OKI Error Error 390 — 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 390 on OKI printers is frustrating because it stops your workflow immediately, but the good news is that most multipurpose tray jams are user-fixable within minutes. This error specifically means the printer has detected an obstruction in the multipurpose tray feed mechanism, which is the removable input tray used for envelopes, labels, and specialty media.
The multipurpose tray is more prone to jams than standard trays because users frequently load different paper types and sizes, which can misalign or bind during feeding. We have seen this error hundreds of times, and in about eighty percent of cases, clearing visible paper fragments and resetting the tray solves the problem completely.
How to fix it — step by step
- Power off the printer and wait thirty seconds. Turn off your OKI printer using the power button and wait for all internal mechanisms to come to a complete stop. This ensures you do not accidentally trigger paper feed motors while working inside the machine. Waiting a full thirty seconds allows any residual power to drain from the system.
- Open and fully remove the multipurpose tray. Locate the multipurpose tray at the front or bottom of your OKI printer depending on your model. Pull the tray straight outward until it is completely detached from the printer. Set it on a clean, flat surface near your work area.
- Inspect the tray and paper guides for debris. Look inside the empty tray for torn paper pieces, crumpled edges, or foreign objects like staples or tape. Check both the side guides and the front edge of the tray carefully. Use a flashlight if needed to see into darker corners where small fragments hide.
- Clean the paper feed rollers visible inside the printer. Look into the multipurpose tray opening on the printer body and locate the rubber feed rollers. Using a slightly damp lint-free cloth, gently wipe these rollers to remove dust, toner residue, or paper bits that may be causing friction. Do not apply excessive pressure, and allow the rollers to air dry for one minute.
- Remove any jammed paper from the feed path. If you see torn paper or crumpled material stuck in the feed mechanism, use needle-nose tweezers to carefully pull it out in the direction of normal paper travel. Do not yank violently, as this can damage sensors or feed gears. If paper is firmly stuck, stop and consider professional removal to avoid causing additional damage.
- Reinsert the multipurpose tray with proper alignment. Slide the tray back into the printer until you hear or feel it click fully into place. Ensure the tray is level and fully seated, not crooked or partially inserted. The tray must engage the printer body completely for the jam sensor to reset.
- Load fresh paper and test the feed mechanism. Place a small stack of standard white twenty pound copy paper in the tray with the short edge facing the printer if your model requires multipurpose feed from that orientation. Check your user manual for your specific model's correct orientation. Power the printer back on and attempt to print a test page.
- Clear the error code from the printer display. Once the jam is physically cleared and the tray is reinstalled, the error code should disappear automatically during the power-up cycle. If Error 390 still appears on the display, press the menu or settings button and look for a Clear Error or Reset option to manually acknowledge the condition. If the error returns, the jam sensor may be faulty and require professional diagnosis.
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Frequently asked questions
Will Error 390 go away on its own after I clear the jam?
In most cases, yes. Once you have removed the paper or debris and reinstalled the multipurpose tray correctly, the error will clear when you power the printer back on. If the error code persists even after a successful jam removal, the tray sensor may need recalibration or replacement by a qualified technician.
Can I use the other paper trays while Error 390 is showing?
Some OKI models will lock out all printing functions when Error 390 is displayed as a safety feature, while others may allow you to print from the main tray temporarily. Check your specific printer model manual to see if alternate trays are available during this error state. We recommend clearing the error properly rather than attempting workarounds, as unresolved jams can cause additional damage.
What type of paper causes the most multipurpose tray jams?
Envelopes and cardstock are the top culprits because their irregular edges and thickness can bind in the feed mechanism, especially if guides are not adjusted tightly. Specialty media like labels should always be verified as compatible with your OKI model before use. Always adjust the side guides snugly against whatever paper type you are loading.
Should I clean the multipurpose tray with water or solvents?
Use only a slightly damp lint-free cloth for external surfaces and rubber components like feed rollers. Never spray liquid directly into the printer or soak the tray in water, as moisture can damage sensors and circuits. Allow all components to air dry completely before reinserting the tray or powering the unit back on.