Diagnosis
The "No Paper" error on the Canon PIXMA TR8620a, despite a full tray, is typically caused by a failure in the friction-based paper pickup mechanism. The TR8620a uses a set of rubberized rollers to grip the top sheet of paper and pull it into the feed path. Over time, these rollers accumulate a layer of "paper dust"—microscopic cellulose fibers shed from the sheets—which fills the pores of the rubber and creates a slick, glazed surface. When the rollers rotate, they simply slide over the paper instead of gripping it, triggering the sensor to report that no paper has entered the machine. In some cases, this is exacerbated by the type of paper being used. High-gloss photo papers or overly smooth inkjet papers have lower friction coefficients, making it even easier for contaminated rollers to slip. You can confirm this is a roller issue if you hear the motor spinning (a rhythmic whirring sound) for several seconds before the "No Paper" error appears on the LCD screen, indicating the printer attempted to pick up the sheet but failed to move it forward.
How to Fix It
To restore the grip of the feed rollers and clear the error, follow these precise cleaning and calibration steps:
- Power down the printer and unplug the power cable from the wall to ensure safety while reaching into the chassis.
- Remove the paper cassette completely from the front of the machine.
- Locate the black rubber pickup rollers situated at the top of the cassette slot. These are the small, cylindrical rubber wheels that make contact with the paper.
- Dampen a high-quality, lint-free microfiber cloth with distilled water. Wring the cloth out thoroughly so it is damp but not dripping; excess water can seep into the sensor electronics.
- Gently press the cloth against the rubber roller and manually rotate the roller by hand. If the roller is locked, apply light pressure while turning. Rotate it a full 360 degrees to ensure the entire circumference is cleaned.
- Repeat this process for all visible rollers in the feed path, focusing on any areas where you see a greyish, dusty film being removed.
- Allow the rollers to air-dry for at least two to three minutes. Do not use rubbing alcohol, as it can dry out and crack the rubber over time.
- Reinsert the paper cassette. Fan the stack of paper to remove any static cling and ensure the paper is pushed firmly against the back of the tray.
- Adjust the blue plastic paper guides so they are snug against the edges of the paper stack, but not so tight that they bow the paper.
- Power the unit back on and attempt a test print.
If That Didn't Work
- Perform a "Roller Cleaning" cycle via the software. Navigate to the printer's Maintenance menu on the LCD screen, select 'Cleaning', and then choose 'Roller Cleaning'. This forces the rollers to spin at high speed without paper to shed remaining debris.
- Check for a "ghost" jam. Open the rear cover and use a flashlight to look for tiny scraps of paper or foreign objects (like staples or paperclips) lodged in the feed path. Even a piece of paper the size of a fingernail can trick the sensor into thinking the path is blocked or empty.
- Inspect the paper weight. If you are using heavy cardstock (over 200gsm), the TR8620a may struggle with the front cassette. Try loading a single sheet through the rear manual feed slot to determine if the issue is specific to the cassette mechanism or the overall feed system.
- Reset the paper settings. Ensure the paper size and type selected in the print driver (e.g., Letter, Plain Paper) exactly match the physical paper in the tray. Mismatched settings can occasionally cause the printer to stop the feed process prematurely.
Heads Up
- Avoid using "cheap" or non-standard paper with high dust content, as this will clog the rollers much faster.
- Never use compressed air to clean the rollers; this often pushes dust deeper into the gear assembly and can displace the sensors.
- When loading the tray, never fill it past the indicated maximum fill line; overfilling puts excessive pressure on the pickup arm, causing more frequent slips.
- Store your paper in a cool, dry place to prevent humidity from warping the sheets, which prevents the rollers from making flat, even contact.