Pattern to record: The feed motor turns but the first sheet remains in the tray.

Locate the feed stage

The document feeder moves originals past the scanner; it is separate from the printer’s paper tray. Note whether single-sided or duplex scanning fails, and check originals for staples or damaged edges. One possible explanation is that the roller surface has become smooth and cannot develop enough grip.

Feed-path checks

1. Clean and inspect the pickup, separation and sensing path before opening covers further.
2. Inspect and compare the pickup surface and feed timing with clean supported media.

Before inspecting the mechanism

Remove staples and isolate power before reaching into drive gears. Aggressive solvents can swell rubber and make feeding worse.

Correct the confirmed cause

If the checks support this cause, clean only if appropriate or replace the worn roller. Verification should cover single and multi-page scans, both sides if supported, alignment and scan completeness.

For an assessment of your multifunction 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.