Defective Cartridge error

What you will see

The printer stops printing and displays a 'Defective Cartridge' message. A 31.xx numeric error (where 'x' can be any number) normally accompanies this message; i.e., 31.01, 31.02, 31.05, etc.

Cleaning the cartridge contacts

First try cleaning the contacts on the toner cartridge. Dust on the contacts from either toner or paper can cause a poor connection with the printer and result in a Defective Cartridge error. Follow the steps below.

Step	Action	Image
1	Power off the printer.	No image.
2	Open the upper front cover.
3	Remove the toner cartridge.
4	Look for a small, green circuit board on the left-hand side of the cartridge. Check it for any damage. If damaged, the toner cartridge likely will need to be replaced.	Click here to view a larger picture.
5	If the board is undamaged, locate the contact plates on the board. They should look like two or four gold squares. Use a lint-free, dry cloth to carefully clean off the contacts.	Click here to view a larger picture.
6	Once the contacts are clean, reinsert the toner cartridge.	No image.
7	Close the upper front cover and power on the printer. Does the Defective Cartridge message appear? No: Try printing again. If the printer now performs properly, cleaning the contacts likely corrected the issue. Monitor the printer for the next few days to see if the error message returns. Yes: If the Defective Cartridge message returns on power up or when printing, continue with the suggestions below.

If the error message continues

- Check the set of contacts inside the printer (click here for picture). Confirm that there are no small pieces of paper or other obstructions here. Remove any obstructions that you find.

- Confirm that you are using an original Lexmark brand toner cartridge. A third-party cartridge may not be compatible with the printer. If a third-party cartridge is installed, try an original Lexmark cartridge. NOTE: If this corrects the issue, you will need to contact the point of purchase for questions about, or replacement of, the cartridge

- Confirm that this toner cartridge has not been refilled or reworked. If it has, try an original Lexmark cartridge. A refilled toner cartridge can trigger this error. If replacement corrects the issue, contact the place where the other cartridge was refilled to have it replaced.

- If the error began as soon as the toner cartridge was installed, or shortly after, then the cartridge may be broken. Follow the steps below to check.

Power off the printer.

If you just installed this toner cartridge, reinstall the previous cartridge. NOTE: If that cartridge is unavailable, try installing another new toner cartridge or borrow one from another printer of the same model.

Power on the printer again after Step 2.

If the Defective Cartridge error disappears, the problem probably lies with the toner cartridge.

Step	Action
1	Begin by powering off the printer. In addition, unplug the printer from the wall outlet.
2	Remove the leaking toner cartridge installed and discard it. IMPORTANT! If you plan to seek a warranty replacement for the leaking cartridge, hold onto it. The cartridge may need to be returned to get credit for a replacement cartridge. For information on how to seek a warranty replacement of a toner cartridge, contact Lexmark Technical Support. Be aware that third-party toner cartridges and Lexmark brand cartridges refilled by another company are not covered by Lexmark's warranty and will not be replaced.
3	Using a dry, lint-free cloth, clean out as much of the loose toner as possible. IMPORTANT! If possible, remove the transfer roller and clean it. In addition, check the housing underneath the transfer roller. Toner can accumulate in this area.
4	Next, try cleaning the cartridge ID contacts inside the printer. The contacts are located along the left-hand side of the printer, in the area where the toner cartridge is installed. Click here to view picture. The best way to clean the contacts would be with a dry cloth, a wet wipe with isopropyl alcohol, or a cotton swap with isopropyl alcohol on it. NOTE: If you use a cotton swab, use caution not to leave any loose cotton strings stuck on the contacts or the contact board.
5	If you have access to a small toner vacuum, try to vacuum as much of the toner out as you can. If possible, remove the transfer roller and check the area underneath for toner. IMPORTANT! Use a vacuum equipped with a HEPA or similar type of filter to prevent any airborne contamination.
6	Once you have removed as much of the toner as you can, reinstall the transfer roller (if you removed it). Install a different/new toner cartridge.
7	Plug the printer in the wall outlet, and then power it back on. Confirm that the printer powers up to the 'ready' status.
8	Try printing again. If the printer works correctly and the quality of the print is good, continue using the printer. Pay close attention to the printer over the next few days to see if any issues occur. If the Defective Cartridge error returns, or if any new problems occur, please contact Lexmark Technical Support for additional suggestions.

LEGACY ID: SO5247

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Defective Cartridge error

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