Pattern to record: The leading edge stops abruptly at a repeatable location.

Locate the feed stage

Compare plain paper with the specific photo or speciality media supported by the inkjet. Note whether skew begins at pickup or only under the carriage, and keep fingers clear of the moving printhead. One possible explanation is that a clip, label fragment or torn sheet blocks normal travel.

Before inspecting the mechanism

Turn off and disconnect the printer before hands-on inspection, following its model-specific jam-removal instructions. Do not force the carriage or pull paper hard against rollers, guides or sensor flags; avoid the printhead and ink tubes unless the manual specifies access.

Feed-path checks

1. With the mechanism unpowered, inspect the user-accessible pickup surfaces and guides as the manual allows. Do not move or clean encoder parts by guesswork.
2. Follow the permitted paper route without sharp tools. If an object is trapped beyond the access covers, leave further disassembly to a technician.

Correct the confirmed cause

If the checks support this cause, remove the object and repair any bent guide or sensor. After clearing or repairing the fault and refitting access covers, verification should cover plain paper, photo media if supported, alignment, multi-page feed and exit.

For an assessment of your inkjet printer, contact AEPC in Burswood or call 027 908 8880. Provide the model and the conditions that reproduce this problem. Workshop visits are by appointment.