How To Fix Common Toner Cartridge Problems

Just bought a new toner cartridge but can’t get your laser printer working? Don’t worry, with our help you’ll be able to diagnose the problem and find a solution. Here’s some potential toner cartridge problems you may be encountering:

Unable to install or remove toner cartridge

 

Is your toner cartridge stuck, hasn’t been correctly inserted or causing your printer to cover to remain ajar? This may be due to a few causes such as using the wrong cartridge model. There’s a few things you can do to fix this issue:

  • Ensure your printer is always switched off before changing a toner cartridge, and let it cool down before touching the internal parts.
  • When pulling out the old cartridge, grasp onto the drum unit handle and pull it out in one go with the cartridge. You may need to turn a switch, lever or button before doing so. 
  • Check that you’re using the correct toner cartridge for your printer model.
  • Install your new cartridge by lining up with the drum uni, and press it into place, you should hear a click. 
  • Slide the drum unit and toner cartridge into place.
  • Close the door/cover and switch on your printer. It should be ready for use. 

Blurring, streaking or banding on prints 

 

If you’re experiencing flaws on your printing such as spots, lines or smearing, this can be attributed to various different factors we’ve listed below. 

  • Blank spots – this could be due to a cartridge defect or a broken transfer roller. You can try to replace the cartridge and if blanks are still apparent, get a new transfer roller. 
  • Faded prints – this is normally an indication that your cartridge is running out of toner, otherwise, it may be that your laser mirror needs cleaning, your transfer roller needs replaced. 
  • Smudges – try fixing smudged printing by printing various blank pages.
  • Distorted/stretched printing – there may be an issue with either the engine controller board, laser scanner or the cables connected to the controller board. If the problem is recurring, you may need to pay for replacements of one of these parts. 
  • Lines on the page – this is a sign of either a faulty cartridge, or an internal component that needs replacement or cleaning. 

Installation error message

 

If you receive an error message when installing a new cartridge, try resetting it by:

  • Removing the toner cartridge while the printer is on. 
  • Turn off the printer and disconnect it from the wall.
  • While the printer is still off, install the cartridge again.
  • Wait approximately 10 minutes before plugging into the power source.

Black and white printing with traces of colour 

 

This may be indicating a colour leak and will require you to remove the current cartridge and replace with a new one. 

 

Reach out to the printer consumables expert

 

At Toner City, we are the experts on all sorts of printer consumables. If you’re still having issues with installing your toner cartridge, get in touch with our team and we can help you find a solution. 

Looking for how to troubleshoot ink cartridge problems? Or having other issues with a new cartridge installation? We’ve got the solutions for you in our blogs.