation techniques.

If you'd like, you can also look up "HP PE lever replacement" tutorials online-many repair technicians share close-up videos that can serve as visual reference points for the correct lever orientation.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. We're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. However, we do offer an in-person diagnostic and repair service through our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Given the high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so it might take a few weeks before we can receive your printer.

Our services can target either a full printer repair or a specific part replacement, with detailed instructions to guide you. While our rates may not be the lowest, we encourage customers to begin with self-research via online tutorials. You can start with our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon next to "About" to find specific videos, or explore related repair content recommended by YouTube.

Thank you once again for your patience and for reaching out to BCH Technologies. Your curiosity and attention to detail reflect the spirit of the repair community we're proud to support.