my canon pixma tr8620a is making a weird grinding noise when it feeds paper from the back. is it broken?

Diagnosis

A grinding noise during the paper feed process on the Canon PIXMA TR8620a typically indicates a mechanical struggle. This happens when the pickup rollers are attempting to pull paper that is either misaligned, too thick, or obstructed by a foreign object. The noise is caused by the gears slipping or the rollers spinning against a blockage, which can lead to permanent gear stripping if not addressed immediately.

How to Fix It

To resolve the grinding, follow these steps to clear the paper path and reset the feed mechanism:

1. Power Down: Turn off the printer and unplug it from the wall to prevent any electrical shorts while inspecting the internals.
2. Clear the Path: Open the rear tray and the front access door. Use a bright flashlight to inspect the rear feed slot for small scraps of paper, staples, or debris. Use a pair of tweezers to gently remove any foreign objects.
3. Prepare the Media: Remove the paper stack. Fan the edges of the paper to eliminate static cling and ensure the pages aren't stuck together.
4. Correct Loading: Reinsert the paper, ensuring it is flat and not overfilled beyond the maximum fill line. Slide the paper guides so they are snug against the edges of the paper; if they are too tight, the paper will bow, causing the rollers to grind.

If That Didn't Work

If the noise persists with a single sheet of plain paper, the pickup rollers may be contaminated or worn.

• Clean the Rollers: Dampen a lint-free cloth with distilled water and gently wipe the rubber pickup rollers located in the rear feed area to remove paper dust and oils.
• Reset the Feed: Perform a hard reset by unplugging the power cord for 60 seconds, then plugging it back in to recalibrate the carriage and feed motors.
• Hardware Failure: If the grinding sounds metallic or "clicks" rapidly, a gear in the paper feed assembly has likely failed, requiring professional replacement.

Heads Up

Never use canned air or vacuum cleaners inside the printer, as this can push debris deeper into the gear assembly or create static discharge that damages the print head.