Troubleshooting Lexmark Error Code 231.xx: What It Means & How to Fix

• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (No technical background required)
• Estimated Time: 15 to 25 minutes
• Tools Needed:
  • A bright LED flashlight (essential for seeing tiny paper scraps)
  • A lint-free microfiber cloth
  • Isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher) or “Roller Restorer”
  • Can of compressed air
• Estimated Cost: $0 – $15 (Assuming you already have basic cleaning supplies)

The **Lexmark Error 231.xx** is a specific diagnostic code indicating a **Paper Jam in the Duplex Unit**. This means the printer’s internal sensors have detected that a sheet of paper is stuck, misfed, or delayed while traveling through the mechanism that flips the page for double-sided printing.

Have you ever been right in the middle of a big project, only to hear that dreaded “crunch” or a sudden silence from your printer? I know exactly how frustrating that is! You might see the display screen flashing orange, hear the gears grinding as they try to pull the page, or simply find your print job stuck halfway out the back. But don’t you worry—this is one of the most common hiccups with Lexmark machines, and together, we are going to clear it out and get you back to work. You’ve got this!

Troubleshooting & Replacement Instructions

1. Safety First and Power Down:
   Before we put our hands anywhere near the internal gears, switch the printer off using the power button and then unplug it from the wall outlet. Printers generate a lot of heat, especially near the fuser (which is often close to the duplex path). Let the machine cool down for at least 10 minutes to avoid any nasty burns.
2. Access the Rear Duplex Door:
   Turn the printer around so you have a clear view of the back. Look for a lever or a colored plastic tab (usually green or blue) that releases the rear door. Open it fully. Many Lexmark models also have a “tray” at the bottom of the duplex path that slides out. Remove Tray 1 entirely and look into the cavity where the tray usually sits.
3. Clear the Obstruction:
   Use your flashlight to scan the rollers. If you see paper, always pull it in the direction of the paper path. Never pull paper backward against the way it normally travels, as this can damage the delicate plastic “fingers” and gears. If the paper is stuck tightly, use both hands to pull evenly so the sheet doesn’t tear.
   
   Warning: Avoid using tweezers or scissors to “dig” paper out, as you might scratch the rollers or puncture the fuser belt.
4. Deep Clean the Duplex Rollers:
   Now that the path is clear, let’s make sure it stays that way. Dampen your microfiber cloth with a little bit of isopropyl alcohol. Find the rubber rollers inside the duplex area and wipe them down firmly while rotating them with your thumb. You’ll likely see black or gray residue come off on the cloth—that’s the paper dust we talked about! Cleaning these restores the “tackiness” of the rubber.
5. Clean the Sensors with Compressed Air:
   Look for small, plastic “paddles” or “flags” along the paper path. These are the sensors. Use your can of compressed air to blow out any dust from these areas. Sometimes a single speck of dust can block the infrared beam that tells the printer the path is clear.
6. Reassemble and Hard Reset:
   Close all doors firmly. Slide the paper tray back in, ensuring the paper guides are snug against the stack (but not too tight). Plug the printer back into the wall—avoiding power strips if possible to ensure the printer gets full voltage—and turn it on. The printer will go through a “Power-On Self-Test” (POST). If the code is gone, try printing a single-sided page first, then a double-sided test page.

What Triggers this Code?

Understanding the “why” behind the error helps us prevent it from happening again. Here are the primary culprits behind the 231.xx code:

• Worn or Dirty Feed Rollers: Over time, the rubber rollers that grab the paper become “slick” due to paper dust (microscopic wood fibers) and oils. When they lose their grip, they can’t pull the paper through the duplex path fast enough, triggering a timing error in the printer’s logic.
• Paper Weight and Quality: Using paper that is too heavy (cardstock) or too thin for the duplexer can cause the “flip” mechanism to fail. If the paper is damp from humidity, it loses its structural integrity and tends to limp or curl, leading to a snag.
• Residual Obstructions: If you recently had a jam and pulled the paper out forcefully, a tiny corner of that page might have ripped off. That “micro-scrap” can sit right on top of a sensor flag, telling the printer that a full sheet is still stuck in the path.
• Static Electricity: In dry environments, sheets of paper can cling together with incredible force. If the duplexer tries to pull two sheets at once, they will almost certainly jam in the narrow “turnaround” area, causing a voltage spike or a sensor timeout.

Symptoms of a 231.xx Duplex Jam

When your Lexmark printer encounters a 231.xx error, it doesn’t just stop; it usually gives you a few physical clues. First and foremost, the control panel will display the error code, often accompanied by a diagram showing the rear of the machine. You might hear a “stuttering” sound, which is the sound of the pickup rollers slipping against the paper surface without enough grip to move it.

Another common sign is finding a sheet of paper accordion-folded (crinkled) inside the back door or seeing the unit shut off its printing cycle entirely to prevent internal damage. In some cases, the printer might even claim there is a jam when you can’t see any paper at all—this is a “ghost jam,” usually caused by a tiny scrap of paper blocking a sensor or a heavy build-up of paper dust tricking the machine’s “eyes.”

How to Prevent Error 231.xx

Now that you’re back up and running, let’s keep it that way! The best way to deal with a paper jam is to never have one in the first place.

• Fan Your Paper: Before putting a fresh stack of paper into the tray, “fan” the edges. This breaks the static bond between the sheets and introduces a little air, making it much easier for the duplexer to grab one sheet at a time.
• Store Paper in a Dry Place: Paper acts like a sponge for humidity. If your paper gets damp, it becomes “soft” and jams more easily. Keep your paper in its original wrapper until you’re ready to use it.
• Use a Dedicated Wall Outlet: Lexmark printers require a significant draw of power when the fuser and duplex motor are running simultaneously. If the printer is on a crowded power strip, it may experience “brownouts” that cause the motors to hesitate, leading to timing-related jams.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I’ve cleared all the paper, but the error 231.xx won’t go away. What now?
A: This is usually a “latched” error. Try a hard reset: with the printer ON, pull the power cord from the back. Wait 60 seconds, then plug it back in. This forces the firmware to re-scan all sensors. If it persists, a sensor flag might be physically stuck in the “down” position.

Q: Can I use window cleaner or soap to clean the rollers?
A: I wouldn’t recommend it! Window cleaners often contain ammonia which can dry out and crack the rubber rollers over time. Stick to Isopropyl alcohol or just a slightly damp cloth with water.

Q: My printer only jams when doing double-sided printing; single-sided is fine. Why?
A: This confirms the issue is specifically in the duplex “reversing” unit. When printing single-sided, the paper takes a straight path out. In duplexing, it has to be pulled back in and flipped. If your rollers are even slightly dirty, they will fail during this more complex movement while appearing “fine” for simple jobs.