Jam Code 32-05 is a paper exit section secondary misfeed on Konica Minolta bizhub machines. Konica Minolta service documentation classifies all 32-xx codes under the heading Misfeed at Paper Exit Section — a category covering every fault type occurring in the transport path from the fuser exit to the point where paper leaves the machine, either into the output tray or across the finisher interface. The exit section on most bizhub models has two sequential detection points: the fuser exit sensor (which confirms paper has cleared the fuser nip) and the output/exit sensor further downstream (which confirms paper has travelled the full exit path and is clearing the machine, or entering the duplex reversal path, or crossing into a connected finisher). The -05 suffix specifically addresses the second of these two checkpoints: paper was confirmed at the fuser exit sensor, but failed to reach the downstream output/exit sensor within the specified timing window.
The official Konica Minolta description states precisely:
After paper was detected at the fuser exit sensor, the output/exit sensor was not triggered within the specified time. Paper did not complete transport through the exit section.
Translated into field language: the paper successfully passed through the entire preceding paper journey — source tray feed, vertical transport, registration, second transfer, and the fuser nip itself, where the toner image was permanently fused to the paper under heat and pressure. The paper leading edge cleared the fuser nip and triggered the fuser exit sensor, confirming successful fusing and fuser-section transport. From that point, the paper must travel through the final exit transport zone — typically 40–120mm depending on model — to reach the output/exit sensor, which confirms the paper is correctly proceeding toward the output tray, the duplex reversal path, or the finisher interface. Within the timing window calibrated for this final transport distance, the output/exit sensor did not trigger. The paper stalled somewhere in the exit transport zone, after the fuser but before full exit confirmation. The machine recorded 32-05.
32-05 is diagnostically distinct from 32-01 in the same way that a second-checkpoint failure is distinct from a first-checkpoint failure anywhere else in the bizhub jam code family. 32-01 means paper never reached the fuser exit sensor at all — a fuser-section transport failure, potentially involving the fuser nip itself, fuser exit claws, or fuser exit rollers. 32-05 means the paper cleared the fuser exit sensor successfully — the fuser nip, fuser exit claws, and immediate fuser exit transport are all confirmed functional — but the paper failed in the zone between the fuser exit sensor and the output/exit sensor. This is a narrower, more specific fault zone than 32-01, and it points to a different set of components: the exit transport rollers downstream of the fuser, the duplex diverter/switchback gate (on models with internal duplex), the output tray entry guide, and the output/exit sensor itself.
The exit section is also the zone where paper curl from the fuser heat first becomes mechanically significant. Paper that was perfectly flat entering the fuser emerges with some degree of thermally-induced curl — the paper has just been heated to fusing temperature and pressed under significant nip pressure. This curl, combined with the paper’s own weight and stiffness, determines whether the paper follows the intended exit path cleanly or deflects against a guide surface. No other section in the bizhub paper path deals with freshly-curled paper, making curl-related causes a larger proportion of 32-05 faults than of equivalent misfeed codes earlier in the paper path.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Jam Code | 32-05 |
| KM Category Heading | Misfeed at Paper Exit Section — the 32-xx category covers all fault types in the transport path from the fuser exit to the machine’s paper exit point (output tray or finisher interface). The -05 suffix specifically means the paper was confirmed at the fuser exit sensor but did not reach the downstream output/exit sensor within the timing window — a secondary-checkpoint misfeed within the exit section, distinct from a fuser-exit arrival failure |
| What is confirmed functional when 32-05 fires | The entire paper path preceding the fuser exit sensor: source tray feed, vertical transport, registration, WTEN handshake, second transfer (image successfully fused to paper), fuser nip transport, and fuser exit claws / immediate fuser exit rollers (paper cleared the fuser exit sensor). None of these require investigation for 32-05. The fault is specifically in the zone between the fuser exit sensor and the output/exit sensor |
| Critical distinction from 32-01 | 32-01 means paper never reached the fuser exit sensor — fuser nip transport failure, fuser exit claw failure, or fuser exit roller failure. The fuser nip and immediate exit are the suspects. 32-05 means paper DID clear the fuser exit sensor — fuser transport is confirmed functional — but stalled further downstream before reaching the output/exit sensor. The fuser nip, fuser exit claws, and fuser exit rollers are all excluded from suspicion. Do not investigate fuser components for 32-05 unless paper is found still within the fuser unit itself, which would indicate a misread of the stop position |
| Critical distinction from 32-02 | 32-02 means paper reached the output/exit sensor but arrived too slowly — a timing fault rather than a stalled-transport fault. Paper is found near or at the output/exit sensor with some evidence of delayed but continuing motion. 32-05 means the output/exit sensor was never triggered at all within the window — paper genuinely stalled in the exit zone rather than merely running late |
| Detection Logic — BASEB models (C250i / C300i / C360i / C3350i / C4050i): | After paper was confirmed at the fuser exit sensor (PS_FE / model-specific), the output/exit sensor (PS_EX / PS_OUT — refer to BASEB I/O section of SM) was not triggered within the specified timing count. On BASEB i-series models, the exit path between the fuser and the output/exit sensor is typically short and direct on models without internal duplex, or includes the duplex switchback zone on models with internal duplex capability |
| Detection Logic — MFPB / FRB models (C258 / C368 / C458 / C658 / 368e / 658e): | After confirmed fuser exit sensor triggering, the output/exit sensor was not triggered within the permitted timing window. On MFPB platform models, the output/exit sensor and duplex switchback sensor (where fitted) are typically monitored by the FRB or a dedicated output control board — confirm exact designations in the FRB schematic of the model-specific SM |
| Detection Logic — PFTDB models (654e / 754e / 758 / 808 / 958 / C659 / C759): | After confirmed fuser exit sensor triggering, the output/exit sensor — or, on models with a finisher connected, the finisher interface entry sensor — was not triggered within the timing window. On high-volume PFTDB platform models, the exit section is frequently the longest and most mechanically complex of any platform, often including multiple relay rollers and a finisher interface transport zone, each contributing to the total exit-section timing budget |
| What the paper is doing when 32-05 fires | The paper’s leading edge has cleared the fuser exit sensor but has not reached the output/exit sensor. Three positions are possible: (A) paper found stalled in the exit transport zone between the fuser exit sensor and the output/exit sensor, typically flat or with a gentle curl-related deflection — transport force was lost or paper deflected off the intended path; (B) paper found folded or crumpled against the duplex switchback gate or output tray entry guide — paper drove into a misdirected path element; (C) no paper found, or paper found past the expected stop zone, with the output/exit sensor reading OFF in Service Mode despite paper having physically passed through — sensor failure or contamination |
| Key Components | Fuser exit sensor (PS_FE — confirmed triggered, not a 32-05 suspect); output/exit sensor (PS_EX / PS_OUT — the sensor whose failure to trigger defines 32-05); exit transport rollers (the roller pair(s) between the fuser exit and the output/exit sensor — pure conveyance rollers, similar in function to VT section relay rollers); exit transport guide plates (direct paper from the fuser exit toward the output tray or the duplex/finisher path); duplex switchback gate / flapper (on models with internal duplex — a movable gate that directs paper either straight to the output tray or into the duplex reversal path; incorrect gate position is a major 32-05 cause on duplex-capable models); output tray entry guide (the final guide directing paper into the output tray stack); finisher interface transport (on models with a connected finisher — the relay rollers and sensors at the machine-to-finisher handoff point); exit section drive motor (may be a dedicated exit motor or an extension of the fuser drive motor depending on model) |
| Severity | High — all print jobs are disabled regardless of source tray or job type, because every printed sheet must pass through the shared exit section; may be curl-sensitive (fires more on certain media/duplex combinations that produce more curl) or consistent (hardware fault affects all jobs); paper found in the exit zone, typically clean and flat (stalled transport, deflection) or folded at a guide or gate misdirection point |
| Related Jam Codes | 32-01 (paper exit section primary misfeed — paper never reached the fuser exit sensor; fuser nip and fuser exit claw fault), 32-02 (paper exit section late arrival — paper reached output/exit sensor but arrived outside the timing window), 32-04 (paper exit section clearance failure — paper reached the output/exit sensor but the sensor was not unblocked, paper stalled at or past the sensor), 55-xx / 57-xx (fuser section jam codes — for comparison, faults within the fuser itself rather than downstream of it), finisher-specific jam codes (on models with a connected finisher, faults beyond the finisher interface handoff point are covered under separate finisher jam code ranges) |
All Affected Models and Exit Section Component References
Jam Code 32-05 applies to all bizhub models, since every model has a paper exit section regardless of whether it includes internal duplex capability or a connected finisher. The exit section’s physical length and complexity vary substantially by model — a compact single-function bizhub may have a direct, short path from fuser exit to output tray, while a high-volume production model with internal duplex and finisher connectivity has a considerably longer and more mechanically complex exit zone, including a duplex switchback gate and finisher interface transport. The output/exit sensor designation and the duplex gate mechanism (where fitted) are the most model-specific elements requiring SM confirmation.
| bizhub Models | Fuser Exit Sensor | Output / Exit Sensor | Exit Sensor Connector Reference | Duplex Switchback Gate | Exit Drive Motor | Finisher Interface | Primary Controlling Board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C250i / C300i / C360i / 250i / 300i / 360i | PS_FE — refer to BASEB I/O section of SM | PS_EX / PS_OUT — refer to BASEB I/O section of SM | BASEB CN_EX series — refer to SM | SOL_DPX or motor-driven gate (duplex models) — refer to SM | M1 (shared with main transport) or dedicated M_EX — refer to SM | Optional — refer to finisher SM if connected | BASEB |
| C3350i / C4000i / C4050i | PS_FE — refer to BASEB I/O section of SM | PS_EX / PS_OUT — refer to BASEB I/O section of SM | BASEB CN_EX — refer to SM | SOL_DPX or motor-driven gate — refer to SM | M1 or dedicated M_EX — refer to SM | Optional — refer to finisher SM if connected | BASEB |
| C258 / C308 / C368 / C227 / C287 / C367 | PS_FE — refer to FRB section of SM | PS_EX / PS_OUT — refer to FRB section of SM | FRB CN_EX series — refer to SM | SOL_DPX or CAM_DPX (duplex models) — refer to SM | M1 shared or dedicated M_EX — refer to SM | Optional — refer to finisher SM if connected | MFPB + FRB |
| 368e / 308e / 458e / 558e / 658e | PS_FE — refer to FRB / EXCB section of SM | PS_EX / PS_OUT — refer to FRB / EXCB section of SM | FRB / EXCB CN_EX — refer to SM | SOL_DPX or CAM_DPX — refer to SM | M1 or dedicated M_EX — refer to SM | Optional — refer to finisher SM if connected | MFPB + FRB + EXCB |
| C458 / C558 / C658 | PS_FE — refer to EXCB / FRB section of SM | PS_EX / PS_OUT — refer to EXCB / FRB section of SM | EXCB CN_EX — refer to SM | SOL_DPX or CAM_DPX (duplex models) — refer to SM | M1 or dedicated M_EX — refer to SM | Standard on many configurations — refer to finisher SM | MFPB + FRB + EXCB |
| C450i / C550i / C650i / 458i / 558i / 658i | PS_FE — refer to SM | PS_EX / PS_OUT — refer to SM | Refer to SM | SOL_DPX / CAM_DPX — refer to SM | M1 or dedicated M_EX — refer to SM | Standard on many configurations — refer to finisher SM | MFPB + EXCB + FRB + BASEB |
| C224e / C284e / C364e / C224 / C284 / C364 / C454 / C554 | PS_FE — refer to SM | PS_EX / PS_OUT — refer to SM | Refer to SM | SOL_DPX / CAM_DPX — refer to SM | M1 or dedicated M_EX — refer to SM | Optional — refer to finisher SM if connected | PRCB / MFPB |
| 654e / 754e / 758 / 808 / 958 / PRO 958 | PS_FE — refer to PFTDB / MFPB section of SM | PS_EX / PS_OUT, plus finisher interface entry sensor where connected — refer to SM | PFTDB CN_EX series — refer to SM | SOL_DPX / CAM_DPX (standard on most production models) — refer to SM | Dedicated M_EX (production-volume exit drive) — refer to SM | Standard on production configurations — refer to finisher SM | PFTDB + MFPB |
| C659 / C759 | PS_FE — refer to PFTDB / MFPB section of SM | PS_EX / PS_OUT plus finisher interface sensor where connected — refer to SM | Refer to SM | SOL_DPX / CAM_DPX — refer to SM | Dedicated M_EX — refer to SM | Standard — refer to finisher SM | PFTDB + MFPB |
PS_FE (fuser exit sensor) and PS_EX / PS_OUT (output/exit sensor) designations, along with the duplex switchback gate mechanism reference, must be confirmed in the model-specific service manual before any sensor check or gate actuation is performed. On models with a connected finisher, the finisher’s own service manual documents the finisher interface entry sensor and transport — jam codes originating beyond the finisher interface handoff point are covered under the finisher’s separate jam code range, not under 32-xx.
ℹ️ Duplex vs. simplex jobs — a critical first question for 32-05 on duplex-capable models: On any bizhub model with internal duplex capability, the first diagnostic question for 32-05 is whether the fault occurs only on duplex jobs, only on simplex jobs, or both. If 32-05 fires only on duplex jobs (first-side pages exit or divert correctly but second-side completion produces 32-05, or the duplex switchback sequence itself produces 32-05): the duplex switchback gate is the primary suspect — investigate gate position, gate actuator, and the duplex reversal path condition (Step 4) before any other component. If 32-05 fires on both duplex and simplex jobs identically: the fault is in the shared exit path components used by all jobs regardless of duplex status — exit transport rollers, output/exit sensor, or output tray entry guide (Steps 3, 5, 6). If 32-05 fires only on simplex jobs while duplex jobs complete normally: this unusual pattern suggests the straight-through exit path (used only by simplex jobs on models where duplex jobs route through the switchback zone differently) has a specific obstruction not present in the duplex path — inspect the straight-through guide path specifically.
Understanding the Exit Section — Why 32-05 Occurs
The paper exit section is the final transport zone in the bizhub paper path, and it is unique among all the transport zones covered in this series because it handles paper immediately after the most thermally and mechanically aggressive process the paper undergoes: fusing. The paper exits the fuser nip having been heated to fusing temperature (typically 160–200°C depending on media and model) and compressed under significant nip pressure. This process changes the paper’s physical characteristics for the following several hundred milliseconds of transport — the paper is warmer, has released some moisture, and — most significantly for exit section transport — has developed some degree of curl from the asymmetric heating and pressure of the fuser nip.
The exit section’s job is to take this freshly-fused, potentially curled paper and direct it reliably to one of several possible destinations depending on the print job configuration: straight out to the output tray (most simplex jobs), into the duplex reversal path for second-side printing (duplex jobs, after the first side), or across the finisher interface to a connected finishing device (booklet makers, staplers, hole punchers). Each of these destinations requires the paper to follow a specific guided path, and the path selection on duplex-capable models is made by a switchback gate (flapper) that physically redirects the paper based on the job’s current stage.
Six root cause categories produce 32-05, ordered by frequency in field-installed bizhub machines:
- Category 1 — Duplex switchback gate mis-position (dominant cause on duplex-capable models, particularly for duplex-job-specific 32-05): The duplex switchback gate — the movable flapper that directs paper either straight to the output tray or into the duplex reversal path — is not in the correct position for the current job stage. If the gate is positioned for straight-through exit while the job requires duplex reversal (or vice versa), the paper leading edge is directed into the wrong path, encountering a guide surface or gate edge that was not designed to receive it from that trajectory. This produces a paper stall or fold at the gate position. Gate mis-position most commonly results from a failed or degraded gate actuator (solenoid or motor-driven cam) that does not complete its full range of motion, or from a gate return spring that has weakened and allows the gate to drift from its commanded position under paper contact force. This category is confirmed by the diagnostic split established in the notice above — 32-05 firing specifically on duplex jobs, or specifically at the second-side transition point of a duplex job, points directly to the gate
- Category 2 — Exit transport roller surface degradation or nip failure: The exit transport rollers between the fuser exit sensor and the output/exit sensor have glazed, lost nip pressure, or developed uneven wear. Unlike VT section rollers earlier in the paper path, exit transport rollers handle paper immediately after fusing — they are subjected to elevated temperature and to any toner offset or fuser oil residue that may transfer from the fuser roller surface to the paper and then to the exit rollers. This combination accelerates exit roller degradation relative to VT section rollers under equivalent print volume. A glazed or contaminated exit roller cannot maintain adequate transport force on freshly-fused paper, particularly paper that has developed curl and is pressing against a guide surface with additional friction. This category produces gradual-onset, progressively escalating 32-05 similar to the VT roller glazing pattern described for 20-01, but concentrated in the fuser-adjacent roller pairs specifically
- Category 3 — Paper curl exceeding the exit path’s tolerance: The paper’s post-fuser curl is severe enough that the leading edge deflects off the intended exit guide path before reaching the output/exit sensor. This is most pronounced on heavy or coated stock, on paper printed with very high toner coverage (heavier toner deposit increases post-fuser curl), on second-side duplex passes (paper that has already been through the fuser once and re-enters with pre-existing curl that compounds after the second pass), and in low-humidity environments where paper moisture content is already reduced before printing. Severe curl causes the paper leading edge to press against the exit guide with abnormal force, increasing friction beyond what the exit rollers can overcome, or to deflect laterally off the intended path entirely. This category is confirmed by correlation with specific media types, toner coverage levels, or duplex second-side passes, and by curl inspection of paper recovered from a 32-05 jam clearing
- Category 4 — Foreign object or paper fragment in the exit transport zone: A paper fragment torn from a previous jam, a staple fragment from finisher-adjacent operations (on models with a connected finisher where staple waste can migrate into the exit zone), or other debris is lodged in the exit transport path between the fuser exit sensor and the output/exit sensor. Every subsequent sheet drives into the obstruction and stalls. This category produces sudden-onset consistent 32-05 following a previous jam clearing event in the exit or fuser area, identical in diagnostic signature to the fragment-obstruction categories described for 20-01 and 30-01 earlier in this series
- Category 5 — Output tray entry guide obstruction or output tray full condition mimicking a jam: The output tray entry guide — the final guide directing paper from the exit transport into the output tray stack — is obstructed, or the output tray itself is full or has a paper stack irregularity that prevents new sheets from stacking correctly, creating back-pressure that stalls the exit transport. An output tray at or near its rated capacity, or with an uneven stack (from mixed paper sizes or a tray that was not properly emptied), can create enough back-pressure at the tray entry to prevent the current sheet from fully clearing the output/exit sensor detection zone, even though the exit rollers themselves are functioning correctly. This category is confirmed by checking the output tray fill level and stack condition as a first action, before any component-level investigation
- Category 6 — Output/exit sensor (PS_EX / PS_OUT) contamination or failure: The output/exit sensor is contaminated with paper dust, fuser oil residue, or fine paper fiber debris (which accumulates at a higher rate near the fuser exit than in upstream transport zones), or has failed electrically in the OFF state. Paper transports correctly through the exit zone and passes the sensor’s physical location, but the sensor does not register the detection, producing a false 32-05 despite successful paper transport. This category is confirmed by Position C stop position and by sensor verification in Service Mode
Step 1 — Clear the Paper, Confirm the Stop Position, and Classify the Pattern
Establishing the stop position and job-type correlation (duplex vs. simplex) before any hardware inspection is essential for efficient 32-05 diagnosis, given the number of distinct root cause categories that can produce this code.
- Open the exit section access panel, rear cover, or output tray access as indicated by the operator panel jam indicator. On models with internal duplex, the duplex unit access (typically the rear or left-side cover) may also be indicated — open all indicated access points
- Before removing the paper, note precisely:
- Was this a duplex job (first side, transitioning to second side) or a simplex job?
- Where exactly is the paper — in the straight exit path toward the output tray, at or near the duplex switchback gate, or near the output tray entry?
- What is the paper’s physical condition — flat with a curl deflection, folded at a specific point, or crumpled against a gate or guide edge?
- Classify the stop position pattern:
- Position A — Paper found stalled in the exit transport zone between the fuser exit and the output/exit sensor, generally flat with visible curl: Transport force was lost or the paper’s curl caused it to deflect off the guide path without reaching the sensor. Investigate exit roller condition (Step 3) and paper curl (Step 5). If the job was duplex-specific, also check the switchback gate position (Step 4)
- Position B — Paper found folded or crumpled at the duplex switchback gate, or at the output tray entry guide, with a sharp fold indicating impact with a misdirecting surface: The paper was directed into the wrong path or encountered a guide edge rather than a guide surface. On duplex jobs, the switchback gate position is the primary suspect (Step 4). On simplex jobs with this stop position, the output tray entry guide alignment is the primary suspect (Step 6)
- Position C — No paper found in the exit zone, or paper found already in the output tray with the output/exit sensor reading OFF in Service Mode despite the path having clearly been traversed: The output/exit sensor did not detect paper that transported successfully. Proceed to Step 7 (sensor verification)
- Remove the jammed paper carefully, pulling in the direction of paper travel. The paper immediately post-fuser may still be warm — this is normal and does not indicate a fault, but be aware the paper is more pliable when warm and can tear more easily if pulled roughly. If the paper is caught at the duplex switchback gate, do not force it — most gates have a manual release or the gate can be manually repositioned per the SM to free trapped paper without bending the gate mechanism
- After removing the paper, inspect the exit transport zone, the switchback gate area (if applicable), and the output tray entry guide with a flashlight for fragments, debris, or displaced guide components before closing any access panel
- Check the output tray fill level and stack condition. If the tray is at or near capacity, or the stack shows an uneven or leaning condition, this may be a contributing or sole cause (Category 5) — empty the tray and confirm the tray mechanism (if it is a moving/elevating tray) operates correctly before proceeding to further diagnosis
Step 2 — Review Service History and Establish the Duplex/Simplex and Media Correlation
Given the number of distinct root cause categories for 32-05, establishing the correlation pattern from the error history and job context is the most efficient path to the correct diagnostic step.
- Access the Error History log in Service Mode and review the last 20–50 events, specifically noting whether each 32-05 event is associated with a duplex or simplex job where this information is available in the log or from customer report:
- 32-05 correlates specifically with duplex jobs, or specifically with the second-side pass of duplex jobs: Category 1 (switchback gate). Proceed to Step 4
- 32-05 fires on both duplex and simplex jobs with no distinguishing pattern: Category 2 (exit roller wear), Category 5 (output tray condition), or Category 6 (sensor). Check output tray condition first (already done in Step 1), then proceed to Step 3
- 32-05 correlates with specific media types (heavy stock, coated paper, high-coverage full-color jobs): Category 3 (paper curl). Proceed to Step 5
- 32-05 appeared immediately after clearing a previous exit-section or fuser-section jam: Category 4 (fragment obstruction). Proceed immediately to Step 6
- 32-05 with no paper found, sensor reads OFF despite apparent successful transport: Category 6 (sensor). Proceed to Step 7
- Check the service log for recent maintenance in the fuser or exit area: fuser unit replacement, exit roller replacement, duplex unit service, or output tray mechanism repair. A 32-05 that appeared following any of these interventions suggests a component not fully reseated or a guide/gate not correctly repositioned after the service
- Check the total copy counter and the duplex-specific page counter (where available in Service Mode) against the exit roller and duplex mechanism PM intervals in the model SM. High-duplex-usage machines wear the switchback gate mechanism and duplex-path rollers faster than machines running predominantly simplex jobs
- Confirm with the customer whether any recent change in paper stock, print job type (e.g., a new high-coverage color template), or environmental conditions (a recent change in room humidity, such as a new HVAC season) preceded the onset of 32-05. This context, combined with the duplex/simplex correlation, typically narrows the diagnosis to one category before any physical component inspection begins
Step 3 — Inspect Exit Transport Rollers
For Position A stops occurring on both duplex and simplex jobs without strong curl correlation, the exit transport rollers between the fuser exit sensor and the output/exit sensor are the primary suspect. These rollers are subject to accelerated wear relative to upstream transport rollers due to their proximity to the fuser and potential exposure to fuser oil residue or toner offset.
- With the machine powered off and the exit section access open, locate the exit transport roller pair(s) between the fuser exit and the output/exit sensor. Depending on the model, this may be a single roller pair or a short series of two to three pairs
- Inspect each driven roller surface:
- Matte, textured, slightly resilient surface indicates good condition. Shiny, smooth, hard surface indicates glazing — replace
- Check specifically for a glossy or waxy residue on the roller surface, distinct from ordinary paper dust — this can indicate fuser oil or toner offset transfer from the fuser section. A roller with this type of residue has reduced friction and may also be depositing the residue back onto subsequent sheets, creating a print quality symptom alongside the jam. Clean with a lint-free cloth dampened with water; if a waxy residue does not clean off with water, do not attempt aggressive solvent cleaning on the rubber roller — replace the roller instead, as solvents can further degrade the rubber compound
- Check for uneven wear patterns that might indicate consistent paper skew entering the exit zone from an upstream cause — though this points to an upstream investigation only if the pattern is severe and recent
- Inspect each pinch/idler roller and its spring mechanism for the same fatigue and free-rotation criteria established in earlier articles in this series (see the VT roller inspection procedure in the 20-01 article for the detailed method) — push and release to check spring return force, spin to check free rotation, inspect mounting bracket for damage or displacement
- Check for paper fragments in the roller nips using a side-angle flashlight inspection, as described in prior articles — a narrow fragment in an exit roller nip produces the same consistent stall pattern here as anywhere else in the paper path
- If roller glazing, contamination, or fatigue is confirmed, replace the affected roller pairs as matched sets. After replacement, run a 20-sheet test covering both simplex and duplex jobs (if the model supports duplex) to confirm 32-05 does not recur on either job type
Step 4 — Inspect the Duplex Switchback Gate
For 32-05 correlating specifically with duplex jobs, or for Position B stops at the gate location, the duplex switchback gate mechanism is the primary diagnostic focus. This component has no equivalent in the earlier codes covered in this series and requires understanding its dual-position function.
- Locate the duplex switchback gate per the model SM — typically positioned at the point where the exit path branches toward either the output tray (straight-through) or the duplex reversal unit (redirected). The gate is a pivoting flapper, typically plastic, actuated by a solenoid or a small motor-driven cam
- With the machine powered off, manually move the gate through its full range of motion by hand (where accessible without force) and observe:
- The gate should move freely between its two positions with no binding, and should have a positive, definite stop at each end of its travel
- Check the gate’s return spring (if the gate is spring-loaded to a default position with actuator-driven movement to the alternate position) for fatigue — a weak return spring may allow the gate to drift from its intended position under the force of paper contact during transport, especially on stiffer media
- Inspect the gate surface for damage — a chipped or cracked gate edge can catch paper leading edges even when the gate is in the mechanically correct position
- In Service Mode, navigate to the duplex gate actuator check (solenoid or motor-driven cam, per the SM check code for the model). Command the gate to each position and verify:
- The actuator completes its full travel to each commanded position. A solenoid that only partially pulls in, or a cam motor that stalls before reaching the full commanded position, leaves the gate in an intermediate position that does not correctly direct paper to either path
- Listen for the actuator’s mechanical sound (solenoid click, or motor-and-cam movement) and confirm it is consistent and complete on each command — an inconsistent or partial sound on some commands but not others indicates an intermittent actuator fault that would explain intermittent 32-05 on duplex jobs specifically
- Verify the gate position sensor, where the model is equipped with one (some models include a dedicated sensor confirming gate position rather than relying solely on commanded actuator state). A gate position sensor that reports incorrect state can cause the engine board to believe the gate is correctly positioned for the current job stage when it is not — the board proceeds with the paper feed assuming correct gate position, and the paper is misdirected. Verify this sensor’s state against the gate’s actual physical position by direct observation while commanding gate movement in Service Mode
- If actuator failure (solenoid or motor) is confirmed — does not complete full travel, or is inconsistent across repeated commands — replace the actuator per the SM. If the gate itself is damaged (cracked, chipped edge, worn pivot point causing looseness) replace the gate assembly. After any gate or actuator replacement, run a test job specifically including a duplex job with several pages to confirm correct gate operation through a full duplex cycle (both the initial redirect to the duplex path and the subsequent redirect to the output tray on the second-side pass) before returning the machine to service
Step 5 — Evaluate Paper Curl and Media Condition
When 32-05 correlates with specific media types, high-coverage print jobs, or duplex second-side passes, post-fuser paper curl exceeding the exit path’s tolerance is the primary suspect. This category requires no hardware replacement in most cases — media handling and machine settings adjustments resolve it.
- Recover a sheet of paper from a 32-05 jam clearing event (if available) or reproduce the fault and inspect the resulting jammed sheet for curl. Place the sheet on a flat surface and measure the curl at the corners — corners lifting more than 15–20mm from the surface indicate curl likely to cause exit path deflection
- Determine the curl direction. Curl that causes the leading edge to press downward (toward the lower exit guide) or upward (toward the upper exit guide) determines which guide surface the paper is deflecting against — this identifies which side of the exit path guide to inspect for excessive wear or an incorrect angle that would exacerbate the curl-induced deflection
- Check whether the affected jobs share common characteristics:
- High toner coverage full-color jobs: Heavier toner deposit on the page increases post-fuser curl because the fused toner layer itself has different thermal expansion characteristics than the paper, and a heavier deposit means more of this effect. If 32-05 correlates with high-coverage jobs specifically, this is confirmed as the mechanism
- Heavy or coated stock: These paper types are more prone to curl from fuser heat due to their construction (coating layers respond differently to heat than the base paper) or their thickness (thicker stock retains heat differently through its cross-section, creating more pronounced curl)
- Duplex second-side passes: Paper on its second pass through the fuser has already experienced one heating and pressure cycle and re-enters with residual characteristics from that cycle, compounding with the new curl introduced by the second pass
- Low ambient humidity: Paper with lower moisture content is generally more prone to curling under fuser heat because there is less moisture to buffer the thermal and pressure effects on the paper fibers
- Check whether the model provides a curl correction setting in Service Mode or the print driver for the affected media type or job profile. Many bizhub models include a curl correction mode (sometimes called anti-curl or decurl mode) that adjusts fuser exit guide position, fuser temperature profile, or exit transport speed specifically to counteract expected curl for certain media settings. Enable and configure this setting for the media type or job profile correlating with 32-05
- Where a curl correction mechanism exists as a physical adjustable component (some models have a manually adjustable decurl bar or roller at the fuser exit), verify its setting matches the media type in use per the SM’s media-specific setting table. An adjustable decurl mechanism set incorrectly for the media in use will not provide the correction needed and can, in some misadjusted positions, exacerbate rather than reduce curl
- Advise the customer on media storage and handling practices that reduce curl susceptibility: storing paper in its sealed packaging until needed, avoiding storage near heat sources or in low-humidity areas, and for severely curl-prone jobs, considering a lower toner coverage design or a heavier paper stock less prone to curling for that specific application
- Run a test print using the affected media and job profile with any adjusted settings (curl correction mode, verified decurl mechanism setting) applied. Confirm 32-05 does not recur across a 20-sheet test run before considering the repair complete
Step 6 — Inspect for Fragments and Verify the Output Tray Entry Guide
For 32-05 appearing immediately after a previous jam clearing event, or for Position B stops at the output tray entry (on simplex jobs, without switchback gate involvement), fragment obstruction and output tray entry guide condition are the diagnostic focus.
- With the exit section access open, systematically inspect the entire exit transport path — from the fuser exit sensor location through to the output tray entry — with a flashlight directed at multiple angles into each roller nip and along each guide surface. Pay particular attention to the zone immediately downstream of where any previous jam was reported to have stopped
- Remove any fragment found using non-metallic tweezers. Check for secondary smaller fragments that may be nested behind or beneath a primary fragment once it is removed
- Inspect the output tray entry guide — the final guide surface directing paper from the exit transport into the stacking position in the output tray:
- Confirm the guide is correctly seated with no displacement, and that its surface presents no raised edge or step that could catch a paper leading edge, particularly a curled leading edge that is already pressing against the guide surface with more force than a flat sheet would
- Clean the guide surface of any paper dust or toner accumulation that could increase friction against the incoming paper
- On models with a moving or elevating output tray (trays that lower as the stack height increases, to maintain a consistent entry height), verify the tray elevator mechanism operates correctly and the tray is not stuck at an incorrect height that creates an entry angle mismatch with the exit guide
- Check the output tray full sensor (where fitted) is functioning correctly and not falsely indicating a full condition when the tray has capacity remaining. A falsely-triggered tray-full condition can cause the engine board to hold paper in the exit zone awaiting tray space that is, in reality, available — producing a 32-05-like symptom that is actually a tray-full logic fault rather than a genuine transport failure. Verify the tray full sensor state in Service Mode against the actual tray fill level
- After clearing fragments and confirming guide and tray conditions, run a 10-sheet test to the output tray. If 32-05 does not recur, the fragment or guide condition was the cause
Step 7 — Verify the Output/Exit Sensor in Service Mode
For Position C stops, sensor verification confirms or excludes PS_EX / PS_OUT failure as the cause. This sensor is subject to a higher rate of fuser-adjacent contamination than sensors earlier in the paper path.
- Enter Service Mode and navigate to the I/O check for the exit section. Locate the output/exit sensor (confirm designation in the model-specific SM). Verify current state with the exit path confirmed clear:
- OFF with path clear: sensor reading correctly. If 32-05 was reported but the sensor now correctly reads OFF, the original fault may have been a genuine transport stall (already resolved by paper removal) — return to Position A or B diagnosis if not already completed
- ON with path clear: sensor stuck ON. Investigate contamination, actuator jam, or electrical failure per the method below
- Inspect the sensor window for contamination. The output/exit sensor, being close to the fuser, is exposed to fine paper fiber debris and potential fuser oil vapor deposit at a higher rate than upstream sensors. Clean with a dry lint-free cloth
- Manually insert paper into the sensor’s detection zone and verify it triggers to ON, then remove and verify it returns to OFF — the two-way test
- Reseat the sensor harness connector at the controlling board
- Replace the sensor if it remains stuck in either state after cleaning and connector reseating, or if the two-way test shows only one-directional function
Quick Reference — Troubleshooting by Symptom
| Symptom | Pattern | Most Likely Cause | First Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32-05 only on duplex jobs, or specifically on the second-side pass transition | A or B at gate | Duplex switchback gate mis-position — actuator not completing full travel, or gate return spring fatigued | Manually cycle gate through full range by hand with power off; command gate actuator in Service Mode and verify full travel and consistent operation on repeated commands; replace actuator or gate assembly if travel is incomplete or inconsistent |
| 32-05 on both duplex and simplex jobs; no media-specific pattern | A | Exit transport roller glazing or contamination (fuser oil / toner offset residue), or output tray condition | Check output tray fill level and stack condition first; inspect exit roller surfaces for glazing or waxy residue; clean or replace rollers as matched sets |
| 32-05 correlated with heavy stock, coated paper, or high-toner-coverage color jobs | A | Post-fuser paper curl exceeding exit path tolerance — thermally-induced curl deflecting paper off the intended guide path | Inspect curl on recovered jammed sheet; enable curl correction mode in Service Mode for the media profile if available; verify physical decurl mechanism setting matches media type; advise on media storage practices |
| 32-05 consistently on duplex second-side passes specifically | A (curl, compounding) | Compounded curl from two fuser passes — paper curl from first side is not fully relaxed before second-side fusing adds further curl | Same as curl correction above; also verify fuser temperature is not set higher than necessary for the media weight, as excess temperature increases curl on both passes |
| 32-05 appeared immediately after clearing a previous exit-section or fuser jam | A or B | Paper fragment lodged in the exit transport zone from the previous jam clearing event | Inspect entire exit path with flashlight at multiple angles, especially just downstream of the previous jam location; remove fragments with non-metallic tweezers; run 10-page test before closing panels |
| 32-05 with paper folded at the output tray entry; simplex job, no switchback gate involvement | B | Output tray entry guide displaced or obstructed, or output tray at or near capacity creating back-pressure | Empty output tray and confirm tray elevator (if fitted) operates correctly; inspect and reseat output tray entry guide; clean guide surface; verify tray-full sensor is not falsely triggering |
| 32-05 with no paper found; output/exit sensor reads OFF in Service Mode with path clear and does not trigger on manual paper insertion | C | Output/exit sensor (PS_EX / PS_OUT) contamination or electrical failure — likely fuser-adjacent debris or oil residue on sensor window | Clean sensor window with dry lint-free cloth; reseat sensor harness connector; verify two-way trigger response in Service Mode; replace sensor if it remains non-responsive after cleaning |
| 32-05 intermittent on duplex jobs — fires roughly 1 in 20–50 duplex jobs, no consistent page position within the job | A or B at gate | Duplex switchback gate actuator with intermittent partial engagement — inconsistent travel on repeated commands | Command gate actuator repeatedly in Service Mode and observe for inconsistent travel or sound; replace actuator if any commanded cycle fails to complete full travel |
| 32-05 with a glossy or waxy residue visible on exit rollers, possibly accompanied by print quality defects (offset marks, gloss streaks) | A | Fuser oil or toner offset contaminating exit rollers, reducing roller friction and simultaneously producing a print quality symptom | Clean rollers with water-dampened lint-free cloth; if residue persists after cleaning, inspect fuser unit for oil/offset source and address per fuser section service procedures; replace exit rollers if contamination has degraded the rubber surface |
| 32-05 with the output tray showing a leaning or uneven paper stack | B or back-pressure | Uneven output stack (mixed paper sizes, or tray not level) creating resistance at the tray entry that back-pressures the exit transport | Empty and square the output tray stack; verify tray is not overloaded; check for any mechanical tray-level issue; retest with an empty tray |
Understanding the 32-xx Paper Exit Section Jam Code Family
Jam Code 32-05 belongs to the 32-xx paper exit section code family — covering the transport zone from the fuser exit to the machine’s paper exit point. The suffix logic in this family reflects two sequential checkpoints rather than the single-checkpoint pattern seen in feed-path families:
- 32-01 — Paper exit section primary misfeed — paper did not reach the fuser exit sensor at all. This is the first checkpoint failure, closest to the fuser nip itself. Investigate fuser exit claws, immediate fuser exit rollers, and — if the fuser nip itself did not release the paper — fuser unit condition. This is the only 32-xx code where fuser-internal components are a legitimate suspect
- 32-02 — Paper exit section late arrival — paper reached the output/exit sensor but outside the timing window, a delayed-but-completed transport rather than a stall. Investigate exit roller speed consistency and guide friction that slows but does not stop transport
- 32-04 — Paper exit section clearance failure — paper reached the output/exit sensor (triggered ON) but the sensor was not unblocked within the timing window — the paper stalled at or just past the sensor rather than continuing to full exit. Investigate output tray entry conditions and any obstruction immediately downstream of the sensor
- 32-05 — Paper exit section secondary misfeed — paper was confirmed at the fuser exit sensor (first checkpoint successful) but did not reach the output/exit sensor (second checkpoint) within the timing window. The fault is specifically in the transport zone between the two checkpoints. Investigate exit transport rollers, duplex switchback gate position, paper curl, fragment obstruction, and output/exit sensor condition. This article
The two-checkpoint structure of the 32-xx family (fuser exit sensor, then output/exit sensor) reflects the practical reality that the exit section is long enough and mechanically complex enough on many bizhub models — particularly those with internal duplex or finisher connectivity — to warrant an intermediate confirmation point rather than a single end-to-end timing window. This gives 32-01 and 32-05 distinct, non-overlapping fault zones: 32-01 is entirely about the fuser nip and immediate exit; 32-05 is entirely about the downstream transport, gate, and final approach to the output tray or finisher.
Preventing Jam Code 32-05 From Recurring
- Cycle the duplex switchback gate through Service Mode at every PM on duplex-capable machines with meaningful duplex print volume. The gate actuator is a moving mechanical component subject to wear like any other, but it does not receive the same routine attention as rollers because it is not a consumable in most PM parts kits. Commanding the gate through several full cycles at each PM and listening/observing for consistent, complete travel identifies actuator degradation before it produces customer-visible 32-05. This takes under a minute and requires no parts unless a fault is found
- Include exit transport roller inspection in the PM checklist, checking specifically for fuser oil or toner offset residue in addition to standard glazing. Exit rollers face a contamination risk that upstream VT rollers do not — proximity to the fuser means possible oil or offset transfer. A cleaning and inspection step that specifically looks for this glossy/waxy residue, distinct from ordinary paper dust glazing, catches a fuser-related contamination source before it degrades exit roller performance and before it becomes a print quality complaint as well as a jam complaint
- Establish curl correction settings proactively for known heavy-coverage or heavy-stock job profiles, rather than waiting for 32-05 to appear. On machines running regular high-coverage color jobs or heavy/coated stock, configure the appropriate curl correction or decurl settings at setup time based on the paper and job profile, rather than reactively after the first jam. This is a zero-cost, zero-parts preventive action that eliminates Category 3 as a source of customer-reported jams entirely on machines where the print job characteristics are known in advance
- Clean the output/exit sensor at every PM as part of the standard sensor cleaning routine, treating it with the same priority as feed-path sensors. Because this sensor is easy to overlook (it is not typically the first sensor associated with “jam problems” in a technician’s mental model, compared to feed and registration sensors), it can be missed in a PM sensor-cleaning pass that focuses on the more commonly discussed upstream sensors. Explicitly including PS_EX / PS_OUT in the PM checklist prevents this oversight
- Train operators on correct output tray loading and capacity limits, and on promptly clearing full trays during high-volume jobs. Output tray back-pressure as a contributing cause to exit-section jams is entirely preventable through operator awareness. A simple instruction — do not allow the output tray to reach visible capacity before emptying, especially during long unattended print runs — prevents Category 5 from contributing to 32-05 frequency
- On machines with a connected finisher, inspect the finisher interface transport and its handoff sensors at every PM, in coordination with the finisher’s own PM schedule. While faults beyond the finisher interface handoff are covered under finisher-specific jam codes, the base machine’s exit section — including the output/exit sensor and the final approach to the finisher interface — remains within 32-xx scope and should be inspected as part of the base machine PM regardless of whether the finisher itself is serviced on the same visit
Professional Technician Summary
Jam Code 32-05 is the paper exit section secondary misfeed — paper was confirmed clearing the fuser exit sensor but failed to reach the output/exit sensor within the timing window. Everything upstream of the fuser exit, including the fuser nip itself, is confirmed functional by the fuser exit sensor triggering. The fault zone is specifically the transport path between the fuser exit and the final exit confirmation point — a zone that, on duplex-capable and finisher-connected models, includes mechanically distinct components not found anywhere else in the bizhub paper path.
The first diagnostic question on any duplex-capable model is whether 32-05 correlates with duplex jobs. If it does, the duplex switchback gate is the primary suspect before any other component is considered — a gate that does not complete full travel, or that drifts from its commanded position under paper contact force, misdirects paper into a path it cannot navigate. Cycling the gate in Service Mode and observing its full range of motion and consistency across repeated commands is a fast, no-parts-required diagnostic that resolves the majority of duplex-specific 32-05 calls.
Paper curl is a larger factor in 32-05 than in any earlier code in this series, because the exit section is the first and only zone handling paper immediately after fusing. A 32-05 correlating with heavy stock, high-toner-coverage color jobs, or duplex second-side passes should be evaluated for curl before any roller or sensor is replaced — curl correction settings, available on most models in Service Mode or the print driver, resolve this category without hardware intervention.
Exit transport rollers face a unique contamination risk from fuser oil and toner offset that upstream rollers do not. A glossy or waxy roller surface, distinct from ordinary paper dust glazing, points to this fuser-adjacent contamination source and may be accompanied by print quality symptoms (offset marks, gloss streaking) that confirm the same root cause is affecting both jam frequency and output quality.
Output tray condition is a fast, free check that should never be skipped. A full or unevenly-stacked output tray can create enough back-pressure to produce 32-05 symptoms without any component fault at all. Checking and correcting tray condition costs nothing and should be confirmed before any hardware component in the exit section is inspected or replaced.