HP LaserJet Pro M102w - Paper Jam or Paper Feed Problems

Overview

Paper jams and paper feed errors are among the most common issues experienced with the HP LaserJet Pro M102w.
These problems can result in printing stoppages, misfeeds, or repeated “Paper Jam” alerts on the printer or computer screen.

This guide provides detailed troubleshooting steps to identify the cause and safely remove jammed paper, clean feed rollers, and prevent future paper feed issues.

1. Identify the Type of Paper Jam

Jam Location	Symptoms	Description
Input Tray (Tray 1)	Paper does not pick up or jams immediately after feeding	Paper not aligned or tray overloaded
Toner Cartridge Area	Paper stops inside with wrinkles or folds	Torn or curled paper jammed near toner
Output Bin	Paper stuck before exiting printer	Obstruction or curled edges
Inside the Printer Path	“Paper Jam” message persists even after removing paper	Fragments or debris inside roller path

2. Safety Precautions

Before you begin:

Turn off the printer and disconnect the power cord.
Allow the printer to cool down for 10 minutes if it has been printing (fuser area may be hot).
Avoid tearing the paper while removing it; torn bits can cause repeated jams.
Do not use sharp tools to remove paper — this may damage internal rollers.

3. Remove Jammed Paper (Step-by-Step)

A. Remove Paper from the Input Tray

Pull out any loose paper from the input tray.
Remove the paper stack completely.
Check for bent corners, curled edges, or torn sheets.
Reload paper with clean, flat sheets aligned properly.
- Adjust the paper width guides so they rest gently against the paper edges (not tight).

✅ Tip: Do not load more than 150 sheets in the input tray.

B. Remove Jammed Paper from Inside the Printer

Open the top toner access door.
Remove the toner cartridge carefully and place it on a clean, flat surface.
Look inside the printer for jammed paper or torn pieces.
If paper is visible:
- Grasp it firmly with both hands.
- Slowly pull the paper straight out toward you to avoid tearing.
Inspect the area under the toner cartridge for small scraps of paper.
Reinstall the toner cartridge and close the access door securely.

C. Remove Paper from the Output Path

Gently pull out any paper visible in the output tray or near the exit rollers.
If jammed paper is stuck midway:
- Open the toner door and remove it from inside instead of pulling from the front.
- This prevents damage to internal rollers.

D. Clear Residual Paper Sensors

Sometimes, even after removal, the printer continues to show a “Paper Jam” message.
This may occur if small paper pieces remain or the paper path sensor is blocked.

Open the printer’s rear output area (if applicable).
Use a flashlight to inspect for debris or dust.
Clean gently using compressed air or a soft brush.
Close all covers and restart the printer.

4. Clean Paper Feed Rollers

Dirty or worn rollers can cause paper not to feed properly, resulting in repeated jams.

Steps

Turn off the printer and unplug it.
Remove the input tray.
Locate the pickup rollers inside the printer (gray rubber rollers).
Use a lint-free cloth lightly moistened with distilled water.
Wipe the rollers thoroughly to remove dust and toner buildup.
Allow them to dry completely (10 minutes).
Reinstall the tray and reconnect power.

⚠️ Important: Avoid using alcohol or abrasive cleaners — they can degrade the rubber surface of the rollers.

5. Check Paper Quality and Type

Using incorrect paper can lead to repeated jams or poor feeding.

Recommended Paper for HP LaserJet Pro M102w

Paper Type	Weight	Size	Notes
Plain Paper	60–105 g/m² (16–28 lb)	A4, Letter, Legal	Best performance
Envelopes	75–90 g/m²	DL, C5, B5	Load 1 envelope at a time
Labels	Up to 120 g/m²	A4	Use only laser-compatible labels
Heavy Paper	Up to 163 g/m²	A4	Avoid glossy inkjet paper

Avoid Using

Torn, folded, or curled paper
Paper with staples or adhesive residue
Mixed paper sizes in one tray
Moist or previously printed sheets

6. Adjust Paper Settings in Print Menu

Incorrect paper settings can cause misfeeds even with correct loading.

Windows:

Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
Right-click HP LaserJet Pro M102w > Printing Preferences.
Under Paper/Quality, choose the correct Paper Size and Type.
Click Apply, then OK.

macOS:

In the Print dialog box, select Paper Type/Quality.
Match the paper setting to the actual loaded paper (e.g., “Plain,” “Heavy,” “Labels”).

7. Check for Worn Rollers or Pickup Assembly

If jams persist after cleaning and correct paper usage:

Inspect the pickup roller and separation pad for wear or glazing.
Replace them if shiny, cracked, or smooth to touch.
Use the HP part number:
- Pickup Roller Assembly – RM2-5452
- Separation Pad – RM2-5453
Replacement parts and kits can be ordered from HP Parts Store.

8. Perform Printer Self-Test After Clearing Jam

Turn on the printer.
Press and hold the Resume/Cancel button until the printer starts printing.
The Configuration Report should print successfully.
- If successful → the jam has been cleared.
- If error persists → proceed to firmware or service check.

9. Firmware Update (Optional but Recommended)

Outdated firmware may cause false jam errors or paper feed misdetection.

Visit HP Support – Firmware.
Search HP LaserJet Pro M102w.
Download and install the latest Firmware Update Utility.
Follow on-screen instructions and restart the printer.

10. Prevent Future Paper Jams

Store paper in a cool, dry environment (humidity < 60%).
Fan the paper stack before loading.
Do not overload the tray beyond the fill line.
Regularly clean rollers every 3–6 months.
Always use HP-approved media types.

Summary

Paper jams in the HP LaserJet Pro M102w usually occur due to improper paper loading, worn rollers, or dust buildup inside the paper path.
By following the procedures in this guide — from safely removing jammed paper to cleaning feed rollers and using correct paper types — you can ensure smooth and consistent printing performance.

If jams continue after all troubleshooting steps, contact HP Support for advanced servicing or part replacement.