Paper Jam Code 16-01 is a Large Capacity Tray (LCT) primary misfeed at the feed and vertical transport section on Konica Minolta bizhub machines. Konica Minolta service documentation classifies all 16-xx codes under the heading Misfeed at LCT Feed / Vertical Transport Section — a category covering every fault type originating in the LCT paper source. The -01 suffix carries a precise mechanical meaning: paper failed to reach the LCT feed sensor or the LCT vertical transport sensor within the specified timing window after the LCT feed sequence was initiated. This is a genuine mechanical paper transport failure — the exact opposite of the -40 family of codes.

The official Konica Minolta description states precisely:

Paper fed from the LCT did not reach the LCT feed sensor (or LCT vertical transport sensor) within the specified time after the LCT feed clutch or feed motor was energized.

Translated into field language: the LCT was commanded to feed. The LCT controller board (LCTB) received the feed command from the primary engine board, energized the LCT feed clutch or feed motor, and the feed roller was driven against the top of the paper stack. However, within the timing window that must elapse between feed clutch energization and paper detection at the first sensor in the LCT paper path, no paper was detected. The paper either never left the LCT cassette, stalled immediately after leaving the cassette nip, or fed but could not reach the sensor in time. The machine recorded 16-01.

This article focuses exclusively on 16-01. The diagnostic approach for 16-01 is fundamentally different from the -40 code family (16-40, 11-40, 12-40, 13-40, 14-40). Those codes are board-level synchronization failures where the paper arrived at the registration sensor on time but the imaging system did not authorize its entry into the print zone. 16-01 is the opposite: a mechanical paper transport failure where the paper never successfully left the LCT and reached the detection sensor. Diagnostic effort must be directed entirely at the LCT mechanical feed mechanism, the elevator system, the paper condition, and the LCT sensor chain — not at the base machine controller, firmware, or HDD/SSD.

16-01 is also mechanically unlike 11-01, 12-01, 13-01, and 14-01, which are standard cassette tray misfeeds. The LCT introduces three hardware elements that do not exist in any standard cassette tray and that are the dominant root causes of 16-01: the elevator mechanism that actively lifts the paper stack to the feed roller nip, the upper limit sensor that controls elevator position, and a paper stack of up to 3,000 sheets whose height, condition, and loading quality directly determine whether the feed roller can grip and separate the top sheet. Understanding these three elements is the foundation of efficient 16-01 diagnosis.

Field	Details
Jam Code	16-01
KM Category Heading	Misfeed at LCT Feed / Vertical Transport Section — the 16-xx category covers all fault types originating in the LCT. The -01 suffix specifically means primary misfeed: paper failed to reach the LCT feed sensor or LCT vertical transport sensor within the timing window after feed initiation. This is a mechanical paper transport failure
Critical distinction from 16-40	16-01 means paper did NOT reach the LCT feed sensor — the LCT mechanical feed failed. 16-40 means paper DID reach the registration sensor on time but the WTEN signal was not issued. These codes require completely different diagnostic approaches. Do not apply board-level or firmware diagnostics to 16-01. Do not apply mechanical roller diagnostics to 16-40
Critical distinction from 11-01 / 12-01 / 13-01 / 14-01	Standard cassette tray -01 codes involve a spring-loaded cassette with a fixed-height paper stack position. 16-01 involves the LCT elevator system — an active electromechanical mechanism that continuously adjusts paper stack height to maintain the top sheet at the feed roller nip. Elevator position, elevator drive wear, and upper limit sensor condition are failure modes unique to 16-01 with no equivalent in standard cassette -01 codes
Detection Logic — All platforms:	After the LCT feed clutch (CL_LCT / CL1 in LCT unit) or LCT feed motor (M_F in LCT unit) was energized following elevator confirmation at the upper limit sensor (PS_HL / PS_H), paper was not detected at the LCT feed sensor (PS_F / PS1-LCT) within the specified timing count. On models with a two-stage detection path, a secondary timeout fires if paper is detected at the feed sensor but not at the LCT vertical transport sensor (PS_VT / PS2-LCT) within the next timing window
LCT Elevator Logic:	The LCT maintains paper stack top at feed roller nip via an elevator motor (M_E / M1-LCT) that raises the paper platform. The upper limit sensor (PS_HL) detects when the stack top reaches the correct feed height and signals the LCTB to stop the elevator. As sheets are consumed, the elevator rises incrementally. If the upper limit sensor is contaminated, misaligned, or failed, the elevator cannot correctly position the stack — producing 16-01 from incorrect stack height even when the feed roller and paper are both in good condition
Key Components	LCT controller board (LCTB / LCDB); elevator motor (M_E / M1-LCT); elevator drive belt and gear assembly; upper limit sensor / stack height sensor (PS_HL / PS_H — detects when paper stack top reaches feed height); lower limit sensor (PS_LL — where fitted, detects elevator bottom position); paper empty sensor (PS_PE / PS_E — detects paper depletion); LCT feed roller (pickup roller — contacts top of paper stack); LCT separation roller or separation pad (prevents double feeding); LCT feed clutch (CL_F / CL1-LCT) or LCT feed motor (M_F / M2-LCT); LCT feed sensor (PS_F / PS1-LCT — detects paper exiting LCT cassette nip); LCT vertical transport (VT) sensor (PS_VT / PS2-LCT — detects paper in LCT transport section); LCT vertical transport rollers and drive; LCT-to-base-machine interface harness; LCTB-to-primary-engine-board communication harness
Severity	High — LCT disabled for print; typically escalates from intermittent (1 in 50–100 sheets) to consistent over a period of weeks as feed rollers progressively glaze; high-volume production environments where LCT is the primary paper source experience maximum impact; commonly misdiagnosed as a paper quality issue before the roller root cause is identified
Related Jam Codes	16-02 (LCT registration loop forming failure — paper fed from LCT but arrived late at registration; loop-forming mechanical timing fault), 16-40 (LCT image write signal timeout — paper reached registration on time but WTEN was not issued; board-level fault, not mechanical), 16-10 (LCT paper remaining detection fault — on some models), 16-34 (LCT elevator upper limit sensor fault — elevator-specific fault on some platforms), 11-01 / 12-01 (standard cassette tray misfeeds for comparison)

All Affected Models and LCT Unit Component References

Jam Code 16-01 applies to all bizhub models installed with a Large Capacity Tray (LCT) optional unit. The LCT unit model (PF-series designation) determines the component names, check codes, and Service Mode sensor references — these are defined in the LCT unit’s service manual, not the base machine service manual. The base machine service manual covers the LCTB-to-engine-board communication path; the LCT unit service manual covers the elevator motor, feed roller, sensors, and all components inside the LCT cabinet. Both manuals are required for complete 16-01 diagnosis. Component designations below follow functional naming where exact Service Mode check code designations vary by LCT unit model.

bizhub Base Models	Compatible LCT Unit(s)	LCT Capacity	LCTB Location	Elevator Motor	Feed Mechanism	Upper Limit Sensor	Feed Sensor	VT Sensor	Paper Empty Sensor	LCTB–Engine Board Interface	Primary Engine Board
C250i / C300i / C360i / 250i / 300i / 360i	PF-601 / PF-603	~2,500 sheets A4/Letter	Inside LCT cabinet (rear section)	M1 (LCT elevator) — LCTB CN_E	CL1 (LCT feed clutch) — LCTB CN_F	PS_HL — LCTB CN_HL (refer to LCT SM)	PS_F — LCTB CN_F1 (refer to LCT SM)	PS_VT — LCTB CN_VT (refer to LCT SM)	PS_PE — LCTB CN_PE (refer to LCT SM)	LCTB → BASEB via dedicated LCT harness (refer to base SM)	BASEB
C3350i / C4000i / C4050i	PF-601 / PF-603 / PF-P15	~2,500–3,000 sheets	Inside LCT cabinet (rear section)	M1 (LCT elevator) — LCTB CN_E	CL1 (LCT feed clutch) — LCTB CN_F	PS_HL — LCTB (refer to LCT SM)	PS_F — LCTB (refer to LCT SM)	PS_VT — LCTB (refer to LCT SM)	PS_PE — LCTB (refer to LCT SM)	LCTB → BASEB via dedicated LCT harness (refer to base SM)	BASEB
C258 / C308 / C368 / C227 / C287 / C367	PF-601 / PF-602	~2,500 sheets A4/Letter	Inside LCT cabinet	M1 (LCT elevator) — LCTB CN_E	CL1 (LCT feed clutch) — LCTB CN_F	PS_HL — refer to LCT SM	PS_F — refer to LCT SM	PS_VT — refer to LCT SM	PS_PE — refer to LCT SM	LCTB → MFPB via LCT harness CN_LCT on MFPB (refer to base SM)	MFPB + FRB
368e / 308e / 458e / 558e / 658e	PF-601 / PF-602 / PF-603	~2,500–3,000 sheets	Inside LCT cabinet	M1 (LCT elevator) — LCTB CN_E	CL1 (LCT feed clutch) — LCTB CN_F	PS_HL — refer to LCT SM	PS_F — refer to LCT SM	PS_VT — refer to LCT SM	PS_PE — refer to LCT SM	LCTB → MFPB via LCT harness (refer to base SM)	MFPB + FRB
C458 / C558 / C658	PF-600 / PF-601 / PF-602 / PF-603	~2,500–3,000 sheets A4/Letter	Inside LCT cabinet	M1 (LCT elevator) — LCTB CN_E	CL1 (LCT feed clutch) — LCTB CN_F	PS_HL — LCTB CN_H (refer to LCT SM)	PS_F — LCTB CN_F1 (refer to LCT SM)	PS_VT — LCTB CN_V (refer to LCT SM)	PS_PE — LCTB CN_P (refer to LCT SM)	LCTB → MFPB via LCT interface harness (refer to base SM)	MFPB + FRB + EXCB
C450i / C550i / C650i / 458i / 558i / 658i	PF-600 / PF-601 / PF-603 / PF-P15	~2,500–3,000 sheets	Inside LCT cabinet	M1 (LCT elevator) — LCTB CN_E	CL1 or M_F (model-specific) — refer to LCT SM	PS_HL — refer to LCT SM	PS_F — refer to LCT SM	PS_VT — refer to LCT SM	PS_PE — refer to LCT SM	LCTB → MFPB via LCT harness (refer to base SM)	MFPB + EXCB + FRB + BASEB
C224e / C284e / C364e / C224 / C284 / C364 / C454 / C554	PF-601 / PF-602 (model-dependent)	~2,500 sheets	Inside LCT cabinet	M1 (LCT elevator) — refer to LCT SM	CL1 — refer to LCT SM	PS_HL — refer to LCT SM	PS_F — refer to LCT SM	PS_VT — refer to LCT SM	PS_PE — refer to LCT SM	LCTB → PRCB / MFPB via LCT harness (refer to base SM)	PRCB / MFPB
654e / 754e	PF-601 / PF-602 / PF-P15 or integrated LCT section	~2,500–3,000 sheets (external); 3,000+ (integrated)	Inside LCT cabinet or within PFTDB-managed section	M1 (LCT elevator) or PFTDB-managed — refer to LCT SM	CL1 or direct drive — refer to LCT SM	PS_HL — refer to LCT SM	PS_F / PS_LCT — refer to LCT SM	PS_VT — refer to LCT SM	PS_PE — refer to LCT SM	LCTB → PFTDB or direct PFTDB management (refer to base SM)	PFTDB + MFPB
758 / 808 / 958 / PRO 958	PF-600 series / PF-P15 or integrated high-capacity section	3,000–5,000 sheets (varies by unit)	Inside LCT cabinet or integrated within base machine lower section	M1 (LCT elevator) or integrated — refer to LCT SM	CL1 or M_F or direct drive — refer to LCT SM	PS_HL — refer to LCT SM	PS_F — refer to LCT SM	PS_VT — refer to LCT SM	PS_PE — refer to LCT SM	LCTB → PFTDB / MFPB (refer to base SM)	PFTDB + MFPB
C659 / C759	PF-600 series / PF-P15	~2,500–3,000 sheets	Inside LCT cabinet	M1 (LCT elevator) — refer to LCT SM	CL1 or M_F — refer to LCT SM	PS_HL — refer to LCT SM	PS_F — refer to LCT SM	PS_VT — refer to LCT SM	PS_PE — refer to LCT SM	LCTB → PFTDB via LCT harness (refer to base SM)	PFTDB + MFPB

LCT SM = LCT Unit Service Manual (PF-series). Exact component check codes, sensor connector pin references, and motor designations are defined in the LCT unit service manual, not the base machine service manual. Always open both the base SM and the applicable LCT unit SM before performing any LCT diagnosis. PS_HL, PS_F, PS_VT, and PS_PE are functional designations — the actual Service Mode check code label for these sensors varies by LCT model.

ℹ️ Two service manuals are required for complete 16-01 diagnosis: The base machine service manual covers the LCTB-to-engine-board communication path, the LCTB harness connector location and pin references on the primary engine board, and the Service Mode LCT sub-device status display. The LCT unit service manual (PF-601, PF-602, or applicable PF-series SM) covers the elevator motor, elevator drive, upper limit sensor, feed roller assembly, separation roller/pad, LCT feed sensor, LCT VT sensor, paper empty sensor, and all components inside the LCT cabinet. A technician diagnosing 16-01 without the LCT unit SM is working without the mechanical component references that matter most. Retrieve both manuals before opening any LCT access panel.

Understanding the LCT Feed Mechanism — Why 16-01 Occurs

The LCT feeds paper through a fundamentally different mechanical sequence from any standard cassette tray. Standard cassette trays use a spring-loaded cassette that applies constant upward pressure on the paper stack against the feed roller — the paper height at the feed roller nip is controlled passively by spring tension and decreases as sheets are consumed, producing a gradual reduction in feed force as the cassette empties. The LCT replaces this passive spring system with an active electromechanical elevator that continuously monitors stack height and adjusts the paper platform position to maintain a constant, consistent feed force regardless of how much paper remains in the cassette. This elevator system is the defining mechanical feature of the LCT and the element most responsible for both the LCT’s high-volume reliability and its unique failure modes.

The complete LCT feed sequence that precedes every sheet is:

1. Elevator position verification: Before every feed cycle, the LCTB checks the upper limit sensor (PS_HL) status. If the upper limit sensor is not triggered — meaning the paper stack top has dropped below the feed roller nip level — the LCTB energizes the elevator motor (M_E) to raise the paper platform. The elevator rises until PS_HL is triggered, at which point the LCTB de-energizes the elevator motor and the paper platform is held at the feed height. This elevator adjustment occurs automatically after every sheet is fed, and also after paper is added to the LCT cassette
2. Feed clutch energization: With the elevator at the confirmed correct height, the primary engine board issues a feed command to the LCTB via the LCT communication harness. The LCTB energizes the LCT feed clutch (CL_F) or LCT feed motor (M_F), driving the LCT pickup roller against the top sheet of the paper stack
3. Paper separation and initial transport: The LCT pickup roller grips the top sheet and drives it forward toward the LCT separation roller or separation pad. The separation roller/pad prevents the next sheet from being carried along (multi-feed). The top sheet alone is driven toward the LCT feed sensor
4. Feed sensor detection: The paper leading edge must trigger the LCT feed sensor (PS_F) within the specified timing window from feed clutch energization. If PS_F is not triggered within this window, the LCTB reports a feed failure to the primary engine board, and the machine logs 16-01. This is the primary detection point for 16-01
5. Vertical transport: After PS_F detection, the paper enters the LCT vertical transport section — a roller-driven path that carries the paper upward from the LCT cabinet interior to the junction with the base machine paper path. On models with a VT sensor (PS_VT), this sensor must trigger within a second timing window after PS_F. Failure to trigger PS_VT within its window also produces 16-01 on these models, indicating the paper successfully left the cassette nip but stalled in the LCT transport section
6. Base machine handoff: The paper exits the LCT transport section and enters the base machine lower vertical transport path, where it is handled identically to paper from a standard optional cassette tray

Seven root cause categories produce 16-01, ordered from highest to lowest frequency in field-installed LCT units:

• Category 1 — LCT pickup (feed) roller worn or glazed — by far the most common cause of persistent 16-01: The LCT pickup roller contacts the top of the paper stack on every single feed cycle. On a 3,000-sheet capacity LCT running at 60 ppm (pages per minute) in a production environment, the pickup roller contacts paper hundreds of thousands of times before a PM cycle. The roller surface progressively glazes — the rubber coating hardens and its coefficient of friction against paper drops below the threshold needed to reliably grip and drive the top sheet. A glazed pickup roller produces 16-01 that begins intermittently (1 in 50–100 sheets) and escalates to consistent failure over weeks. Glazing is visible as a shiny, smooth surface on the roller’s contact arc — compare against a new roller’s matte, slightly tacky surface. This is the single most important component to inspect on any 16-01 call with a history of intermittent feed failures
• Category 2 — LCT separation roller worn or separation pad deteriorated: The separation roller (or pad) prevents double feeding by applying controlled counter-friction to sheets below the top sheet. A worn separation roller with reduced counter-friction allows the second sheet to be carried along with the first — the double-fed sheets jam at the LCT feed sensor or the base machine registration area. A separation roller worn beyond its friction coefficient threshold may also fail to properly separate the top sheet at all, causing the pickup roller to skid across a multi-sheet bundle it cannot move. Both failure modes can present as 16-01. Separation roller wear often accompanies pickup roller wear — replace both together when either requires replacement
• Category 3 — LCT elevator not at correct height (elevator motor, elevator drive, or upper limit sensor fault): If the elevator fails to raise the paper platform to the correct position, the top of the paper stack is below the pickup roller nip. The pickup roller then contacts paper below its designed pressure point — or misses the paper entirely — and cannot generate sufficient friction to drive the top sheet. Three components produce this condition: (a) elevator motor (M_E) degradation or failure — motor cannot generate sufficient torque to raise the platform consistently; (b) elevator drive belt wear or slippage — motor runs but elevator platform does not rise; (c) upper limit sensor (PS_HL) contamination, misalignment, or failure — the sensor never signals to the LCTB that the paper stack has reached the feed height, so the elevator either overshoots (paper too high, crushing against the pickup roller) or the LCTB disables the feed because it has not received confirmation of correct elevator position. All three sub-causes produce 16-01 but require different corrective actions
• Category 4 — Paper loading errors and paper condition issues: The LCT’s tall paper stack and high-throughput feed environment makes paper loading and condition far more critical than in a standard cassette tray. Specific conditions that cause 16-01: paper loaded skewed in the cassette (leading edge not square to the feed direction, preventing clean pickup); mixed paper sizes or weights loaded together (uneven stack surface prevents consistent roller contact); bent, dog-eared, or damp paper (individual sheets fail to separate cleanly from the stack); paper that exceeds the LCT’s specified weight range (too heavy for the feed roller to drive at rated speed); and paper below the LCT’s minimum weight specification (too light and limp for reliable separation). Critically, paper that has been loaded in the LCT for an extended period in a low-humidity environment develops strong electrostatic charge between sheets — static-bonded sheets cannot be separated by the feed roller and separation roller together, producing consistent 16-01 that resolves after the paper is removed, fanned, and reloaded
• Category 5 — LCT feed sensor (PS_F) or LCT VT sensor (PS_VT) contaminated or failed: Paper feeds correctly but is not detected at the sensor, causing the LCTB to report a timing failure. PS_F contamination with paper dust produces intermittent false 16-01 — the paper successfully passes the sensor window on most feeds but the contaminated sensor fails to trigger reliably. A completely failed PS_F produces consistent 16-01 on every feed cycle. PS_VT failure (on models with this sensor) produces 16-01 specifically when paper is found in the LCT VT section — confirming the paper left the cassette nip correctly but was not detected in transport. Sensor contamination is confirmed by physical inspection of the sensor window; sensor failure is confirmed by checking the sensor state in Service Mode while manually inserting paper into the sensor window
• Category 6 — LCT vertical transport section fault: Paper successfully exits the LCT cassette nip and triggers PS_F but fails to travel through the LCT vertical transport section to trigger PS_VT (on applicable models). Causes include worn or glazed LCT vertical transport rollers, a foreign object (paper fragment, staple, paper clip) lodged in the LCT transport path, a loose or disconnected guide plate deflecting paper off-path, or a failed LCT transport motor (on models with a separate LCT transport motor). This category produces 16-01 specifically when paper is found in the LCT transport section rather than at the cassette nip — the stop position differentiates VT section failure from feed roller failure
• Category 7 — LCTB communication failure or feed clutch/motor failure: The LCTB does not execute the feed command from the primary engine board, or the feed clutch/motor is not energized. In the most extreme case, the primary engine board issues the feed command but the LCTB fails to process it — the feed roller never rotates, no paper leaves the cassette, and 16-01 fires immediately. This category is the least common hardware cause of 16-01 and should only be investigated after all mechanical categories have been excluded. LCTB communication failure is confirmed by verifying LCTB status in Service Mode’s optional device display — a non-communicating LCTB appears as “not detected” or “communication error,” identical to the LCT sub-board patterns in 13-40 and 14-40 diagnosis

Step 1 — Clear the Paper, Confirm the Stop Position, and Classify the Fault Zone

The exact location and physical condition of the jammed paper when 16-01 fires is the single most diagnostic data point available before any Service Mode check or component inspection. The stop position identifies which failure category applies, directs the technician to the correct components, and eliminates entire diagnostic branches without additional investigation.

1. Open the LCT front access door, the LCT right-side cover, or the LCT transport access panel as indicated by the operator panel jam indicator. On models where the LCT vertical transport section access is combined with the base machine right-side cover, open both
2. Attempt to identify paper location before removal — where the leading edge stopped indicates where the transport failed
3. Remove jammed paper carefully, pulling in the direction of paper travel. Never pull against the direction of travel in the LCT transport section — the LCT guide plates and transport rollers are less robust than base machine components, and forced paper removal can dislodge guide plates or damage roller shafts
4. Observe the stop position and paper condition precisely:
   • No paper exits the cassette — paper found with leading edge still at or within the LCT cassette nip, separation roller area, or less than 30mm past the cassette exit: This is the definitive Category 1 or Category 3 stop position — pickup roller failure or incorrect elevator height. The pickup roller attempted to grip and drive the paper but could not move it the minimum distance to trigger PS_F. Inspect the pickup roller surface immediately (Step 5). Also check elevator height (Step 4). This stop position accounts for the majority of 16-01 cases in the field
   • Paper found in the LCT transport section beyond the cassette nip, past PS_F position, before PS_VT position: Category 6 — LCT vertical transport section fault. Paper successfully left the cassette nip (PS_F may have triggered) but stalled in the LCT transport section. Inspect the LCT VT section rollers, guides, and transport path for foreign objects, worn rollers, or dislodged guide plates (Step 7)
   • Paper found at the LCT–to–base machine junction or at the base machine lower transport entry: Paper successfully traversed the entire LCT section but stalled at the handoff point between LCT and base machine. This stop position may indicate a worn LCT exit roller, a misaligned junction guide plate, or — on machines where the base machine lower transport is the next motor zone — a failed base machine transport motor. Also recheck the jam code: a paper stop this deep in the transport path that reached the registration sensor and produced no registration-area detection may indicate a different jam code rather than 16-01
   • Two sheets (double feed) found — overlapping sheets jammed at PS_F, the LCT transport, or the base machine entry: Category 2 — separation roller or pad failure. The pickup roller gripped both the top sheet and the sheet below it simultaneously. Double feeds from the LCT are a clear indicator of separation roller/pad wear. Inspect the separation roller and pad (Step 5)
   • Paper found with skewed leading edge — one corner advanced significantly ahead of the other: Category 4 — paper loading issue or worn LCT lateral guides. A paper stack that is not properly squared against the LCT cassette rear wall and side guides will feed skewed. Skewed feeds result in the paper triggering only one sensor flag rather than the full sensor aperture, producing intermittent false 16-01. Remove all paper from the LCT, square the stack, clean the cassette guides, and reload (Step 3)
   • No paper found anywhere — nothing in the LCT or transport path: Either the paper ejected fully without reaching the registration area (check the output tray and the bypass tray area), or the LCT feed sensor (PS_F) is stuck in the ON state (falsely reporting paper present) causing the machine to log 16-01 without any paper having moved. Verify PS_F state in Service Mode (Step 6)
5. After paper removal, visually inspect the LCT feed area for paper fragments, torn leading-edge corners, or paper dust accumulation. Paper fragments in the LCT feed zone — particularly fragments caught in the separation nip — are a common cause of repeated 16-01 after the primary jam is cleared. Use compressed air (short bursts, nozzle held away from sensor windows) to clear paper dust from the pickup roller nip and separation roller area before closing the LCT access panel

Step 2 — Review Service History, Copy Count, and Establish Fault Pattern

Before any component inspection or replacement, establishing the fault pattern — how often 16-01 fires, under what conditions, and what work has recently been performed — directs the repair to the correct component with minimum wasted effort.

1. Access the Error History log in Service Mode. Review the last 20–50 logged events:
   • 16-01 appearing consistently on every LCT feed attempt: Hard mechanical failure — pickup roller completely glazed, elevator stuck at incorrect height, or LCTB not executing feed commands. Begin at Step 4 (elevator) and Step 5 (rollers). Do not attempt repeated test feeds before investigating — repeated failed feed attempts can damage the paper stack surface and obscure other diagnostic indicators
   • 16-01 appearing intermittently — 1 in 20 to 1 in 100 LCT feeds: Progressive roller glazing (the most common pattern), marginal elevator height, or paper condition/static issue. The intermittent-to-consistent progression over weeks is the classic roller glazing escalation pattern. Check roller surface condition even if the roller appears “not that bad” — a roller in the early glazing stage will appear only slightly shiny but already produces intermittent 16-01
   • 16-01 appearing only at the beginning of a feed sequence from a full LCT (immediately after paper loading): Elevator overshoot or initial-stack-height issue. When the LCT is newly loaded with 2,500–3,000 sheets, the elevator platform is at its lowest position and must travel the maximum distance to reach feed height. If the elevator motor is weakening or the elevator drive has slack, this long initial travel may not correctly position the stack, causing 16-01 on the first few feeds after loading, then clearing as the stack is consumed and the elevator travel distance shortens. Step 4 is the primary focus
   • 16-01 appearing only when the LCT is nearly empty (last 200–300 sheets): Elevator drive wear producing inconsistent height maintenance at low stack heights, or pickup roller wear that is marginal at full stack height (where the roller’s spring pressure is near maximum) but fails at low stack height (where the roller pressure has reduced). Inspect elevator drive and upper limit sensor first, then the pickup roller
   • 16-01 appearing immediately after a PM or roller replacement: Wrong roller part number installed, roller installed with incorrect orientation (feed direction reversed), or roller retaining clip not fully engaged allowing the roller to shift during feeding. Verify the installed roller part number against the LCT unit SM before any other investigation
   • 16-01 correlated with specific paper types or the same paper each time: Paper condition or specification mismatch. Check paper weight, coating type, and humidity condition before any hardware intervention (Step 3)
2. Check the LCT copy counter in Service Mode. Most bizhub LCT units carry an independent counter for the number of sheets fed through the LCT (separate from the base machine copy counter). LCT pickup roller PM replacement is typically specified at 200,000–300,000 sheets fed through the LCT, depending on the unit model. A LCT copy counter above these thresholds with no recorded roller replacement is strong evidence of roller wear even before the roller is physically inspected
3. Check the base machine total copy counter and cross-reference with the last recorded LCT roller replacement in the service log. On production machines where the LCT is the primary paper source (running 70–80% of all copies through the LCT), roller wear accumulates at a rate that may require replacement significantly before the standard PM interval
4. Check service log for recent LCT interventions: paper clearing events (repeated jam clearing can deposit paper dust on the feed roller and separation roller, temporarily reducing grip), roller replacement (verify correct part and correct installation), elevator motor replacement, or LCT relocation (which involves disconnecting the LCTB harness)

Step 3 — Inspect Paper Loading, Paper Condition, and Paper Specification

Paper condition and loading quality are more critical in the LCT than in any other paper source on the machine, for two reasons: the tall paper stack (up to 3,000 sheets) creates significantly more inter-sheet static charge than a standard 500-sheet cassette, and the LCT’s active elevator system amplifies the effect of an uneven or poorly loaded stack by applying inconsistent pressure to the feed roller. Before any hardware component is replaced, paper loading and condition must be confirmed correct — a roller that feeds perfectly with properly loaded, freshly unwrapped paper may fail to feed static-charged or improperly loaded paper even when the roller is in serviceable condition.

1. Remove all paper from the LCT cassette. Inspect the cassette interior:
   • Check that the cassette rear wall guide and side guides are correctly set for the paper size being loaded. Guides that are not snug against the paper stack allow the stack to shift laterally during feeding, producing skewed feeds and 16-01
   • Check that the cassette paper platform surface is clean and flat. Paper dust accumulation on the platform can cause the bottom sheets of the stack to adhere to the platform, creating a drag force on the stack that the elevator motor must overcome on every feed cycle
   • Check the cassette for paper fragments from previous jams. Even a small fragment under the paper stack can raise one corner of the stack above the other, causing the pickup roller to contact the stack at an angle
2. Inspect the paper that was loaded in the LCT:
   • Check that the paper weight is within the LCT’s specified range — typically 60–90 g/m² for most LCT units. Paper heavier than 90 g/m² requires excessive feed force and frequently produces 16-01. Paper lighter than 60 g/m² is too limp for reliable LCT separation
   • Check for paper that has absorbed moisture from a humid environment — paper with elevated moisture content has reduced stiffness and the sheets stick together under the weight of the stack above them. This is the most common environmental cause of 16-01 in coastal or tropical climates
   • Check for paper that has been sitting in an open ream or in the LCT for an extended period in a dry, low-humidity environment. Low humidity causes the paper surface to develop static charge. Fan the paper stack thoroughly before reloading
   • Verify that all paper in the LCT is the same size, weight, and type. Mixed-specification loads produce uneven stack surfaces and inconsistent separation behavior
   • Check paper leading edges for bent corners or curl. Curled paper leading edges can deflect downward at the LCT feed nip instead of entering the transport path correctly
3. Reload the LCT with fresh paper from a newly opened ream, using paper confirmed to be within the LCT’s specification:
   • Fan the paper stack before loading — hold approximately 200 sheets at a time and flex them to break any inter-sheet static bonding. This is particularly important for paper that has been stored in a sealed environment
   • Load the paper with the recommended face orientation per the paper manufacturer’s instructions (some coated papers require face-up or face-down loading)
   • Square the stack against the cassette rear wall first, then set the side guides. Do not force the side guides tightly against the paper — the guides should be snug without compressing the stack edges, which would cause the stack to bow upward at the center
   • Do not load paper above the maximum fill line marked on the LCT cassette or guide. Overfilling prevents the elevator from raising the stack correctly and can cause the top sheets to contact the LCT cover plate above the pickup roller
4. After reloading with fresh, correctly specified, properly fanned paper, run a 20-sheet test job from the LCT. If 16-01 does not recur, paper condition was the cause. Monitor over 200 LCT feeds before confirming the repair is complete — paper-condition 16-01 may clear for 50–100 feeds before the new paper also develops static bonding under the weight of the stack. If 16-01 recurs even with fresh, correctly loaded paper, the cause is mechanical and the investigation continues at Step 4

Step 4 — Verify LCT Elevator Operation and Inspect the Upper Limit Sensor

The LCT elevator is the mechanical element most responsible for maintaining consistent feed conditions throughout the life of the paper stack. A correctly functioning elevator delivers exactly the same feed roller pressure on the first sheet fed from a full 3,000-sheet load as on the last sheet fed before the LCT empty sensor triggers. Any deviation in elevator performance — from motor degradation, drive wear, or sensor failure — produces variable feed force that causes 16-01 at specific stack heights.

1. Load a half-full stack of paper into the LCT (approximately 50% capacity). A mid-capacity stack places the elevator at a mid-travel position — away from both the full-load bottom position and the empty-near-top position — and is the best test condition for elevator drive performance
2. Observe the elevator cycle when the LCT access door is opened and then closed. On most bizhub LCT units, closing the LCT door initiates an elevator positioning cycle:
   • The elevator should smoothly rise to the feed height and stop cleanly when the upper limit sensor (PS_HL) triggers. Listen for smooth motor operation — a grinding sound, an irregular speed change, or a clicking sound during elevator travel indicates elevator drive wear (belt slippage or gear wear)
   • The elevator should stop at the same height every time. If the paper platform overshoots the correct height — rising above the point where the upper limit sensor should trigger — the PS_HL sensor is not triggering correctly (contamination, misalignment, or failure)
   • The elevator should not continue to attempt upward travel after the upper limit sensor triggers — if the elevator motor runs continuously without stopping, the LCTB is not receiving the PS_HL signal, confirming sensor failure or sensor harness disconnection
3. In Service Mode, navigate to the LCT I/O check section. Verify the upper limit sensor (PS_HL) state:
   • With the paper stack at or slightly above the correct feed height — push the paper platform up by hand if necessary — the PS_HL sensor should show a triggered (ON) state in Service Mode
   • Lower the paper platform slightly — PS_HL should show untriggered (OFF) state
   • If PS_HL shows constant ON regardless of paper platform position, the sensor actuator flag may be jammed in the triggered position, or the sensor itself has failed in the ON state. Replace PS_HL
   • If PS_HL shows constant OFF regardless of paper platform position, the sensor may be contaminated with paper dust (clean the sensor window with a dry lint-free cloth and retest), misaligned with its actuator flag (check the actuator flag position and alignment), or failed electrically. Reseat the PS_HL connector before replacement
4. In Service Mode, command the elevator motor (M_E / M1-LCT) to run using the LCT motor check in the I/O section. Verify:
   • The elevator platform moves smoothly in the upward direction without hesitation, irregular speed, or mechanical binding
   • The elevator drive belt (if visible through the LCT transport section access) shows no slippage — the paper platform should rise in direct proportion to motor rotation without slipping
   • The elevator motor is not abnormally warm after a short run — an elevator motor running hot during normal elevator travel indicates motor winding degradation
5. Inspect the elevator drive belt or gear assembly (model-dependent) for wear:
   • Drive belt: inspect for cracks, stretching, or glazing on the inner (toothed) surface. A stretched or glazed elevator drive belt slips under the load of a full paper stack, causing the elevator to rise more slowly than the motor speed would suggest — the LCTB may time out waiting for PS_HL to trigger and log a related elevator fault code (16-34 on applicable models) alongside 16-01
   • Drive gears: inspect for worn or broken teeth. Partial tooth wear produces a periodic slip as the damaged tooth passes the mating gear — this creates intermittent elevator height errors that produce 16-01 at a rate of approximately once per elevator travel cycle
6. If elevator motor or drive failure is confirmed, replace the relevant component per the LCT unit service manual. Reset the elevator position after any elevator component replacement by running the elevator through a full down-to-up cycle in Service Mode before loading paper

Step 5 — Inspect, Clean, and Replace the LCT Feed Roller and Separation Roller

The LCT feed roller (pickup roller) and separation roller are the highest-wear components in the LCT and the most common root cause of 16-01 in field-installed high-volume machines. These components are subject to PM replacement at the intervals specified in the LCT unit service manual — typically 200,000–300,000 sheets fed through the LCT. On machines where the LCT is the dominant paper source, these intervals may be reached significantly faster than the base machine PM interval, and roller replacement may need to be scheduled independently from the base machine PM cycle.

1. With the LCT powered off and the main power cord disconnected, open the LCT feed roller access panel or the LCT front door as required by the LCT unit SM. Access to the feed roller assembly on most bizhub LCT units requires removing the cassette and accessing the feed roller from the top or front of the cassette cavity
2. Inspect the LCT feed (pickup) roller surface:
   • New roller surface: matte, slightly textured, and slightly tacky to the touch — the rubber surface has a high coefficient of friction
   • Worn/glazed roller surface: shiny, smooth, hard to the touch — the rubber surface has hardened and lost friction. This is confirmed glazing; replace the roller
   • Cracked or split roller surface: the rubber coating has aged and hardened past the glazing stage — replace immediately
   • Paper dust embedded in the roller surface: the roller appears dark grey or black with embedded paper debris. Clean the roller surface with a lint-free cloth lightly dampened with water (do not use alcohol or solvent cleaners on rubber rollers — these accelerate hardening). If cleaning does not restore a noticeably tacky, matte surface texture, the roller is glazed beneath the debris coating and must be replaced
   • Uneven wear pattern: the roller contact arc shows more wear at one end than the other — indicates the paper stack has been loading skewed consistently, or the roller mounting shaft is bent. Investigate paper loading and roller shaft alignment before installing a new roller
3. Inspect the LCT separation roller or separation pad:
   • Separation roller (used on most modern bizhub LCT units): the roller surface should have the same matte, slightly tacky texture as the feed roller. A glazed separation roller loses its counter-friction function and allows double feeds, which present as 16-01 or as double-sheet jams downstream at the base machine registration area. Replace if glazed
   • Separation pad (used on some LCT models): the pad surface should show uniform contact marks across its full width. A worn separation pad shows a polished channel down the center where the paper has worn the pad surface smooth. Replace if the pad surface is smooth in the contact zone
   • Always replace the feed roller and separation roller/pad as a matched set. A new feed roller paired with a worn separation roller will produce double feeds immediately — the new roller’s increased grip overcomes the worn separator’s reduced counter-friction. Replace both, always
4. Clean the feed roller and separation roller contact zone in the cassette cavity:
   • Remove paper dust from the roller mounting shafts and retaining clips with a soft brush or compressed air
   • Clean the paper guide surfaces in the cassette exit area with a lint-free cloth — paper dust on the guide surfaces increases friction against the paper leading edge and can cause the paper to stall after exiting the cassette nip
5. Install the replacement feed roller and separation roller/pad per the LCT unit SM:
   • Confirm the part numbers against the LCT unit SM parts list — LCT feed rollers and base machine feed rollers are not interchangeable, even when they appear visually similar. An incorrect roller may have the correct outer diameter but wrong rubber compound or wrong core size, producing immediate 16-01 with a new roller installed
   • Confirm the installation orientation — the feed roller has a directional drive coupling that must align with the drive shaft. An incorrectly oriented roller either does not engage the drive coupling or rotates in the wrong direction
   • Confirm all retaining clips are fully seated. A retaining clip that is partially engaged allows the roller to shift axially during the first few hundred feeds, producing intermittent 16-01 that clears after the roller shaft locks into position
6. After roller replacement, reset the LCT roller replacement counter in Service Mode per the LCT unit SM. This counter tracks sheets fed since the last roller replacement and triggers a maintenance reminder when the next replacement interval is reached. Record the replacement in the machine service log with the counter value at replacement
7. Run a 50-sheet test job immediately after roller replacement. The first 10–20 feeds with a new roller establish the roller-to-paper contact surface — some variation in feed behavior on the very first feeds is normal and does not indicate a problem. If 16-01 persists beyond 20 feeds with new rollers installed on paper confirmed to be within specification, the elevator, sensor, or LCTB must be investigated

Step 6 — Inspect and Test the LCT Feed Sensor and LCT VT Sensor

The LCT feed sensor (PS_F) and LCT vertical transport sensor (PS_VT, where fitted) are the detection points that define the 16-01 timing window. A contaminated or failed sensor produces false 16-01 even when the paper transport mechanism is fully functional. Sensor inspection must be performed whenever the stop position analysis in Step 1 does not find paper near the cassette nip — suggesting the paper may have fed correctly but was not detected.

1. Locate the LCT feed sensor (PS_F) per the LCT unit SM. This sensor is typically a transmissive or reflective optical sensor mounted in the paper guide immediately after the LCT cassette exit nip. On most bizhub LCT units, it is accessible when the LCT front door or transport section access panel is open
2. Inspect the PS_F sensor window (the lens or aperture through which the paper beam passes):
   • Paper dust on the sensor window is the most common cause of sensor-related false 16-01. Clean the sensor window with a dry lint-free cloth — do not use compressed air directly into the sensor aperture, as this can drive paper dust deeper into the sensor body
   • On transmissive sensors (sender and receiver on opposite sides of the paper path), clean both the sender and receiver windows. Paper dust on only the sender window reduces beam intensity; dust on the receiver window causes beam scatter — both reduce the signal margin below the detection threshold
3. In Service Mode, verify the PS_F sensor state in the LCT I/O check:
   • With no paper in the sensor path, PS_F should show OFF (paper not present)
   • Insert a piece of paper into the sensor aperture — PS_F should immediately change to ON (paper present). Remove the paper — PS_F should return to OFF
   • If PS_F shows constant ON with no paper in the path (sensor stuck ON), this sensor is delivering a permanent false paper-present signal. The LCTB believes paper is continuously at the feed position, which disrupts the feed timing sequence on every feed cycle. The most common cause of a stuck-ON PS_F is a paper fragment lodged in the sensor aperture — inspect carefully with a flashlight. If no fragment is present, the sensor has failed internally and must be replaced
   • If PS_F shows constant OFF even with paper inserted in the aperture, the sensor window is severely contaminated, the sensor is misaligned with the paper path, or the sensor has failed internally. Clean the window thoroughly, verify physical alignment, and replace if the OFF condition persists after cleaning
4. Where a LCT vertical transport sensor (PS_VT) is fitted, repeat the same inspection and Service Mode check for PS_VT:
   • PS_VT is located in the LCT vertical transport section, above the cassette exit area. Accessing it typically requires opening the LCT transport access panel
   • The same cleaning procedure and Service Mode verification applies — clean the sensor window, verify the sensor toggles correctly when paper is inserted, confirm OFF when clear
5. After cleaning both sensors, reseat the sensor harness connectors at the LCTB. Sensor signal harnesses on the LCTB can develop intermittent contact over time from vibration of the LCT paper transport mechanism. A sensor that tests correctly in Service Mode static testing may still produce intermittent 16-01 if the harness connector has a marginally seated terminal — reseat all sensor harness connectors on the LCTB regardless of whether individual connector damage is visible
6. If sensor replacement is required, replace the sensor per the LCT unit SM. After replacement, verify the new sensor toggles correctly in Service Mode before loading paper and testing

Step 7 — Inspect the LCT Vertical Transport Section

When the paper stop position in Step 1 identified paper in the LCT transport section (past the cassette nip, not at the registration nip), the LCT vertical transport rollers, drive, and guide path must be inspected. A paper stop in this zone confirms that the feed roller and elevator performed correctly — the paper successfully exited the cassette — but failed to travel through the full LCT transport section.

1. Open the LCT transport section access panel. This panel provides access to the vertical transport rollers, guide plates, and the LCT-to-base-machine junction area. On most bizhub LCT units, this panel is on the right side of the LCT cabinet
2. Inspect all LCT vertical transport rollers visible in the opened transport section:
   • Check roller surfaces for glazing — same inspection criteria as the feed roller (Step 5). LCT VT rollers are driven rollers and receive less wear than the feed roller, but on high-volume installations they can accumulate paper dust that reduces their traction. Clean glazed or dust-coated VT rollers with a lint-free cloth lightly dampened with water
   • Check that all VT rollers rotate freely on their shafts. A VT roller that is seized on its shaft creates a paper path obstruction — the paper leading edge drives into the stationary roller nip and folds, producing a distinctive accordion-fold jam pattern in the VT section
   • Check that all VT rollers maintain positive nip contact with their mating rollers. A VT roller whose spring tension has relaxed — visible as a gap between the drive roller and the pinch roller — reduces transport force below the level needed to carry paper through the full vertical path. Correct nip contact should close completely when a piece of paper is inserted
3. Inspect all paper guide plates in the LCT transport section:
   • Guide plates must be flat, correctly seated in their mounting positions, and free of sharp edges or burrs. A bent guide plate deflects paper off the intended path into the guide plate edge, causing the paper to fold against the guide and stop
   • Check that no guide plate is missing or has been displaced from its mounting tabs during previous jam clearing. A missing guide plate creates a gap in the paper path that catches the paper leading edge
   • Inspect guide plates for paper dust buildup on the paper-contact surfaces. Thick paper dust accumulation increases friction between the paper and guide, slowing transport below the sensor detection threshold
4. Inspect the LCT-to-base-machine junction carefully:
   • The junction between the LCT transport exit and the base machine lower transport entry is a critical hand-off point where the paper transitions between two independently driven transport systems. Misalignment at this junction — from the LCT unit being shifted laterally relative to the base machine — causes the paper leading edge to catch on the step between the two guide surfaces
   • Verify that the LCT unit is correctly aligned and latched to the base machine. The LCT unit should not be able to shift laterally on its mounting feet when checked by gently pressing against it from the side
   • Inspect the junction guide plate for the paper to travel smoothly from LCT transport to base machine transport. Any step, gap, or misalignment at this point is a paper catch point
5. Check the LCT transport drive for foreign objects. A staple, paper clip, or folded paper fragment lodged in a VT roller nip produces a consistent 16-01 that does not respond to any roller cleaning or paper loading intervention. Insert a flashlight into the transport section and inspect all roller nip points for foreign objects before testing

Step 8 — Verify LCTB Communication and LCT Feed Clutch in Service Mode

LCTB communication failure and LCT feed clutch failure are the least common hardware causes of 16-01 and should only be investigated after all mechanical components — rollers, elevator, sensors, transport section — have been confirmed serviceable. However, when consistent 16-01 persists after all mechanical inspection and replacement and the paper stop position indicates the feed roller never rotated, the LCTB or feed clutch must be investigated.

1. In Service Mode, navigate to the optional device status display and confirm the LCTB is shown as detected and communicating. A non-communicating LCTB — showing as “not detected” or “communication error” — cannot receive feed commands from the primary engine board, producing 16-01 immediately on every feed attempt because no feed ever occurs. If the LCTB is not detected:
   • Reseat the LCTB-to-base-machine interface harness at both the LCTB connector and the primary engine board connector
   • Verify the LCT unit power supply — most LCT units have their own power entry (either from the base machine power supply or via an independent power cord). A failed LCT power connection can cause the LCTB to appear non-communicating
   • Inspect the LCTB-to-engine-board harness for damage at the LCT-to-base-machine junction — this harness is vulnerable to being pinched between the LCT unit and the base machine if the LCT unit was pushed against the base machine with the harness in the pinch zone during installation
2. In Service Mode, command the LCT feed clutch (CL_F / CL1-LCT) or LCT feed motor (M_F) to engage using the LCT I/O check for the model. Observe and listen:
   • The feed roller should rotate immediately when the clutch or motor is commanded ON. The rotation should be smooth and sustained for the duration of the command
   • If the feed roller does not rotate on command: the feed clutch coil may have failed (measure coil resistance at the LCTB clutch output connector — an open circuit confirms coil failure), or the LCTB clutch drive transistor has failed (the command is received by the LCTB but the clutch output is not energized). Replace the feed clutch first; replace the LCTB only if a confirmed-functional clutch still does not engage on command
   • If the feed roller rotates on command but does not grip paper during live feeds, the roller is glazed — confirm by running the I/O test while a sheet of paper is held against the roller. A glazed roller will not advance the paper even under direct I/O command
3. In Service Mode, command the elevator motor (M_E / M1-LCT) to run and simultaneously observe the elevator platform:
   • The platform should rise smoothly from its current position when commanded. The movement should be consistent — no jerking, hesitation, or irregular speed
   • The platform should stop cleanly when the upper limit sensor (PS_HL) triggers. If the platform continues past the correct height, PS_HL is not correctly triggering — return to the sensor investigation in Step 4
4. If LCTB failure is confirmed — the LCTB does not execute valid commands delivered by the primary engine board via a confirmed-functional harness — replace the LCTB per the LCT unit SM. After LCTB replacement:
   • Confirm the new LCTB firmware version is compatible with the primary engine board firmware — a new LCTB supplied at an older firmware version than the current engine board firmware may require a firmware update before the LCTB can correctly communicate with the engine board. In most cases this produces a communication error rather than 16-01, but confirm firmware compatibility before declaring the replacement successful
   • Perform a cold power cycle after LCTB replacement to allow the primary engine board to detect and initialize the new LCTB
   • Run a 50-sheet test job from the LCT before returning the machine to service

Quick Reference — Troubleshooting by Symptom

Symptom	Most Likely Cause	First Action
16-01 on every LCT feed; paper found at cassette nip, barely moved; roller surface shiny and smooth	LCT pickup roller fully glazed — primary cause on all high-cycle LCT installations	Replace LCT pickup roller and separation roller together as matched set; reset LCT roller counter in Service Mode; verify roller part number against LCT SM before installation
16-01 intermittent — 1 in 30 to 1 in 100 feeds; beginning to escalate in frequency over recent weeks	LCT pickup roller in early glazing stage — friction reduced below reliable threshold but not yet fully glazed	Inspect roller surface — early glazing appears as a faint sheen rather than full shine; replace roller even if glazing is not obvious if LCT copy counter is above the roller PM interval
16-01 with double sheet found — two sheets feeding simultaneously	LCT separation roller worn or separation pad polished — counter-friction below threshold needed to prevent second sheet from being carried with first	Replace separation roller or separation pad; always replace feed roller at the same time as a matched set
16-01 only on the first 5–15 feeds after a full LCT paper load; clears as paper is consumed	Elevator overshoot or drive slippage on maximum travel — elevator does not correctly position stack at full-load height; LCTB times out waiting for PS_HL on long initial travel	Verify PS_HL triggers correctly at correct stack height in Service Mode; inspect elevator drive belt for stretch or glazing; command elevator motor in I/O check and listen for irregular speed
16-01 only when LCT is at low paper level (last 100–300 sheets)	Elevator not maintaining consistent height at low stack height; or feed roller pressure inadequate at minimum stack height	Verify elevator rises smoothly to PS_HL trigger at low stack height in Service Mode; inspect elevator drive for wear; replace pickup roller if roller surface condition is marginal
16-01 with paper found skewed in LCT transport section — one corner leading	Paper loaded skewed in LCT cassette; or LCT cassette side guides set too loosely; or one LCT VT roller has less grip than the other (uneven wear)	Remove and re-square paper load against rear wall guide; verify side guides are snug; inspect LCT VT rollers for uneven wear between left and right sides
16-01 immediately after PM or roller replacement	Wrong roller part number installed; roller installed with incorrect directional orientation; retaining clip not fully seated; or roller drive coupling not engaged	Verify installed roller part number against LCT SM parts list; verify directional installation orientation per SM; confirm retaining clip fully engaged; check drive coupling engagement
16-01 with fresh paper from newly opened ream; elevator confirmed at correct height; rollers recently replaced	LCT feed sensor (PS_F) contaminated — paper feeds correctly but sensor does not detect it; or PS_F stuck OFF (failed open)	Clean PS_F sensor window with dry lint-free cloth; verify PS_F toggles correctly in Service Mode I/O check when paper is inserted in aperture; replace PS_F if stuck OFF after cleaning
16-01 with paper found in LCT vertical transport section — above cassette nip, below base machine entry	LCT VT section fault — worn or glazed VT rollers, foreign object in VT roller nip, dislodged guide plate, or misaligned LCT-to-base-machine junction	Inspect LCT VT section rollers and guide plates; search for foreign objects in all VT roller nip points; verify LCT unit is correctly aligned and latched to base machine; clean or replace VT rollers as needed
16-01 correlated with specific paper stock; resolves when different paper is used	Paper specification mismatch — paper weight outside LCT range, coated paper beyond LCT surface friction spec, or high-static paper not properly conditioned before loading	Verify paper weight is within LCT specification (typically 60–90 g/m²); fan paper stack before loading to break static bonding; advise customer to store LCT paper in sealed packaging until needed
LCTB shows “not detected” or “communication error” in Service Mode optional device display	LCTB-to-engine-board harness disconnected, damaged, or pinched at LCT-to-base-machine junction; or LCTB failed internally	Reseat LCTB harness at both ends; inspect harness routing for pinch points at LCT-to-base-machine junction; verify LCT unit power; replace LCTB if harness is confirmed good and LCTB still not detected
LCT elevator runs continuously without stopping — platform rises past the feed roller height	Upper limit sensor (PS_HL) not triggering — contamination on sensor window, misaligned actuator flag, or sensor failed OFF (stuck in untriggered state)	Clean PS_HL sensor window; check actuator flag alignment and mechanical engagement; verify PS_HL triggers in Service Mode I/O check when flag is manually actuated; replace PS_HL if stuck OFF after cleaning and alignment check
LCT elevator does not rise after paper loading; elevator motor not running	Elevator motor (M_E) failed; elevator motor harness disconnected at LCTB; or LCTB not communicating (check optional device status first)	Confirm LCTB is detected and communicating in Service Mode; command M_E in I/O check and listen for motor operation; reseat elevator motor harness at LCTB; replace M_E if motor does not run on direct I/O command
16-01 persists after roller replacement, elevator verified, sensors confirmed functional	LCT feed clutch (CL_F) coil failed; or LCTB feed clutch drive circuit failed	Command CL_F in Service Mode I/O check; listen and feel for clutch engagement; measure CL_F coil resistance at LCTB output connector — open circuit confirms coil failure; replace CL_F; replace LCTB only if CL_F replacement with confirmed functional clutch still does not engage on I/O command

Understanding the 16-xx LCT Jam Code Family

Jam Code 16-01 belongs to the 16-xx LCT code family — the complete set of fault codes originating in the Large Capacity Tray paper source. Reading the suffix digit correctly identifies the failure stage and the appropriate diagnostic approach before any disassembly:

• 16-01 — LCT primary misfeed — paper failed to reach the LCT feed sensor or LCT VT sensor within the timing window after feed initiation. Mechanical paper transport failure — the paper never successfully left the LCT cassette and entered the transport path. Investigate pickup roller, elevator, paper condition, sensors, and LCT transport section. This article
• 16-02 — LCT registration loop forming failure — paper fed from the LCT and travelled through the full LCT transport section to the base machine, but arrived at the registration area too late for correct loop forming before the registration clutch (CL4) fired. Marginal mechanical timing failure — the paper moved but not fast enough. Investigate LCT VT roller wear (excessive VT transport drag), LCT-to-base-machine junction alignment (paper deceleration at the handoff point), or base machine lower VT roller wear. The LCT pickup roller is typically not the cause of 16-02 — if the paper reached the registration area, the pickup roller fed it successfully. Paper found buckled or crumpled at the registration nip area
• 16-10 — LCT paper remaining detection fault (on applicable models) — the paper remaining sensor in the LCT cassette has detected an inconsistency in stack height or paper count that differs from the elevator position data. Not a paper jam code — indicates sensor, elevator calibration, or paper loading issue. Often co-occurs with 16-01 when the paper stack surface is uneven
• 16-34 — LCT elevator upper limit sensor timeout (on applicable models) — the elevator motor was energized but the upper limit sensor (PS_HL) was not triggered within the specified time. Dedicated elevator fault code distinct from 16-01. Indicates elevator motor failure, elevator drive failure, or PS_HL failure — the elevator failed to reach the correct feed height within the timing window. May accompany 16-01 when the root cause is the elevator rather than the feed roller
• 16-40 — LCT image write signal timeout — paper fed from the LCT successfully reached the registration sensor on time, but the WTEN signal was not issued within the timeout window. Board-level synchronization failure — not a mechanical LCT fault. Diagnose identically to 11-40, 12-40, 13-40, and 14-40: investigate controller–engine board communication, firmware version matching, HDD/SSD delivery path, and imaging section ready state. The LCT mechanical feed mechanism is confirmed functional by paper arrival at the registration sensor

The -01 / -02 / -40 suffix logic applies consistently across the entire LCT code family, exactly as it does across all other tray source families: -01 = paper never reached the detection sensor (mechanical failure); -02 = paper arrived late (marginal mechanical timing); -40 = paper arrived on time but WTEN was not issued (board-level synchronization failure). The diagnostic approach differs completely between these suffix types, and correctly reading the suffix eliminates the wrong diagnostic track before any panel is opened.

Preventing Jam Code 16-01 From Recurring

• Replace the LCT pickup roller and separation roller as a matched set at the LCT-unit-specified PM interval — not the base machine PM interval. On bizhub installations where the LCT is the primary paper source, the LCT roller PM interval is frequently reached before the base machine PM interval. A base machine PM that replaces drum, developer, and fuser components without also replacing the LCT rollers leaves the highest-wear components in the machine unreplaced. Track the LCT roller copy counter in Service Mode independently from the base machine total counter, and schedule LCT roller replacement whenever the LCT counter reaches the specified threshold regardless of base machine PM status. The LCT roller replacement interval is specified in the LCT unit service manual — confirm the interval for the specific PF-series unit installed, as it differs between LCT models
• Clean the LCT elevator upper limit sensor (PS_HL) at every PM. Paper dust accumulation on the PS_HL sensor window is the primary environmental cause of elevator height errors and elevator-related 16-01. A 30-second cleaning of the PS_HL lens with a dry lint-free cloth at every PM visit prevents gradual sensor window contamination from reaching the threshold that causes elevator positioning errors. Include the LCT feed sensor (PS_F) and LCT VT sensor (PS_VT) in the same cleaning — these three sensors are the complete detection chain for 16-01 and all are susceptible to paper dust accumulation in the high-volume LCT environment
• Inspect the LCT elevator drive belt or gear assembly at every major PM. Elevator drive wear is a slow progression that does not produce sudden failure — it produces gradual degradation of elevator positioning accuracy that first causes intermittent 16-01 at the extremes of elevator travel (full stack, low stack) before producing consistent failures. A technician who inspects the elevator drive at every PM visit — checking belt tension, belt surface condition, and gear tooth engagement — identifies wear progression before it produces 16-01 in production. Proactive elevator drive belt replacement at the first sign of stretch or surface glazing is far less disruptive than an emergency callback for elevator-related 16-01
• Provide LCT paper loading instructions to the customer — and verify compliance at every visit. Customer paper loading practice is a major factor in LCT 16-01 frequency that is entirely controllable without any hardware intervention. The specific practices that reduce LCT 16-01: always fan the paper stack before loading (especially paper stored in a dry environment or in sealed packaging for more than a week); never mix paper sizes, weights, or types in the LCT cassette; load paper with the leading edge flush against the rear wall guide; set side guides snug but not compressing the stack; do not overfill above the maximum fill line; and use paper that is within the LCT’s specification for weight and surface finish. Posting a laminated instruction card on the LCT unit itself is the most effective way to ensure consistent loading practice across multiple operators
• Track the LCT roller copy counter and set a maintenance reminder alert in Service Mode. Most bizhub LCT units support a maintenance reminder that alerts the operator or service team when the LCT counter approaches the roller replacement threshold. Enabling this reminder (in the Service Mode LCT counter settings) ensures roller replacement is triggered proactively — before the roller degrades to the point of producing 16-01 in production — rather than reactively after a customer complaint. Set the reminder 10–15% below the specified replacement interval to allow scheduling flexibility
• Log LCT roller replacement with the LCT copy counter value at replacement in the machine service log. The most common cause of premature LCT 16-01 after a PM visit is a replacement roller installed at the wrong PM interval because the previous replacement was not logged. A service log that records the LCT copy counter value at each roller replacement allows the next technician to immediately determine whether the roller is within its service life, eliminating the most common source of ambiguity on 16-01 callback calls
• On high-volume production installations where the LCT runs as the primary paper source, schedule LCT PM visits independently from base machine PM visits. In environments where the LCT processes 80–90% of the machine’s total copy volume — large mailrooms, high-volume document centers — the LCT roller and elevator drive wear accumulate at rates that may require PM attention at 50–60% of the base machine PM interval. An independent LCT PM schedule, tracked against the LCT copy counter rather than the base machine total counter, prevents the LCT from becoming the machine’s weakest link while base machine components remain within their service life

Professional Technician Summary

Jam Code 16-01 is the LCT primary misfeed — a mechanical paper transport failure where paper failed to reach the LCT feed sensor or vertical transport sensor within the timing window after the LCT feed sequence was initiated. It is, unambiguously, a mechanical fault. The diagnostic and repair approach is entirely different from 16-40 (WTEN timeout — board-level) and from 16-02 (registration loop forming failure — paper arrived but arrived late). Paper that produces 16-01 never reached the detection sensor. Paper that produces 16-40 reached the registration sensor on time. These three codes from the same LCT source require three completely different diagnostic tracks.

In the field, 16-01 resolves to one of three dominant causes on the overwhelming majority of calls:

Worn or glazed LCT pickup roller — by far the most common. The LCT pickup roller is the highest-cycle wear item in the entire bizhub paper path, running against the paper stack on every single feed. A glazed roller produces the classic 16-01 escalation pattern: intermittent at first (1 in 50 feeds), escalating progressively to consistent failure over weeks. Inspect the roller surface on every 16-01 call before touching any other component. A shiny, smooth contact arc that lacks the matte, tacky texture of new rubber means replacement — regardless of what the copy counter says.

LCT elevator system malfunction — the second most common cause and unique to the LCT among all paper sources on the machine. The upper limit sensor (PS_HL) is the most failure-prone component of the elevator system: paper dust on the sensor window is the most common cause of false elevation errors, and a 30-second cleaning resolves it. The elevator drive belt is the second most common: a stretched or glazed belt slips under full-stack load and produces 16-01 specifically on the first feeds after a fresh load. Check PS_HL in Service Mode before opening the elevator drive access — most elevator-related 16-01 calls resolve at the sensor level without requiring drive replacement.

Paper condition and loading — the third most common cause, and the one most frequently overlooked because it requires no parts and no tools. Static-bonded paper, improperly loaded paper, or paper outside the LCT’s weight specification produces 16-01 that disappears completely when correct paper is correctly loaded. Always verify paper condition and loading quality before any mechanical intervention — particularly on sites where the LCT paper stock is stored in an open-air environment, where humidity variations produce static bonding that builds slowly over the course of a day.

Two service manuals are always required for 16-01 diagnosis. The base machine SM covers the LCTB communication path and the Service Mode check codes for the LCT in the base machine I/O display. The LCT unit SM (PF-601, PF-602, or applicable model) covers every component inside the LCT cabinet — the elevator motor, the feed roller, the sensors, the transport section. A technician who brings only the base machine SM to a 16-01 call is working without the mechanical references for the components that matter most. Pull both SMs before opening the first access panel.