HP Error 13.A2.D2 — What It Means & How to Fix It
Updated July 2026 · Independent PrinterCare USA support guide
The HP error code 13.A2.D2 is one of the most frustrating issues users encounter because it stops your entire workflow until resolved. This specific error tells you that the printer's sensors have detected either an actual paper jam in tray 2 or a blockage in the feed mechanism that supplies paper from that tray to the fuser area. The good news is that in most cases you can diagnose and fix this yourself with basic tools and about fifteen minutes of your time.
We understand how disruptive a jammed printer can be when you have documents waiting to print. This guide walks you through the exact steps HP technicians use to clear this error, starting with the safest and easiest methods and moving to more detailed inspection if needed. If you get stuck or prefer professional help, a remote technician can diagnose this for forty-nine dollars and often resolve it while you watch.
How to fix it — step by step
- Power Off and Wait. Turn off the printer completely using the power button on the front panel, then wait at least thirty seconds before proceeding. This clears the printer's memory and allows any residual heat in the fuser to cool, making it safer for you to handle internal components. Do not attempt to clear jams while the printer is powered on or still warm.
- Open Tray 2 and Inspect Visually. Pull out tray 2 completely by gripping it firmly and sliding it straight toward you until it comes free from the printer. Look inside the tray slot and the printer opening for any visible torn paper scraps, paper dust, or foreign objects blocking the feed path. Use a flashlight if the area is dark, and do not touch the rollers or internal components yet.
- Remove Visible Paper and Debris. If you see any paper pieces or debris inside tray 2 or the feed area, carefully pull them out by hand or with long tweezers, always pulling in the direction of the paper path to avoid tearing fragments further. Check the underside of tray 2 itself for any stuck paper, and gently peel it away if present. Once the tray is clean, reinsert it firmly into the printer until you hear it click into position.
- Open the Top Access Panel. Locate the large top cover or access panel on your LaserJet model (usually marked with a paper jam icon) and lift or release it according to your specific model's design. This exposes the main paper path between tray 2 and the fuser assembly where jams commonly lodge. Look carefully through this opening for any crumpled paper, toner smudges, or debris along the entire visible path.
- Clear the Main Paper Path. If you spot any paper inside the main assembly, gently pull it straight out in the direction the paper normally travels through the machine, moving slowly to avoid leaving fragments behind. Check for small bits of torn paper that may be stuck under rollers or in tight corners, and remove these with tweezers if necessary. Wipe any visible toner dust from the paper path using a dry, lint-free cloth.
- Inspect the Tray 2 Pickup Roller. Look at the rubber pickup roller at the base of tray 2, which is the small cylinder that grabs the bottom sheet of paper and feeds it up into the printer. If the roller appears glazed, shiny, or covered in toner residue, it may have lost its grip and could be causing repeated feed failures. A sticky or worn pickup roller often needs replacement, which typically costs between thirty and sixty dollars if done by a technician.
- Power On and Test with Fresh Paper. Close all access panels and covers, then power the printer back on and wait for it to complete its startup sequence. Load fresh paper into tray 2 (only twenty or thirty sheets to start) and send a small test print job from your computer to confirm the error has cleared. If the error returns immediately, the paper sensor itself may be malfunctioning or the roller may need professional service.
- Check the Paper Sensor if Error Persists. If the error code 13.A2.D2 reappears even after clearing all visible jams, the infrared sensor that detects paper in tray 2 may be dirty or misaligned. Some HP models allow you to access and clean this sensor with a soft, dry cloth, but on others the sensor requires realignment or replacement by a trained technician. At this point, remote support or a service call is your best option to avoid causing further damage.
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Frequently asked questions
Will error 13.A2.D2 go away on its own if I just leave the printer off?
No, this error will not clear itself without intervention because the printer's sensors are actively detecting an obstruction or jam in the tray 2 area. Leaving it powered off indefinitely is not a solution, as the underlying paper jam or sensor blockage must be physically cleared. Power the printer back on only after you have completed the steps to remove the jam.
Can I use tray 1 instead of tray 2 while troubleshooting this error?
Yes, you can safely print from tray 1 while the tray 2 jam is being investigated, which allows you to continue working without interruption. However, you should still clear the tray 2 jam as soon as practical because the error code indicates a genuine obstruction that could worsen or damage the printer's feed mechanism over time. Once tray 2 is confirmed clear, run a few test prints from that tray to verify the fix.
How do I know if the paper sensor is broken versus just dirty?
A dirty sensor usually responds to gentle cleaning with a dry cloth and clears the error immediately, while a broken sensor will trigger the error repeatedly no matter how many times you power cycle. If clearing visible jams and cleaning the sensor area does not resolve the problem within two or three test cycles, the sensor likely needs replacement and professional service is recommended. A technician can test the sensor's electrical output to confirm whether it is functioning correctly.
Why does my HP LaserJet keep jamming in tray 2 even after I clear it?
Repeated jams in the same tray usually point to a worn or glazed pickup roller that has lost its grip on the paper, misaligned feed guides, or humidity-related paper stiffness that prevents smooth feeding. If you experience jams more than once per month from the same tray, the pickup roller almost certainly needs replacement, which a technician can install for roughly fifty dollars. Storing paper in a cool, dry place and cleaning tray 2 regularly can also reduce recurring jam incidents.