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Fix Brother Printer Paper Jam Error With No Paper Jammed

It’s expected for our commonly used electronics to glitch from time to time. However, the problem arises when the said glitches happen for no apparent reason. An example of such a scenario is when your printer display suggests that the printer is experiencing a paper jam error, but you are sure that isn’t the issue because no paper is jammed into the printer.

If you are currently in such a predicament, this post contains several methods of how to solve the issue. 

Run a Print Quality Test

One of the easiest ways to determine why your printer keeps giving you the paper jam error, yet there is no paper jam, is to run a print quality test. This way, if the paper prints successfully, you can gauge what’s wrong judging by the print quality, be it foreign particles, bad-quality ink, etc. And if the paper doesn’t print, you can proceed to the rest of the solutions listed below.

To run a print quality test, follow the steps below:

  1. Turn on the printer display, and proceed to press the Ink or Ink management key.

If your printer doesn’t have an Ink Management key, press Menu and then proceed to tap on the Ink/ink management option.

  1. As per the options on your display, press the Up or Down options to navigate to the Test print tab.
  2. Tap the Ok tab.
  3. Press the Up or Down arrow keys to navigate to the Print Quality option.
  4. Tap on the Ok tab.
  5. Navigate to the Color Tab and press Start.
  6. You should now wait for the print quality sheet to print and eject, and you will have resolved your issue.
  7. If the Paper Jam error or any other error notification reappears, proceed to step number two.

If you are not used to controlling the printer using its display and would instead use a Windows-powered computer, follow the steps below to help you perform the task.

  1. Once on the computer’s homepage, click on the Windows icon.
  2. Navigate to the Settings icon and click on it.
  3. Click on Devices.
  4. Tap on the Printers & Scanners tab.
  5. Once you spot your printer from the list, click on it.
  6. Select Manage.
  7. Click on the Print a Test Page icon.

You Have Dirty or Damaged Sensors

Your printer has several sensors that send signals to the printer software, alerting you when something is wrong, broken, or needs fixing. If your printer has damaged or dirty paper tray sensors, it will likely be inclined to send the wrong signals, thus displaying the wrong error codes, such as the one on your display.

Consider either getting the sensors professionally replaced or cleaning them manually. If you choose the latter, here is how to go about it.

  1. Disconnect the printer from its power source.
  2. Open the back of the printer by pulling the lever-like thing on the center towards yourself till you hear a click.
  3. Pull out the paper tray.
  4. Locate the sensors which are on either side of the paper tray.
  5. Wipe the sensors with a wet cloth or cotton ball to remove dust.
  6. Return the paper tray to place and close the printer.
  7. If this step doesn’t work, the sensors are probably broken and will need to be professionally replaced. However, you could do the job yourself if you posses the necessary technical skills.

Foreign Objects Are Stuck in the Printer

One of the most common causes of the paper jam error is if there is a foreign object blocking the printer’s head path or any other part directly correlated with the printing process. The said object may be as small as a paper clip or small pieces of paper that could otherwise not be cleaned by the printer automatically, meaning you need to do it yourself by following the steps below:

  1. Ensure the printer is disconnected from its power source.
  2. Turn the printer around and detach the back cover by griping the center and pulling it towards you.
  3. Begin your search for any foreign objects on the rear part of the printer and remove them if found.
  4. Remove the paper tray by simply pulling it towards you, then check whether any foreign objects have been logged on its corners.
  5. Grab the plastic bars on the top side of the scanner and lift it to the open position, then look for any foreign objects. For the best results, use a flashlight, as the inside of the printer is dark.
  6. Return every piece in place and connect the printer back to its power source.

Check if Print Rollers Are Destroyed or Dusty

The printer rollers are tasked with loading the sheets of paper to their subsequent trays, thus, ensuring the print process goes smoothly. Therefore, if the print rollers are broken or dusty, your printer will display an error code like the one you are experiencing. In this case, proceed to follow the steps below:

  1. Confirm that there are no papes in the rear tray.
  2. Open your printer’s top and front cover by pulling the cover release lever toward you.
  3. Locate the print roller and hold the shafts on either side.
  4. Gently rotate it until it clasps free.
  5. Clean the print roller with a cotton swab. However, if it’s too worn out, you should replace it with a new one.
  6. Either way, return the print roller in place and close the front top lid.

Outdated Software Issue

Most of the newer Brother printers are equipped with software that allows you to control the printer using other devices, such as a computer.

With that said, the printer software connects to your computer using drivers. When the drivers become outdated or corrupt, then they are bound to send the wrong signals to your computer; here is how to solve this issue:

  1. Click on the Windows icon.
  2. On the top right of the screen, click on All apps.
  3. Locate the Brother app and click on it.
  4. Click on Brother utilities.
  5. Check the back of the printer for your model name and locate it on the drop-down list on your computer display.
  6. Scroll down the navigation panel on the left and click on Tools.
  7. Click the Uninstall icon and proceed to click Allow on the pop-up that will appear to affirm your choice.
  8. Follow the instructions on your screen to Uninstall the drivers.
  9. Click this link and follow the instructions to download the new drivers and software package.

Factory Reset the Printer

The majority of the time, when electronic equipment starts malfunctioning, it could be a configuration error. And because it will be challenging to decipher what is happening, you should consider factory resetting your device. However, please be prepared because this action will erase any previously saved settings.

Here is how to go about the task at hand:

  1. Unplug the printer from its power source.
  2. Press your printer’s Go or Online button to turn the display on.
  3. Navigate to the Initial set Up tab using the Up and Down arrow buttons.
  4. Press the Ok button.
  5. Using the up or down arrow buttons, navigate to the Reset tab and click Ok.
  6. Locate the Factory Reset option and click Ok.
  7. Navigate to the Reset option and click on it.
  8. Using the arrow buttons, navigate to the Restart the machine option and click Ok.

Connectivity Issues

If you are using the wireless connectivity feature to connect your Brother printer to your computer, then you need to make sure the connection is stable enough. Failure to which, the printer might ultimately stop the printing process, the printed copies might have mistakes or you might experience other issues such as the paper jam error.

If the connection isn’t stable, it is in your best interest to stop the printing until you can get a more stable connection to prevent wastage of paper and ink.

There Is a Hardware Issue

Suppose you have tried all the above troubleshooting solutions and are confident you have returned every piece of the printer to its rightful place, but the printer still won’t work. In that case, the printer is experiencing hardware problems and it’s best to consult a professional to get your printer checked out and repaired.

If the printer is under one year old and you didn’t cause the problem, contact the Brother customer support team to help you return the printer for free repair or exchange.

Conclusion

Experiencing a printer issue that you are unaware what it was caused by its quite frustrating especially if you have a heavy printing load waiting to be completed. Thankfully, Brother printers have been around for an extensive period within which troubleshooting solutions to problems such as the Paper jam error when there is indeed no paper jammed have been crafted. Hopefully, the post above gives you some needful insight.

FAQs

Can using a third party ink cause errors on my Brother printer?

It depends on whether or not the ink is from a genuine third party supplier. If the supplier is genuine, then no problem will occur. However if they aren’t genuine, the printer may malfunction or the print quality will be subpar.

Can leaving printing paper exposed to the environmental elements lead to the paper jam error?

Yes, it can. When paper is left exposed, there is a possibility that it will absorb moisture or lose moisture which will cause it to change shape and size leading to the paper jam issue.