ErrorBase
Independent technical referenceOfficial site
  • Printers
  • Laser printer

A2

Ricoh A2 on laser printer: bypass tray paper misfeed

Verified with sources18 sourcesReviewed Oct 18, 2026
Technician coming? See the 2 steps they must show you
Home office laser multifunction printer
Túllio FCC BY-SA 4.0Image source

Risk level

Low

Usually safe to check without specialist tools.

Urgency

Medium

Quick answer

Alert (A2) on Ricoh laser printers means a sheet has jammed while feeding from the bypass tray. Remove any remaining sheets from the bypass tray, carefully pull out the misfed paper, and open and close the front cover to clear the misfeed condition.

Safety first

Stop and check this first

  • Internal machine parts get very hot: do not touch areas labeled 'hot surface' when opening the front cover to reset the misfeed condition, and take care not to trap your fingers.
  • Never attempt to print on stapled sheets, aluminum foil, carbon paper, or conductive paper through the bypass tray, as doing so risks fire.

Safe checks you can perform

  • Remove remaining sheets from the bypass tray, pull out the jammed sheet, and cycle the front cover
  • Reload the bypass tray print side up and match the guides and panel settings
  • Clean the paper feed roller on the bypass tray

Leave these tasks to a qualified professional

  • Do not attempt this professional task: Inspect or replace the bypass tray paper feed roller and pickup mechanism
  • Do not attempt this professional task: Test the bypass entry sensor and front cover reset switch

What a technician must be able to justify

Technician visit

These are the steps they must carry out and show you. Tick them as they work: if steps are skipped, do not accept a part swap.

These are not instructions for opening or handling the equipment yourself. They are the checks that should support a technical conclusion.

  1. Inspect or replace the bypass tray paper feed roller and pickup mechanism

    What they doWhen (A2) keeps recurring after wiping the bypass paper feed roller and loading supported media within 60.0 to 216.0 mm by 127.0 to 900.0 mm and 52 to 162 g/m2, an authorized technician services the bypass pickup assembly.

    They must show youthe condition of the bypass paper feed roller and a live feed test from the bypass tray using your standard media.

    In writingthe recorded alert code (A2), the inspection findings for the bypass pickup assembly, and any components replaced or adjusted.

  2. Test the bypass entry sensor and front cover reset switch

    What they doIf '(A2) Open Front Cover and remove the paper.' remains displayed even with the bypass tray empty and after opening and closing the front cover, an authorized technician checks the bypass entry sensor.

    They must show youthe sensor state at the bypass tray entrance and the error reset when opening and closing the front cover.

    In writingthe diagnostic report for the bypass detection sensor and confirmation that a test print from the bypass tray succeeds.

Before accepting a part or repair

Nothing has been shown yet. Do not accept a part swap based on the code alone.

Follow these steps

Note: Follow the documented order. An error code identifies the affected system, but it does not prove by itself which part has failed.

  1. Remove remaining sheets from the bypass tray, pull out the jammed sheet, and cycle the front cover

    No special tools

    Who:
    you, with the printer powered on while the control panel displays (A2).
    How:
    take out any loose sheets loaded in the bypass tray, carefully pull out the jammed sheet from the bypass slot without tearing it, and then press the front cover release button on the right side to open the front cover and close it by pushing the upper side of the cover firmly.
    Result that matters:
    clearing the (A2) alert from the control panel once the front cover is opened and closed.
    If the sheet comes out intact and the message clears:
    check paper orientation before reloading the bypass tray.
    If the error message stays on screen after closing the front cover:
    push the upper edge of the cover firmly and proceed to the next check.
    Evidence to keep:
    photo of the (A2) alert message and the misfed sheet removed from the bypass tray.

    Evidence: Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Removing Jammed Paper · Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Alert Messages · Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Paper Misfeed Message (A2)

  2. Reload the bypass tray print side up and match the guides and panel settings

    No special tools

    Who:
    you, with the bypass tray opened by holding the open lever in its upper center.
    How:
    pull out the extender if loading paper larger than A4 or 8 1/2 x 11, slide both sides of the paper guide outward, insert well-fanned paper print side up until it stops without exceeding the upper limit mark (loading label paper one sheet at a time), adjust both side guides to the paper width, and specify the exact paper size and type on the control panel and in the printer driver.
    Result that matters:
    ensuring sheets feed straight into the bypass path without skewing or triggering a size mismatch.
    If sheets feed straight without stalling:
    the side guides or paper settings were the cause.
    If the sheet still slips or fails to feed from the bypass tray:
    proceed to cleaning the bypass paper feed roller.
    Evidence to keep:
    note of the paper size and type selected on the control panel for the bypass tray.

    Evidence: Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Paper Precautions · Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Paper Misfeeds Occur Frequently · Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Loading Paper into the Bypass Tray

  3. Clean the paper feed roller on the bypass tray

    Tools required

    Who:
    you, with the printer powered off and unplugged before opening the bypass tray.
    How:
    press and hold the bypass tray open lever in the upper center of the bypass tray and pull the tray open; wipe the paper feed roller using a clean cloth, close the bypass tray, firmly reconnect the power plug and interface cables, and turn on the main power switch.
    Result that matters:
    restoring traction on the bypass paper feed roller so single sheets, envelopes, and specialty media feed smoothly.
    If bypass pickup returns to normal:
    avoid mixing different paper types in the bypass tray.
    If (A2) misfeeds still occur frequently after cleaning:
    ask your authorized service representative to check the bypass roller.
    Evidence to keep:
    date when the paper feed roller on the bypass tray was wiped clean.

    Always turn off the printer and unplug the power cord from the wall outlet before wiping the paper feed roller on the bypass tray; do not use thinners or benzine.

    Evidence: Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Removing Jammed Paper · Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Cleaning the Paper Feed Roller on the Bypass Tray

Still not solved

If the error persists, stop here. See what the technician must do and show you.

Where this code applies

A code is meaningful only inside the right product and version context.

Primary scope

System
Printers
Brand
Ricoh
Product type
Laser printer

Known code variants

  • (A2)
  • (A2) Abra tapa frontal y retire el papel.
  • (A2) Open Front Cover and remove the paper.
  • Mensaje de atasco de papel (A2)
  • Paper Misfeed Message (A2)

What it means

In the Ricoh SP 3600DN series Operating Instructions, the alert message '(A2) Open Front Cover and remove the paper.' indicates a paper misfeed in the bypass tray. It commonly occurs when the stack exceeds the upper limit mark on the bypass guides, when the side paper guides do not match the paper width, when label paper is stacked instead of fed one sheet at a time, when the extender is not pulled out for sheets larger than A4 or 8 1/2 x 11, or when the bypass paper feed roller is dusty. Other models from the brand may differ in message wording, and the code alone never proves a part is faulty.

Warnings and stop conditions

  • Mediumsource verified

    Internal machine parts get very hot: do not touch areas labeled 'hot surface' when opening the front cover to reset the misfeed condition, and take care not to trap your fingers.

    Evidence: Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Removing Jammed Paper

  • Highsource verified

    Never attempt to print on stapled sheets, aluminum foil, carbon paper, or conductive paper through the bypass tray, as doing so risks fire.

    Evidence: Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Paper Precautions

Symptoms and causes

Probable causes · in order

  • Misaligned bypass side guides, overstacked sheets, or closed extenderCommon

    Stacking paper above the upper limit markings on the bypass tray guides, failing to match both side guides to the sheet width, loading label paper as a stack rather than one by one, or leaving the extender closed for media larger than A4 or 8 1/2 x 11 causes skewed feeding and triggers (A2).

    Evidence: Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Paper Misfeeds Occur Frequently · Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Loading Paper into the Bypass Tray

  • Paper size or type mismatch or unsupported media in the bypass trayPossible

    Failing to specify the matching paper size and type on the control panel and printer driver after loading the bypass tray, or feeding custom one-sided sizes outside 60.0 to 216.0 mm wide by 127.0 to 900.0 mm long or weights outside 52 to 162 g/m2 halts the sheet at the bypass entrance.

    Evidence: Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Paper Type Specifications · Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Paper Size Specifications · Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Loading Paper into the Bypass Tray

  • Dust or residue on the paper feed roller on the bypass trayPossible

    Accumulated paper dust on the bypass tray paper feed roller reduces grip when picking up envelopes, thick stock, or standard sheets, leading to a misfeed at the tray entrance.

    Evidence: Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Paper Misfeeds Occur Frequently · Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Cleaning the Paper Feed Roller on the Bypass Tray

  • Worn bypass pickup mechanism or faulty bypass entry sensorLess common

    If (A2) continues to appear after wiping the bypass paper feed roller and feeding fresh supported sheets, the bypass feed roller assembly or entry sensor requires service from an authorized technician.

    Evidence: Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Removing Jammed Paper · Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Cleaning the Paper Feed Roller on the Bypass Tray

Virtual technician

Does A2 still appear after these checks?

Answer a few questions to narrow down the likely cause and the safest next action. Guidance only - it never replaces a professional.

Start diagnosis

Sources and technical references

  1. 1

    Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Removing Jammed Paper

    Ricoh Company, Ltd. · 2014 · official_doc

  2. 2

    Ricoh SP 3600DN Instrucciones de uso - Eliminación de un atasco de papel

    Ricoh Company, Ltd. · 2014 · official_doc

  3. 3

    Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Paper Precautions

    Ricoh Company, Ltd. · 2014 · official_doc

  4. 4

    Ricoh SP 3600DN Instrucciones de uso - Precauciones sobre el papel

    Ricoh Company, Ltd. · 2014 · official_doc

  5. 5

    Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Paper Type Specifications

    Ricoh Company, Ltd. · 2014 · official_doc

  6. 6

    Ricoh SP 3600DN Instrucciones de uso - Especificaciones de tipo de papel

    Ricoh Company, Ltd. · 2014 · official_doc

  7. 7

    Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Paper Size Specifications

    Ricoh Company, Ltd. · 2014 · official_doc

  8. 8

    Ricoh SP 3600DN Instrucciones de uso - Especificaciones de tamaño del papel

    Ricoh Company, Ltd. · 2014 · official_doc

  9. 9

    Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Alert Messages

    Ricoh Company, Ltd. · 2014 · official_doc

  10. 10

    Ricoh SP 3600DN Instrucciones de uso - Mensajes de alerta

    Ricoh Company, Ltd. · 2014 · official_doc

  11. 11

    Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Paper Misfeeds Occur Frequently

    Ricoh Company, Ltd. · 2014 · official_doc

  12. 12

    Ricoh SP 3600DN Instrucciones de uso - El papel se atasca con frecuencia

    Ricoh Company, Ltd. · 2014 · official_doc

  13. 13

    Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Paper Misfeed Message (A2)

    Ricoh Company, Ltd. · 2014 · official_doc

  14. 14

    Ricoh SP 3600DN Instrucciones de uso - Mensaje de atasco de papel (A2)

    Ricoh Company, Ltd. · 2014 · official_doc

  15. 15

    Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Loading Paper into the Bypass Tray

    Ricoh Company, Ltd. · 2014 · official_doc

  16. 16

    Ricoh SP 3600DN Instrucciones de uso - Cargar papel en la bandeja bypass

    Ricoh Company, Ltd. · 2014 · official_doc

  17. 17

    Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Cleaning the Paper Feed Roller on the Bypass Tray

    Ricoh Company, Ltd. · 2014 · official_doc

  18. 18

    Ricoh SP 3600DN Instrucciones de uso - Limpieza del rodillo de alimentación de papel en la bandeja bypass

    Ricoh Company, Ltd. · 2014 · official_doc

Sources: Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Removing Jammed Paper · Ricoh SP 3600DN Instrucciones de uso - Eliminación de un atasco de papel · Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Paper Precautions · Ricoh SP 3600DN Instrucciones de uso - Precauciones sobre el papel · Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Paper Type Specifications · Ricoh SP 3600DN Instrucciones de uso - Especificaciones de tipo de papel · Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Paper Size Specifications · Ricoh SP 3600DN Instrucciones de uso - Especificaciones de tamaño del papel · Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Alert Messages · Ricoh SP 3600DN Instrucciones de uso - Mensajes de alerta · Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Paper Misfeeds Occur Frequently · Ricoh SP 3600DN Instrucciones de uso - El papel se atasca con frecuencia · Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Paper Misfeed Message (A2) · Ricoh SP 3600DN Instrucciones de uso - Mensaje de atasco de papel (A2) · Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Loading Paper into the Bypass Tray · Ricoh SP 3600DN Instrucciones de uso - Cargar papel en la bandeja bypass · Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Cleaning the Paper Feed Roller on the Bypass Tray · Ricoh SP 3600DN Instrucciones de uso - Limpieza del rodillo de alimentación de papel en la bandeja bypassreviewed 2026-10-18 · verified

Was this entry useful?