Today’s Guest Post is from Cliff Bishop at KIS Computer Center in La Puente, California.

Cliff writes:  My HP service career started in 1989 with the original LaserJet and [my] certifications include almost every LaserJet made since.

Below is something I have found helpful:

Equipment:  LaserJet II to current machines

HP and other printer makers use solenoids to control paper flow.  To reduce “clicking” they put foam pads on one or both sides of the moving armature of the solenoids.  Over time the pad wears and the adhesive migrates through the pad making the armature of the solenoids stick.  Even a momentary “stick” can cause extra pages to feed or the D-Roller to grab and stop a page.

HP would have us at least replace the solenoid, and in the case of many Optional Tray 3+ products, replace the entire assembly.

Official Solution:  Replace the solenoid.

What I do:
1) remove the solenoid
2) Place clear plastic tape on each side of the sticking surfaces
3) reassemble and test the device

Related situation:
Some paper path flags also use foam pads to keep them quiet and have the same issue with the same solution.