HP Printer Error Code 13.3 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Error 13.3 means paper is jammed near the front door of your HP printer. Paper got stuck in the main body of the machine before reaching the fuser. This is a common, easy-to-fix error that does not require a technician.

Affected Models

HP LaserJet Pro M400 Series
HP LaserJet Pro M200 Series
HP LaserJet Enterprise M605
HP LaserJet Pro MFP M227
HP Color LaserJet Pro M255

Common Causes

Paper fed crookedly from the tray and folded against itself inside the printer
The paper tray was overloaded past the maximum fill line, causing multiple sheets to feed at once
Damp or wrinkled paper failed to pass smoothly through the rollers
The pickup roller is worn and pulled the sheet in at an angle
A torn piece of paper from a previous jam is still inside near the transfer area

How to Fix It

Turn the printer off. Press the front cover release button and open the front door completely.

Opening the front cover usually releases the paper path, making it easier to remove jammed paper.
Remove the toner cartridge carefully and set it on a flat surface away from direct light.

Exposing the toner drum to light for more than a minute can damage it. Keep it face-down on paper.
Look into the printer cavity for jammed paper. Grip both sides of the sheet and pull it straight out toward you.

If the paper tears, remove every piece you can find. Left-behind scraps cause recurring jams.
Pull out the paper tray completely and check underneath it for any scraps or folded paper.

Paper sometimes gets pushed under the tray during a jam. Slide the tray all the way out to check.
Reinstall the toner, close the front cover, and power the printer back on. Print a test page.

If the 13.3 error comes back immediately, a paper fragment is still inside. Repeat the inspection.

When to Call a Professional

Front door jams are almost always a DIY fix. If your printer jams multiple times a week, the pickup roller assembly may need replacement. Expect to pay $50 to $100 at an authorized HP service center.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I stop my HP printer from jamming so often?

Use fresh, dry paper from a sealed ream every time. Fan the paper stack before loading to separate the sheets. Also check that the tray guides are snug against the paper edges — not too loose, not too tight.

Will I lose my print job after a jam?

Most HP LaserJets remember the print job and will automatically reprint the jammed page after clearing. If not, simply send the job again from your computer.

Is it okay to pull jammed paper backward out of the printer?

It is better to pull paper in the direction it was traveling — toward the front exit. Pulling paper backward through the rollers can scratch the drum or damage the rollers. If pulling forward is not possible, pull backward very slowly and gently.