A8
Brother Printer
Severity: ModerateWhat Does This Error Mean?
Brother error A8 means paper is jammed in the auto-duplex unit — the component that flips paper over for double-sided printing. The paper got stuck while being turned over for the second side. You need to open the duplex unit on the back of the printer and remove the jammed sheet.
Affected Models
- Brother MFC-L8900CDW
- Brother HL-L9310CDW
- Brother MFC-L9570CDW
- Brother HL-L8360CDW
- Most Brother laser printers with auto-duplex printing
Common Causes
- The paper curled after printing one side and jammed when flipping for the second side
- Heavy paper or card stock was used for duplex printing and could not navigate the tight duplex path
- The duplex unit rollers are worn and can no longer reliably transport paper through the flip path
- Damp or humid paper absorbed moisture and became floppy, causing it to fold in the duplex path
- Multiple sheets stuck together and jammed as they tried to pass through the duplex mechanism
How to Fix It
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Turn off the printer and unplug it. The duplex unit routes paper near the fuser — allow it to cool before reaching inside.
The fuser operates at temperatures above 175°C. Working inside a hot printer risks burns.
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Open the rear cover of the printer. The duplex unit exit slot is usually accessible from the back panel. Gently pull the jammed paper out in the direction it was traveling.
Some Brother models have a green lever inside the rear cover that releases tension on the paper path, making it easier to remove the jam.
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If the paper is not accessible from the back, open the front cover and look for the duplex feed area where paper re-enters. Some duplex jams can be cleared from the front.
Use a flashlight — duplex jams can be deep inside the printer and hard to see without good lighting.
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Check for paper fragments. After removing the main jammed sheet, inspect the entire duplex path for torn pieces using a flashlight.
A single fragment left in the duplex path will trigger A8 on every subsequent duplex print job.
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After clearing the jam, try printing in simplex (single-sided) mode first. If that works but duplex still jams, the duplex rollers are worn. Print simplex temporarily until the rollers can be cleaned or replaced.
Duplex roller replacement is a maintenance item on high-volume printers. A Brother-authorized technician can replace them during a service visit.
When to Call a Professional
Duplex paper jams can be cleared by the user. Do not force the paper if it is tightly jammed — open the rear cover to access the paper from both ends. If the paper tears inside the duplex unit, have a technician recover the fragments to avoid roller damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I disable duplex printing to avoid A8 errors?
Yes. In your print settings, set the print mode to 'Simplex' or 'One-sided printing.' This bypasses the duplex unit entirely and avoids A8. If the duplex rollers are worn, this is a good temporary workaround until the printer is serviced.
What paper weight works best for duplex printing on Brother printers?
Brother recommends 20 lb to 28 lb bond paper (75 to 105 gsm) for duplex printing. Heavier paper (90+ gsm) has more stiffness and can jam in the tight duplex path. Thinner paper (under 75 gsm) may curl excessively after the first side and jam on the flip. Standard 20 lb office paper (75 gsm) gives the fewest duplex jams.
My Brother printer jams only when duplex printing. Is the printer defective?
Not necessarily. A8 errors that only occur during duplex can mean the duplex rollers are starting to wear. On high-volume printers, duplex rollers need replacement after 50,000 to 100,000 pages. Cleaning the rollers with isopropyl alcohol on a lint-free cloth may temporarily restore grip. Permanent resolution requires roller replacement by a technician.