HP Printer Error 13.20 — Paper Jam in Rear Output Area

HP printer error 13.20 indicates a paper jam in the rear output or fuser area. Clear the jammed paper and check the fuser assembly. This guide covers everything you need to know about this topic, including common causes, step-by-step solutions, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Here are the key things to understand: Error 13.20 specifically indicates jam in the output or fuser area. Different from 13.01 (input tray jam) and 13.05 (document feeder jam). Paper may be stuck around the fuser unit where heat is applied. Use caution — the fuser area is hot during and after printing. Recurring jams in this area suggest worn fuser rollers. Understanding these fundamentals will help you diagnose and resolve this issue more effectively.

The most common reasons this occurs include: Paper wrinkled or curled while passing through the fuser. Fuser roller worn or damaged causing paper to stick. Paper too thin or too thick for the printer settings. Paper guides not adjusted to paper size. Debris or torn paper fragments left from previous jams. Identifying the root cause is the first step toward finding the right solution.

To resolve this, follow these recommended steps: Turn off the printer and wait 5 minutes for the fuser to cool. Open the rear access panel and gently pull jammed paper straight out (do not tear it). Inspect for small torn paper fragments and remove them with tweezers. Check that paper in the tray matches the paper size configured in the driver. If jams recur, the fuser unit may need replacement — HP part number varies by model. If these steps do not resolve the issue, consider consulting additional resources or a qualified professional.

This article is part of our Printer Error Codes collection on Error Codes Wiki. We provide comprehensive, up-to-date information to help you find solutions quickly.