my canon pixma tr8620a won't scan using the auto document feeder, it just makes a noise and says error.

Diagnosis

This issue is typically caused by a failure in the ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) pickup mechanism, where the printer detects a "Paper Jam" or "Feed Error" (often Error Code 1300 or 1000) even if no visible paper is present. The "noise" you hear is the pickup roller spinning rapidly without gripping the page, or the drive gear slipping because the sensor believes the paper has already entered the path. This happens when the rubber pickup rollers become glazed with paper dust or ink residue, losing the friction necessary to pull the sheet forward. Alternatively, the problem is often a mechanical misalignment of the paper guides. If the guides are too loose, the page enters the feeder at an angle, triggering the skew sensor. If they are too tight, the paper buckles, preventing the roller from engaging. To confirm the cause, observe the rollers through the ADF gap; if the roller spins but the paper doesn't move, it is a traction issue. If the printer stops immediately with a loud click, it is likely a sensor obstruction or a fragmented piece of paper lodged in the gear assembly.

How to Fix It

Follow these precise steps to clear the path and restore traction to the rollers:

1. Power off the printer and unplug the power cord from the wall to prevent electrical shorts while cleaning.
2. Lift the ADF cover (the hinged top section). Look inside the feeder slot using a flashlight. Check for tiny torn pieces of paper or staples that may be blocking the optical sensor.
3. Locate the grey rubber pickup rollers. Dampen a lint-free cloth with distilled water (do not use rubbing alcohol as it can dry out the rubber). Gently wipe the rollers, rotating them manually to clean the entire circumference.
4. Ensure the paper guides in the ADF tray are snug against the edges of your document stack. There should be no gap, but the paper should not be bowing or curving.
5. Load a small stack of standard 20lb bond paper (avoid thin inkjet paper or heavy cardstock for this test).
6. Close the ADF cover firmly. You must hear a distinct "click" on both sides to ensure the sensor arm is fully depressed.
7. Plug the printer back in and attempt a scan.

If That Didn't Work

• Perform a Hard Reset: While the printer is on, unplug the power cord from the back of the unit. Wait exactly 60 seconds to allow the capacitors to discharge, then plug it back in. This clears the temporary memory of the "Error" state which sometimes persists even after the jam is cleared.
• Check the ADF Sensor Arm: Inspect the small plastic lever (the actuator) located where the paper enters the feeder. If this arm is stuck in the "up" position due to a piece of debris, the printer thinks paper is already loaded and will throw an error. Gently flick it with a toothpick to ensure it springs back freely.
• Clean the Scanner Glass Strip: The ADF uses a narrow strip of glass to the left of the main flatbed. If there is a smudge of ink or a piece of adhesive tape on this strip, the printer may stop the feed process mid-way. Clean this specific strip with a glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth.
• Update Firmware: Access the printer's maintenance menu on the LCD screen and check for firmware updates. Canon occasionally releases patches to adjust the sensitivity of the ADF timing sensors to prevent false jam errors.

Heads Up

• Never use a vacuum cleaner inside the ADF path; the static electricity can damage the sensitive image sensors.
• Avoid using staples or paper clips in the ADF; a single bent staple can scratch the scan glass or permanently jam the pickup gears.
• Limit your ADF stack to 20 sheets of plain paper to prevent the motor from overheating or slipping.
• If you frequently scan heavy or textured paper, use the flatbed glass instead of the ADF to avoid wearing out the rubber rollers prematurely.