How to Fix Lexmark Printer Error Code 133.xx: Paper Jam (Tray 2) (Full Guide)

Lexmark Error 133.xx is a critical paper handling fault specifically localized to the secondary input source, typically designated as Tray 2. This error indicates a “feed failure” or “stationary jam” where the media failed to reach the pass-through sensor within the allotted timing window dictated by the system’s firmware logic.

As a user, you will likely encounter a sudden cessation of the print job accompanied by an audible, repetitive “thumping” or “grinding” sound as the pick tires struggle to grip the media. You might see “133.01” or “133.02” on the operator panel. While it may seem like a terminal hardware failure, this is almost always a mechanical synchronization or friction issue that can be resolved with methodical intervention. Don’t worry; with the right technical approach, your printer will be back in service shortly.

The Complete Solution

The Complete Solution: Step-by-Step Technical Restoration

1. Safety Protocol and Initial De-energization: Before performing any mechanical intervention, power down the printer using the side switch and completely remove the AC power cord. Lexmark printers contain high-voltage power supplies and fusers that retain heat; waiting 10 minutes ensures the fuser has cooled and the capacitors have discharged. This is non-negotiable when working near the internal gear trains.

2. Tray 2 Inspection and Media Calibration: Remove Tray 2 entirely from the unit. Empty the paper and inspect the side and rear guides. These guides must be snug but not tight against the paper stack. If they are even 2mm out of alignment, the paper can “dog-ear” against the frame, triggering the 133 error. Look at the Separator Pad (the small rubber or cork strip at the front of the tray). If it appears smooth or indented, it needs to be cleaned or replaced.

3. Advanced Roller Reconditioning: Locate the pick roller assembly inside the cavity where Tray 2 usually sits. Using a Phillips #2 screwdriver, you may need to remove a small retaining clip or bracket to drop the roller assembly down.

Technical Tip: Do not just wipe the rollers. Dampen a lint-free cloth with 90% Isopropyl Alcohol and scrub the rubber firmly while rotating the roller manually. You are looking to restore the “tacky” feel and the visible “tire tread” texture. If the rubber is cracked or physically “bald,” the assembly must be replaced (Part # 40X8295 or similar, depending on model).

4. Cleaning the Pass-Through Sensors: Use a can of compressed air to blow out the sensor area located just above the Tray 2 feed throat. Use short, controlled bursts. A single strand of carpet fiber or a dust bunny inside the photo-interrupter (the U-shaped plastic component) will cause the 133 code even if the rollers are perfect. Manually toggle the plastic “actuator flag” with a finger to ensure it snaps back into place freely.

5. Inspecting the Drive Train and Solenoid: Look at the right-hand side of the tray cavity for the gear cluster. If you see white plastic shavings, a gear has stripped. If the gears look fine, the issue may be the clutch solenoid. These solenoids have a small foam damper that turns into “goo” over time, causing the metal plate to stick. If you feel a sticky residue on the solenoid arm, clean it with alcohol and apply a small piece of electrical tape to the strike plate to prevent sticking.

6. Reassembly and Logic Reset: Slide Tray 2 back into the unit. Reconnect the power. Once the “Ready” light appears, perform a “Print Quality Test Pages” or “Menu Settings Page” specifically sourcing from Tray 2 to verify the fix. If the error persists, a firmware update may be required to broaden the timing tolerances for the sensors.

What Triggers this Code?

In high-performance Lexmark engines, the 133.xx code is a timing-based diagnostic. The printer’s Engine Controller Board (ECB) expects the leading edge of the paper to trigger the pre-feed sensor within milliseconds of the solenoid engaging. When this doesn’t happen, the system throws the error to prevent internal damage.

• Glazed or Worn Pick Rollers: This is the primary culprit. Over thousands of cycles, the rubber rollers accumulate “paper flour”—microscopic wood fibers and calcium carbonate—which fills the tread of the rubber. This creates a smooth, glass-like surface that lacks the friction coefficient necessary to move the weight of a full paper stack.
• Tray Linkage and Spring Fatigue: Tray 2 relies on a lift mechanism (often spring-loaded or motor-driven) to push the paper stack against the rollers. If the lift plate is sticking due to cracked plastic gears or lost spring tension, the paper won’t sit high enough for the rollers to make contact.
• Environmental Humidity and Media Weight: Excessively humid environments cause paper fibers to swell and stick together (static or hygroscopic bonding). If the “Separator Pad” at the front of Tray 2 is worn, it cannot effectively peel a single sheet away from the stack, causing the motor to stall under the weight of multiple sheets.
• Sensor Obstruction: A tiny fragment of a previous jam may be lodged in the photo-interrupter sensor path. Even if the paper moves, if the “flag” of the sensor is stuck in the “open” position, the ECB assumes a jam has occurred.

Symptoms of Lexmark Error 133.xx

The physical manifestations of a 133.xx error are distinct and usually occur immediately after the printer attempts to pull a sheet from the lower tray. The most prominent sign is the Operator Panel Alert, which will lock the machine and display “133.xx Paper Jam, Check Tray 2.” Unlike a standard jam, the paper often remains entirely inside the tray, barely nudged forward.

Mechanically, you may observe audible clicking or slipping. This is the sound of the pick motor engaging while the rubber pick rollers slide across the surface of the paper without sufficient traction. If the unit manages to pull a sheet halfway, it may result in skewed output or accordion-style crinkling at the leading edge. In some instances, the printer may report the tray is empty even when it is full, as the sensor fails to see the paper move, leading the logic board to assume no media is present to be picked.

How to Prevent Error 133.xx

To ensure this fault does not return, implement a Preventative Maintenance (PM) schedule. Every time you replace a toner cartridge, take 30 seconds to wipe the Tray 2 rollers with a dry, lint-free cloth. This prevents the accumulation of paper dust before it has a chance to “glaze” the rubber surface.

Secondly, manage your media environment. Paper is highly sensitive to humidity; always fan your paper before loading it into Tray 2 to break any static bonds. Avoid using “cheap” high-acid paper, which produces more dust. Lastly, ensure the printer is plugged into a high-quality surge protector; Lexmark sensors are sensitive to voltage fluctuations which can occasionally cause “ghost” timing errors in the engine controller logic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does Tray 1 work perfectly while Tray 2 fails?
A: Trays 1 and 2 use completely independent pick assemblies and motors. Tray 2 is often subject to more dust because it is closer to the floor and handles heavier stacks, which puts more strain on its specific pick tires and lift motor.

Q: Can I use “Rubber Rejuvenator” spray on the rollers?
A: As a senior engineer, I advise caution. While rejuvenators can temporarily soften the rubber, they often leave a chemical residue that can transfer to the paper and eventually damage the fuser rollers or the transfer belt. Stick to 90%+ Isopropyl alcohol for safety.

Q: Does the 133 error mean I need a new printer?
A: Absolutely not. This is a “wear and tear” error, much like needing new tires on a car. Replacing the pick rollers and separator pad is a standard maintenance procedure that can extend the life of a Lexmark printer by hundreds of thousands of pages.