Lexmark Error 250.03 — What It Means & How to Fix It
By Ryan Green · Updated August 2026 · Independent guide · PrinterCare USA LLC (not affiliated with any printer manufacturer)
The Lexmark error 250.03 stops your printer mid-job and can be frustrating when you need documents fast. This error specifically means the multipurpose tray feeder has detected paper jammed inside the mechanism or that a sensor has failed to detect proper paper loading.
Most users clear this error within five minutes by removing the stuck paper and cleaning the feeder sensors. However, if you have tried basic clearing steps and the error returns immediately, you may need professional remote support, which typically costs $49 and takes less than thirty minutes.
How to fix it — step by step
- Power off the printer completely. Turn off your Lexmark printer using the power button and wait thirty seconds before proceeding. This ensures the feeder motor has fully stopped and reduces the risk of the mechanism engaging while you work inside the device.
- Open the multipurpose feeder access panel. Locate the multipurpose tray on the front or side of your printer model. Gently pull or lift the access panel or cover—your specific Lexmark model may have a latch or release button near the tray. Look inside for any visible torn paper, crumpled sheets, or foreign objects blocking the feeder path.
- Remove all visible jammed paper and debris. Carefully extract any paper fragments, tape, or debris from the feeder area using your fingers or needle-nose tweezers. Pull paper in the direction of the feed path rather than backward to avoid tearing small pieces inside. Empty the multipurpose tray completely and inspect it for damage or warping.
- Clean the pickup roller and feed sensor. Dampen a lint-free cloth with distilled water and gently wipe the rubber pickup roller that grabs paper from the tray. Also locate the paper feed sensor (a small optical or mechanical switch inside the feeder assembly) and wipe it clean. Allow both components to air dry for one minute before closing the panel.
- Check for foreign material in the feed path. Use a flashlight to inspect the interior feed path above and below the multipurpose tray. Look for staples, bits of adhesive, plastic fragments, or other material that could trigger the sensor or jam the mechanism. Remove any obstructions you find.
- Reload paper and test the printer. Place a fresh ream of standard twenty-pound white letter paper in the multipurpose tray, fanning the stack to prevent sheets from sticking together. Power the printer back on and attempt a test print from your computer. If error 250.03 appears again, note whether it happens on the first sheet or after several pages.
- Run the printer's self-diagnostic if available. Access your printer's menu by pressing the Menu or Settings button on the control panel. Look for a Diagnostics, Maintenance, or Self-Test option and select Run Feeder Test or similar. This will help confirm whether the sensor is registering paper correctly or if hardware replacement is needed.
- Contact support if the error persists. If error 250.03 returns after these steps, the pickup roller may be worn or the feeder sensor may have failed. A remote technician can access your printer's error logs and perform advanced diagnostics for approximately forty-nine dollars, then guide you through component replacement or authorize warranty service.
Still stuck? A technician can fix it remotely today.
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Frequently asked questions
Does error 250.03 mean my printer is broken permanently?
No, in most cases this error is caused by a simple jam or a dirty sensor and can be resolved in minutes. Even if the pickup roller needs replacement, this is an inexpensive repair that takes under one hour. Permanent failure is rare unless the feeder mechanism has suffered physical damage.
Can I use the multipurpose tray again after clearing a jam, or should I use the main paper tray?
You can use the multipurpose tray again after clearing the jam and cleaning the sensors. The multipurpose tray is designed for specialty paper and envelopes, so it is perfectly safe to use once the obstruction is removed. If error 250.03 was caused by unsuitable paper type, switch to standard white copy paper or your printer's recommended specialty stock.
What kind of paper should I avoid in the multipurpose feeder?
Avoid using erasable bond paper, cardstock thicker than one hundred thirty pounds, envelopes with windows, or crinkled and bent sheets in the multipurpose tray. These materials can jam the feeder mechanism or confuse the sensor. Stick to twenty-pound white letter paper for testing and use the multipurpose tray only for envelopes and labeled specialty stock that your specific Lexmark model supports.
How much does it cost to replace a worn pickup roller or feeder sensor?
A replacement pickup roller or feeder sensor costs between fifteen dollars and thirty-five dollars depending on your Lexmark model, plus labor if you use a technician. Remote diagnostics and repair guidance typically cost forty-nine dollars. If your printer is still under warranty, repair parts may be covered at no charge if you contact Lexmark support directly.