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Ricoh Printer Paper Jam? Step-by-Step Fix Guide (2026)

Is your Ricoh printer showing a Paper Jam error even though you can’t see any stuck paper? Or perhaps paper gets stuck every time you print, causing delays and frustration.

Paper jams are one of the most common issues affecting Ricoh laser printers and multifunction printers (MFPs). Fortunately, most jams are caused by misaligned paper, worn rollers, overloaded trays, or small paper scraps left inside the printer—not serious hardware failures.

This guide explains 10 proven fixes to remove paper jams safely, prevent future jams, and restore your Ricoh printer to normal operation.

Common Symptoms

You may notice:

• Paper Jam error message
• Paper stops halfway through printing
• Printer continuously requests jam removal
• Paper crumples inside the printer
• Multiple sheets feed together
• False paper jam warning
• Printer refuses to print
• Grinding or clicking noises during feeding

Fix 1: Turn Off the Printer

Before removing jammed paper:

1. Cancel all print jobs.
2. Turn off the printer.
3. Unplug the power cable.
4. Wait 30 seconds.

This prevents damage to internal components while clearing the jam.

Fix 2: Remove Jammed Paper Carefully

Open all access doors recommended for your printer model.

Slowly pull the paper in the direction of the paper path.

Avoid:

• Pulling paper backwards
• Tearing the paper
• Using excessive force

If paper tears, remove every remaining piece before restarting the printer.

Fix 3: Inspect the Entire Paper Path

Even a tiny paper fragment can trigger recurring jam errors.

Check:

• Input tray
• Pickup rollers
• Toner area
• Registration rollers
• Duplex unit
• Rear access panel
• Output tray

Use a flashlight if necessary.

Fix 4: Reload Paper Correctly

Improperly loaded paper often causes repeated jams.

Follow these guidelines:

• Fan the paper stack.
• Remove damaged sheets.
• Use the correct paper size.
• Do not overload the tray.
• Place paper evenly.

Adjust the paper guides so they lightly touch the edges of the paper without bending it.

Fix 5: Check Paper Quality

Poor paper quality is a common cause of feeding problems.

Avoid using:

• Damp paper
• Curled paper
• Torn sheets
• Wrinkled paper
• Mixed paper sizes

Always use paper recommended by Ricoh.

Fix 6: Clean the Pickup Rollers

Dust and paper fibres reduce roller grip.

Use a lint-free cloth lightly dampened with water.

Clean:

• Pickup rollers
• Feed rollers
• Separation rollers

Allow the rollers to dry completely before printing.

Fix 7: Inspect the Duplex Unit

If jams occur during double-sided printing:

Check the duplex unit for:

• Stuck paper
• Broken guides
• Dust buildup
• Loose components

Clean the unit before reinstalling it.

Fix 8: Check the Paper Sensors

Ricoh printers use sensors to detect paper movement.

If a sensor becomes blocked or damaged, the printer may display a paper jam even when no paper is present.

Inspect for:

• Dust
• Paper scraps
• Broken sensor flags

Fix 9: Replace Worn Pickup Rollers

After heavy use, pickup rollers lose their grip.

Signs of worn rollers include:

• Frequent paper jams
• Multiple sheets feeding
• Failure to pick up paper
• Slipping paper

Replacing worn rollers restores reliable paper feeding.

Fix 10: Restart and Test the Printer

After clearing the jam:

1. Close all covers securely.
2. Reconnect the power.
3. Turn the printer on.
4. Print a test page.

If the printer operates normally, the jam has been successfully cleared.

How to Prevent Paper Jams

Use High-Quality Paper

Choose paper that matches Ricoh’s specifications for weight and size.

Store Paper Properly

Keep paper in a dry environment to prevent moisture absorption and curling.

Avoid Overloading the Tray

Load only the recommended number of sheets into each tray.

Clean the Rollers Regularly

Routine maintenance improves paper feeding and reduces jams.

Replace Worn Feed Rollers

Replacing rollers before they fail helps prevent recurring paper jams.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Ricoh printer keep saying paper jam when there isn’t one?

A small paper fragment, dirty sensor, worn roller, or faulty paper sensor can trigger a false paper jam message.

Can damp paper cause paper jams?

Yes. Moisture causes paper to curl and stick together, increasing the risk of jams.

How often should I clean the paper rollers?

For frequently used office printers, cleaning the rollers every few months helps maintain reliable paper feeding.

Why does my Ricoh printer jam during duplex printing?

The duplex unit may contain paper debris, damaged guides, or worn rollers that interfere with two-sided printing.

When should I replace the pickup rollers?

Replace them when paper feeds inconsistently, multiple sheets are picked up, or jams become frequent despite cleaning.

Related Guides

Continue troubleshooting with these helpful resources:

• Ricoh Printer Not Printing?
• Ricoh Printer Offline?
• Ricoh Printer Toner Not Recognized?
• Ricoh Printer Driver Unavailable?
• Ricoh Printer in Error State?
• Ricoh Printer Printing Blank Pages?
• Ricoh Printer Cleaning Guide.

Final Thoughts

A Ricoh printer paper jam is usually caused by improper paper loading, poor paper quality, worn rollers, or small paper fragments trapped inside the printer. By carefully removing jammed paper, inspecting the paper path, cleaning the rollers, using high-quality paper, and replacing worn feed components when necessary, you can eliminate most paper jam problems quickly.

If paper jams continue after completing these troubleshooting steps, explore the related guides above for help with driver issues, printer errors, maintenance, and overall print quality. Regular cleaning and proper paper handling will help keep your Ricoh printer operating smoothly and reduce future interruptions.