Lexmark Error 241.04 — What It Means & How to Fix It
By Ryan Green · Updated August 2026 · Independent guide · PrinterCare USA LLC (not affiliated with any printer manufacturer)
Error 241.04 stops your Lexmark printer cold, and it is frustrating when you have documents to print. This error specifically points to Tray 1, the main paper input tray, which means either paper is physically stuck inside the mechanism or the printer's jam sensor detected a problem. The good news is that most 241.04 errors clear with straightforward troubleshooting that takes less than ten minutes.
If you follow these steps and the error persists, a $49 remote support session can walk you through advanced diagnostics or identify whether the sensor itself has failed.
How to fix it — step by step
- Power cycle the printer completely. Turn off the printer using the power button and wait thirty seconds. Unplug the power cable from the back of the printer, wait another thirty seconds, then plug it back in and power on. This clears the printer's memory and sometimes resets a false jam detection caused by a temporary sensor glitch.
- Open Tray 1 and visually inspect for paper. Pull Tray 1 straight out from the front of the printer until it stops. Look inside the tray slot and the paper path for any torn pieces of paper, crumpled edges, or foreign objects like staples, tape, or plastic. Use a flashlight if needed to see into the darker areas of the mechanism.
- Remove all paper from Tray 1. Take out every sheet from Tray 1, including any that appear stuck. Fan through the stack to make sure no pieces are attached or folded. Check the bottom and sides of the tray for small paper fragments that commonly cause repeated jam errors.
- Clean the pickup roller and separation pad. Look at the rubber roller at the bottom of the Tray 1 opening and the white or tan separation pad beside it. Use a lint-free cloth lightly dampened with distilled water to wipe both surfaces, removing dust, ink residue, or paper fibers that prevent proper paper feeding. Allow them to air dry for one minute.
- Inspect the paper path inside the printer. Look up into the tray opening with a flashlight and scan the visible paper path for torn pieces or obstructions. If you see any debris, use a wooden or plastic stick to carefully push it out, never metal tools that could damage rollers. Check that no paper is lodged between the guides or rollers.
- Reload paper using correct alignment and quality. Insert a fresh ream of standard twenty-pound copy paper into Tray 1, ensuring all sheets are straight and the stack sits flat on the tray bottom. Adjust the paper guides on both sides so they touch the paper stack firmly but not tightly. Do not overfill the tray past the maximum fill line.
- Run the printer's internal diagnostics test. On Windows, open the Lexmark printer settings by searching for your printer model in Settings and selecting Printer Properties, then look for a Diagnostics or Tools tab. On macOS, go to System Settings, Printers and Scanners, select your Lexmark printer, and click Options and Supplies. Run any available hardware test to confirm the jam sensor is responding correctly.
- Contact remote support if error persists. If error 241.04 returns after you have completed all steps, the jam sensor may have failed or the tray motor may need replacement. A $49 remote support session allows a technician to access your printer diagnostics, check sensor voltages, and determine whether hardware repair is needed or if the unit qualifies for warranty service.
Still stuck? A technician can fix it remotely today.
Independent remote support — you watch every step, and you pay the flat $49 only after your printer is working. $0 if we can't fix it.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my Lexmark printer keep showing error 241.04 even after I cleared the paper jam?
Repeated 241.04 errors usually mean a small piece of paper is still stuck deep in the jam path, or the pickup roller is worn and cannot separate sheets properly. Remove the tray completely and shine a flashlight into every corner of the opening, checking for fragments the size of a postage stamp. If you find nothing, the jam sensor itself may be faulty and require professional diagnostics or replacement.
Can I use cheaper paper to avoid paper jams on my Lexmark printer?
No, cheap paper with rough edges, inconsistent thickness, or high moisture content actually causes more jams. Always use standard twenty-pound copy paper from a reputable brand stored in a dry environment. Lexmark printers are engineered for this paper weight and texture, and using thinner or lower-quality stock triggers sensor errors and feed problems.
Does error 241.04 mean my Lexmark printer is broken and needs replacement?
Not usually. Error 241.04 is almost always solvable with paper path cleaning and tray inspection. Lexmark printers can develop this error many times over their lifetime without indicating the printer is failing. However, if the error returns weekly after proper cleaning, the jam sensor or pickup motor may need replacement, which a technician can confirm through remote diagnostics.
What is the difference between Lexmark errors 241.04 and 241.05?
Error 241.04 specifically indicates a jam detected in Tray 1, while error 241.05 indicates a jam in Tray 2 or another optional input tray. The troubleshooting steps are identical, but you will open and inspect the tray number shown in the error code. If you only have one tray, you will never see 241.05 unless you have added an additional tray unit.