13
HP Printer
Severity: ModerateWhat Does This Error Mean?
Error 13 on an HP printer means there is a paper jam somewhere in the paper path. The printer detected that paper failed to pass a sensor at the expected time. Sometimes you can see the jammed paper right away — other times it's hidden deep inside. Never pull paper out forcefully, as this can tear it and make the jam worse. Careful, slow removal with both hands fixes this in most cases.
Affected Models
- HP LaserJet Pro M102
- HP LaserJet Pro M104
- HP LaserJet P1102
- HP LaserJet P1606
- HP LaserJet M203
Common Causes
- A sheet of paper got caught in the paper feed rollers and stalled in the paper path
- Torn paper fragment left behind from a previous jam blocking the sensor
- Wrinkled, damp, or wrong-size paper loaded in the tray that didn't feed correctly
- Worn paper feed rollers that are slipping and not advancing paper smoothly
- Multiple sheets feeding at once (multi-feed) causing a jam at the first paper sensor
How to Fix It
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Cancel any pending print jobs from your computer. On Windows, go to the system tray, right-click the printer icon, and cancel all documents. Then turn the printer off using the power button and wait 30 seconds.
Canceling the print job first prevents the printer from immediately trying to feed paper again when you turn it back on.
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Open all access panels on the printer — the top cover, rear access door, and paper tray. Look for any visible paper. If you can see jammed paper, grip it firmly with both hands and pull it slowly and evenly in the direction of paper travel (usually straight out toward you or backward).
Never pull paper against the direction of travel — this tears the paper and leaves fragments inside that cause future jams.
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Check the paper tray area. Remove the tray completely and look inside the tray slot for any paper fragment, torn corner, or crumpled sheet. Even a small scrap of paper can retrigger error 13 on every print.
Use a flashlight to illuminate the tray slot — small torn corners are easy to miss in poor lighting.
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Check the rear access panel or back of the printer. Many HP LaserJets have a rear door that opens to provide direct access to the paper path through the fuser area. Open it and check for any paper curled around the rollers.
The fuser area is HOT right after printing — wait 15 minutes after the last print before reaching in here.
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After clearing all paper, close all covers and power the printer on. Load the tray with fresh, dry paper (don't use paper that's been sitting in a humid area). Print a test page to confirm the jam is fully cleared.
If error 13 returns immediately with no paper in the path, there's likely a torn fragment still inside — look again more carefully or call a technician.
When to Call a Professional
If error 13 returns with every print job even after removing all visible jammed paper, there is likely a torn paper fragment hiding inside. A technician can fully disassemble the paper path and remove hidden fragments. Also, worn feed rollers cause repeated jams and need replacement — rollers cost $15-$40 and a technician can install them in under 30 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my HP printer keep jamming with the same paper?
Repeated jams with the same paper are usually caused by worn feed rollers. Feed rollers have a rubber coating that grips paper — over time the rubber hardens and glazes over, losing grip. This causes the paper to slip and misfeed. Roller replacement kits are available for most HP LaserJets and are an inexpensive fix. Also check that your paper is dry and within the printer's weight specification.
Can I use any type of paper in an HP LaserJet?
HP LaserJets work best with standard 20-24 lb copy paper. Avoid glossy photo paper (unless your specific model supports it), very thin paper, or paper that's been stored in a humid place. Damp paper absorbs moisture and feeds poorly. Always fan the paper stack before loading to separate the sheets and reduce multi-feed jams.
Is it safe to print through error 13 without clearing the jam?
No — never try to force a print through a jam. The printer will refuse to print while error 13 is active anyway. Attempting to force paper through a stuck jam can tear the paper, damage the rollers, and potentially damage the fuser. Always clear the jam fully before resuming printing.