PIXMA MG3640 - "No Paper" error even when paper present

[PixmaMG3640S]

says printer needs paper when there is. I have cleaned at the back and followed all the suggestions

[DerrickL]

Hopefully something here that can help you:

This usually happens when the printer’s “paper detect” sensor can’t confirm paper movement, even though you can see paper in the tray—most commonly due to a tiny torn scrap inside, a misloaded paper stack, or a problem with the paper feed rollers.

Try this in order:

1) Reload the paper correctly

• Remove the paper stack completely.
• Check the paper isn’t curled or too thick.
• Load paper print side down, and slide the paper guides snug to the edges.
• Don’t exceed the paper limit (if close to the max, load about half the stack).

2) Clear any tiny pieces/scraps

Even a small fragment can keep the error active.

• Pull out the paper cassette/front tray and inspect the pickup area and inside openings.
• Also check the output area where paper comes out (sometimes a small piece is hiding there).
• If you find any torn bits, remove them gently—don’t yank or tear paper deeper inside.

3) Check for “double-feed” / paper overlap

If multiple sheets feed at once, the printer may decide it has “no paper / not feeding.”

• Remove paper, fan it slightly, and reload fewer sheets.

4) Clean the paper feed roller

If the rollers are dirty or slick, paper may not be detected as feeding.

• Use the printer’s built-in Clean paper feed roller / maintenance option (or the “cleaning” routine available in the printer driver/utility).

5) Match paper settings in your print dialog/driver

If the driver is set to the wrong paper size/type, it can refuse to feed.

• In the printer settings, confirm the paper size (e.g., Letter/A4) matches what’s loaded.

6) Power reset

• Turn the printer off.
• Unplug power for ~30–60 seconds.
• Plug back in and power on, then try a simple print.

[PixmaMG3640S]

Thank you I have tried all your steps and have not been successful. I managed to force feed a sheet and it did print but it printed skew . Do I need to replace those two feeder wheels.  Before the happed it fea thick pile of printer paper becuse I think I placed the paper too high up in the tray and I have had thi problem ever since. Something must have gotten damaged. What do you think? Thank you for your response and help that is much appreciated

[DerrickL · Accepted solution]

 I had a ten year old Brother printer that developed the same issue, no paper in tray error when there was paper in the tray. I cleaned the rollers, which appeared to not have enough tension, or were slipping. I cleaned them and then it jammed every time it picked up paper, and then it just quit. I replaced it. Your printer like my MG3620 rollers are located in the middle of the printer, not to be confused with the rollers you see when you open the back or with ones that grip paper in a tray. They are the reverse rollers used when double sided printing. To get to the initial feed rollers you have to take the printer almost completely apart. I also think there is some damage to the roller, paper pickup,  assembly caused by overloading the printer, not just paper dust or a scrap of paper keeping them from working properly.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you may find it is time to replace it. There are two very good printers for sale on Amazon now, one for 69 and one for 79 dollars each. That is only a few dollars more than replacement rollers for your printer. The first is an all in one with auto feeder, it is the TR4720 and the second which I would buy now if I needed a printer is the Pixma TS6520 with display, and duplex printing, 79 dollars normally around 110. 

[PixmaMG3640S]

Thank you so much for your time and your recommendations. Much appreciated.