How to Clear a Printer Jam
Don't let a printer jam put a stop to your work. Clear it out quickly using these steps.
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You Will Need
- Main access panel
- Rear access panel
- Professional service
- Laundry detergent (optional)
- Cold water (optional)
- Printer instruction manual (optional)
Steps
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Step 1
Turn the printer off
Turn the printer off or unplug the power cord. Allow your printer to cool for a minute before touching any of the internal parts.
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Step 2
Open the front access panel
Open the main access panel to the printer. Usually this panel is on the front of the printer.
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Step 3
Remove the ink or toner cartridge
Remove the ink or toner cartridge from your printer.
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Clean a toner stain from your clothes immediately by shaking the loose toner off, sponging laundry detergent onto the stain, and washing in cold water.
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Step 4
Remove paper from front panel
Look for paper that is causing the printer jam. Carefully remove the paper, being sure not to tear it.
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Step 5
Open the rear access panel
Locate and open the rear access panel for your printer.
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Consult your printer's instruction manual to help you locate the access panels and open them properly.
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Step 6
Remove paper from rear panel
Look for the source of the paper jam, and carefully remove the paper without tearing it.
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Step 7
Turn printer back on
Close the access panels, and plug the printer into the power source. Turn the printer on. If the problem hasn't been resolved, you may need to contact the company that made your printer and have it professionally serviced.
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Gary Starkweather of the Xerox company invented the first laser printer in 1969. Two years later, the first workable version of the printer was able to print up to two pages per second.
