How to Clear HP DeskJet 2855e Paper Jams Quickly

Paper jams can disrupt your workflow and cause frustration when using your HP DeskJet 2855e. This guide provides a comprehensive set of troubleshooting steps to quickly and effectively clear paper jams and prevent future occurrences.

1. Clear Paper from the Input Tray

Sometimes, a simple misalignment or overload in the input tray can cause a jam. Removing and correctly aligning the paper can solve the issue.

1. Remove all paper from the input tray.
2. Check for any torn or crumpled sheets and discard them.
3. Fan the stack of paper to separate the sheets.
4. Reload the paper, ensuring it’s aligned with the paper width guides.
5. Adjust the paper width guides to fit snugly against the edges of the paper.

2. Clear Paper from the Output Tray

A jam might occur in the output tray if printed pages are not removed promptly. Removing the paper from the output tray can prevent further jams.

1. Carefully remove any printed paper from the output tray.
2. Check for any jammed or torn pieces of paper.
3. Ensure the output tray is clear before attempting to print again.

3. Clear Paper from the Access Door

The access door provides a direct path to the printer’s internal rollers. Clearing any paper lodged here is crucial.

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Wait for the printer to be completely silent.
3. Open the access door (usually located at the front or back of the printer).
4. Carefully remove any visible jammed paper, pulling it straight out.
5. Close the access door securely.
6. Turn on the printer.

4. Clear Paper from the Paper Path (Inside)

Jammed paper can get stuck deep within the printer’s paper path. Thorough inspection is required.

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Disconnect the power cord from the back of the printer.
3. Open the access door or rear access door (refer to your printer’s manual).
4. Carefully inspect the paper path for any jammed paper.
5. Remove any visible jammed paper, pulling it straight out.
6. If paper is difficult to remove, try pulling it from the opposite direction.
7. Close the access door or rear access door securely.
8. Reconnect the power cord and turn on the printer.

5. Check for Obstructions

Foreign objects can cause paper jams. Inspecting for obstructions is a vital step.

1. Turn off the printer and disconnect the power cord.
2. Carefully inspect the input and output trays for any obstructions, such as paper clips, staples, or other small objects.
3. Inspect the internal paper path and access doors for any obstructions.
4. Remove any foreign objects found.
5. Reconnect the power cord and turn on the printer.

6. Clean the Rollers

Dirty or worn rollers can contribute to paper jams. Cleaning them can improve paper feeding.

1. Turn off the printer and disconnect the power cord.
2. Open the access door or rear access door.
3. Use a lint-free cloth lightly dampened with distilled water to clean the rollers.
4. Rotate the rollers manually while cleaning to ensure all surfaces are cleaned.
5. Allow the rollers to dry completely before closing the access door and reconnecting the power cord.

7. Ensure Proper Paper Type and Size

Using the wrong paper type or size can cause jams. Verify the paper specifications.

1. Check the printer’s specifications for supported paper types and sizes.
2. Ensure you are using the correct paper type and size for your print job.
3. Avoid using wrinkled, torn, or curled paper.

8. Check for Damaged Paper Sensors

Damaged paper sensors can give false jam readings. Inspection is needed.

1. Turn off the printer and disconnect the power cord.
2. Carefully inspect the paper sensors (small plastic or metal levers) inside the printer.
3. Ensure the sensors are not bent or broken.
4. If a sensor is damaged, contact HP support for repair.
5. Reconnect the power cord and turn on the printer.

9. Update Printer Drivers

Outdated printer drivers can sometimes cause printing issues, including paper jams. Updating them can resolve these issues.

1. Visit the HP support website.
2. Enter your printer model (DeskJet 2855e).
3. Download the latest drivers for your operating system.
4. Install the downloaded drivers.
5. Restart your computer and printer.

10. Reset the Printer (Power Cycle)

A simple power cycle can sometimes clear temporary glitches that cause paper jams. This is not a hard reset, but a simple power disconnect.

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Disconnect the power cord from the back of the printer.
3. Wait for 60 seconds.
4. Reconnect the power cord.  
5. Turn on the printer.

11. Check Ink Levels

Low ink levels can sometimes contribute to printing problems that mimic paper jams. Make sure your ink cartridges are filled.

1. Open the HP Smart App, or the printer software on your computer.
2. Check the ink levels.
3. If the ink is low, replace the cartridges.

By meticulously following these steps, you should be able to effectively clear paper jams from your HP DeskJet 2855e and minimize future occurrences. If the problem persists, it may indicate a more serious hardware issue, and you should contact HP support for further assistance.