How to Interpret a 'Toner Low' Message on a Lexmark Color Printer

Background

Lexmark color laser printers include a Toner Low warning system to inform the user that a replacement toner cartridge will soon be required. The printer has detected that the toner supply in the specified cartridge is low but not completely empty. As long as the print quality is acceptable, the toner does not have to be replaced immediately.

However, Lexmark does not claim a specific toner low warning quantity or percentage on any laser products. The number of pages that can be printed with acceptable quality after a Toner Low message can vary greatly in terms of media size, print quality, environment, or application settings.

For more information about the standards that Lexmark follows to measure the yield variability of its toners, please see the discussion on ISO Page Yields.

What to Do

When you receive a Toner Low message (or faded print); you should immediately order a new cartridge to have in stock. There is no need to replace the toner at this point. In addition, perform the following steps:

Step	Action
1	Remove the toner cartridge from the printer.
2	Firmly and carefully shake the toner cartridge from side to side and from front to back several times. This will redistribute the toner.
3	Reinsert the toner cartridge and continue printing. You may need to press the Go button or the mark to be able to continue printing.
4	If the Toner Low message remains, or if the print in that color continues to fade, replace the cartridge as soon as practically possible.