- Printers
- Laser printer
Z2
Ricoh Z2 on laser printer: internal duplex path misfeed
Risk level
Low
Usually safe to check without specialist tools.
Urgency
Medium
Quick answer
Code (Z2) on Ricoh laser printers indicates a paper misfeed in the internal paper feed path of duplex printing, accessed by removing Tray 1. Pull out Tray 1, pull down guide 'Z2', remove the jammed sheet, return 'Z2' to its original position, reinsert the tray, and open and close the front cover.
Safety first
Stop and check this first
- Some internal components become very hot: do not touch parts bearing a 'hot surface' label when removing misfed paper, and take care not to trap or injure your fingers when pulling down guide 'Z2' or handling Tray 1.
- Never send stapled sheets, aluminum foil, carbon paper, or conductive media into a two-sided print job, as doing so risks fire inside the printer.
Safe checks you can perform
- Pull out Tray 1, pull down guide 'Z2', and remove the jammed sheet
- Slide Tray 1 back in and open and close the front cover to reset the misfeed condition
- Verify that the paper size, media type, and tray settings support duplex printing
Leave these tasks to a qualified professional
- Do not attempt this professional task: Inspect internal duplex guide 'Z2' and the lower duplex transport rollers
- Do not attempt this professional task: Test the lower duplex path 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.
Inspect internal duplex guide 'Z2' and the lower duplex transport rollers
What they doWhen (Z2) continues to occur with dry, supported A4 paper and with guide 'Z2' properly latched, an authorized technician inspects the internal duplex return rollers and guide assembly.
They must show youthe latching of guide 'Z2', the condition of the lower duplex transport rollers above Tray 1, and a live two-sided test print.
In writingthe recorded alert code (Z2), the inspection findings for the internal duplex path, and any parts cleaned, adjusted, or replaced.
Test the lower duplex path sensor and front cover reset switch
What they doIf '(Z2) Opn Tray1/R.Cov & remove ppr. Opn & cls F.Cov' remains displayed even after clearing guide 'Z2' and the rear cover and cycling the front cover, an authorized technician checks the duplex path sensor.
They must show youthe sensor status along the internal duplex path and the error reset when opening and closing the front cover.
In writingthe diagnostic result for the internal duplex sensor and confirmation that a multi-page duplex print job finishes without error.
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.
Pull out Tray 1, pull down guide 'Z2', and remove the jammed sheet
- Who:
- you, with the printer powered on while the display shows (Z2).
- How:
- pull out Tray 1 carefully, reach into the tray cavity to pull down internal guide 'Z2', gently pull out the jammed sheet without tearing it, and return 'Z2' to its original position.
- Result that matters:
- extracting the misfed sheet intact from the lower duplex feed path and latching guide 'Z2' back in place.
- If the sheet comes free in one piece and 'Z2' latches up:
- proceed to step 2 to reinsert the tray and clear the alert.
- If you cannot reach the sheet from 'Z2':
- check inside the rear cover as indicated in the panel message.
- Evidence to keep:
- photo of the (Z2) display message and condition of the sheet pulled from guide 'Z2'.
Evidence: Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Removing Jammed Paper · Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Alert Messages · Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Paper Misfeed Message (Z2)
Slide Tray 1 back in and open and close the front cover to reset the misfeed condition
- Who:
- you, after returning guide 'Z2' to its original position.
- How:
- lift the front side of Tray 1 slightly and slide it carefully into the printer until it stops; check that the rear cover is closed, and then press the front cover release button to open the front cover and close it firmly.
- Result that matters:
- clearing the (Z2) misfeed message from the display once the front cover is opened and closed so printing resumes.
- If the (Z2) message disappears and the page reprints:
- verify that both sides of the sheet look clean.
- If (Z2) appears again on the next two-sided job:
- verify paper size and type compatibility in step 3.
- Evidence to keep:
- confirmation that the (Z2) alert clears after opening and closing the front cover.
Evidence: Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Removing Jammed Paper · Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Alert Messages · Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Paper Misfeed Message (Z2)
Verify that the paper size, media type, and tray settings support duplex printing
- Who:
- you, in [Tray Paper Settings] on the control panel and in the printer driver settings.
- How:
- confirm that duplex printing is enabled for the selected tray and that the loaded stock supports two-sided printing: standard size A4 (210 x 297 mm) or imperial 8 x 13 to 8 1/2 x 14 (or custom 100.0 to 216.0 mm by 279.0 to 356.0 mm), using thin paper, plain paper 1 or 2, middle thick, thick paper 1 or 2, recycled, special paper 1, or letterhead between 52 and 162 g/m2.
- Result that matters:
- ensuring that only duplex-compatible paper sizes and media types enter the internal two-sided return path.
- If the print job used a non-duplex size (such as A5 or B5) or excluded media type:
- switch that job to one-sided printing.
- If (Z2) misfeeds still occur frequently with fresh, dry A4 plain paper:
- contact your service representative.
- Evidence to keep:
- active tray paper size, paper type, and duplex mode settings.
Evidence: Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Paper Precautions · Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Paper Type Specifications · Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Paper Size Specifications · Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Paper Misfeeds Occur Frequently
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
- (Z2)
- (Z2) Abra tapa tr/b1 y retire ppl.Ab&Crr tapa fr.
- (Z2) Opn Tray1/R.Cov & remove ppr. Opn & cls F.Cov
- Mensaje de atasco de papel (Z2)
- Paper Misfeed Message (Z2)
What it means
In the Ricoh SP 3600DN series Operating Instructions, the alert message '(Z2) Opn Tray1/R.Cov & remove ppr. Opn & cls F.Cov' indicates that a sheet has jammed in the internal paper feed path of duplex printing, unlike (Z1) which occurs inside the rear duplex unit. Clearing (Z2) requires pulling out Tray 1, pulling down internal guide 'Z2', removing the misfed sheet, returning 'Z2' to its original position, sliding Tray 1 back in, and opening and closing the front cover. Other models from the brand may route duplex sheets differently, and the code alone never proves a part is faulty.
Warnings and stop conditions
- Mediumsource verified
Some internal components become very hot: do not touch parts bearing a 'hot surface' label when removing misfed paper, and take care not to trap or injure your fingers when pulling down guide 'Z2' or handling Tray 1.
Evidence: Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Removing Jammed Paper · Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Paper Misfeed Message (Z2)
- Highsource verified
Never send stapled sheets, aluminum foil, carbon paper, or conductive media into a two-sided print job, as doing so risks fire inside the printer.
Evidence: Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Paper Precautions
Symptoms and causes
Probable causes · in order
- Paper size or media type not supported for automatic two-sided printingCommon
Sending a duplex job on media types that do not support two-sided printing (color paper, special paper 2, preprinted paper, transparencies, label paper, or envelopes) or sizes outside the supported duplex range (A4, 8 1/2 x 14, 8 1/2 x 13, 8 1/2 x 11, 8 1/4 x 14, 8 1/4 x 13, 8 x 13, or custom 100.0 to 216.0 mm by 279.0 to 356.0 mm) stalls the sheet in the lower (Z2) return path.
Evidence: Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Paper Type Specifications · Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Paper Size Specifications · Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Paper Misfeeds Occur Frequently
- Damp, curled, or low-stiffness paper buckling during duplex reversalPossible
After the first side is fused, sheets stored above 70% humidity, thin paper with little stiffness, or curled stock can buckle as they enter the lower return channel beneath guide 'Z2'.
Evidence: Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Paper Precautions · Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Paper Misfeeds Occur Frequently
- Internal guide 'Z2' not returned to its original position or leftover paper scrapsPossible
If guide 'Z2' was not latched back into its original position after a prior jam, or if a torn scrap of paper was left in the lower duplex path above Tray 1, the next two-sided sheet will catch and trigger (Z2).
Evidence: Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Removing Jammed Paper · Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Paper Misfeed Message (Z2)
- Worn lower duplex transport rollers or faulty internal duplex path sensorLess common
If (Z2) recurs repeatedly with dry A4 plain paper of standard weight and with guide 'Z2' properly seated, the internal duplex transport rollers or lower paper-path sensor need service by an authorized technician.
Evidence: Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Removing Jammed Paper · Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Paper Misfeed Message (Z2)
Virtual technician
Does Z2 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.
Sources and technical references
- 1
Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Removing Jammed Paper
Ricoh Company, Ltd. · 2014 · official_doc
- 2
Ricoh SP 3600DN Instrucciones de uso - Eliminación de un atasco de papel
Ricoh Company, Ltd. · 2014 · official_doc
- 3
Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Paper Precautions
Ricoh Company, Ltd. · 2014 · official_doc
- 4
Ricoh SP 3600DN Instrucciones de uso - Precauciones sobre el papel
Ricoh Company, Ltd. · 2014 · official_doc
- 5
Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Paper Type Specifications
Ricoh Company, Ltd. · 2014 · official_doc
- 6
Ricoh SP 3600DN Instrucciones de uso - Especificaciones de tipo de papel
Ricoh Company, Ltd. · 2014 · official_doc
- 7
Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Paper Size Specifications
Ricoh Company, Ltd. · 2014 · official_doc
- 8
Ricoh SP 3600DN Instrucciones de uso - Especificaciones de tamaño del papel
Ricoh Company, Ltd. · 2014 · official_doc
- 9
Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Alert Messages
Ricoh Company, Ltd. · 2014 · official_doc
- 10
Ricoh SP 3600DN Instrucciones de uso - Mensajes de alerta
Ricoh Company, Ltd. · 2014 · official_doc
- 11
Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Paper Misfeeds Occur Frequently
Ricoh Company, Ltd. · 2014 · official_doc
- 12
Ricoh SP 3600DN Instrucciones de uso - El papel se atasca con frecuencia
Ricoh Company, Ltd. · 2014 · official_doc
- 13
Ricoh SP 3600DN Operating Instructions - Paper Misfeed Message (Z2)
Ricoh Company, Ltd. · 2014 · official_doc
- 14
Ricoh SP 3600DN Instrucciones de uso - Mensaje de atasco de papel (Z2)
Ricoh Company, Ltd. · 2014 · official_doc
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