The toner cartridge is leaking

Issue description

When a toner cartridge is leaking, it typically causes one of two print quality problems:

• There is a solid vertical line going down the front and possibly the back of the page.
  
• Part or all of the page is covered in toner.
  
  

Solution

Check the toner cartridge

1. Power off the printer.



2. Open the lower and upper front covers and remove the toner cartridge.

   


3. Hold the toner cart ridge over a sheet of paper or over a wastepaper basket to collect any loose toner.

   
   CAUTION—POTENTIAL INJURY:  Exercise care when handling a leaking toner cartridge. If any of the toner comes in contact with your clothing, the best way to remove it is to wash it off with cool or cold water. Do not try to scrub the toner out.



4. Flip the toner cartridge upside down. On the underside of the cartridge, you will see a blue or green roller. Check to see if there are streaks or large blotches of toner on this roller. If there are, the cartridge is probably leaking and needs to be replaced as soon as possible to prevent any damage from occurring to the printer.

   The picture on the left shows the roller as it should look when the cartridge is working properly. The picture on the right shows a leaking toner cartridge. Note the toner covering the surface of the roller in this picture.

   

   For larger versions of these images, click here.

Examine the inside of the printer

If the toner cartridge is leaking, examine the inside of the printer. It may need to be cleaned.

With the toner cartridge removed, look into the bottom of the printer, below the area where the cartridge was sitting. Look for any toner in the bottom area of the printer. If there is a large amount of toner present, perform the following actions:

1. Clean out the inside of the printer with a clean, dry cloth that can be disposed of. A paper towel can be used but is not as effective. You can also use the type of small vacuum cleaners used to clean electronic assemblies.

   Note:  If there are large piles or puddles of toner lying inside the printer, it might be better to seek repair service on the printer. This will ensure that the printer still works properly and will reduce the risk of any further damage occurring to it. For more information on arranging repair service, please contact Lexmark Technical Support or an authorized service center.



2. Check the condition of the transfer roller. The transfer roller is a black, spongy roller located in the bottom of the printer. Its location is highlighted by a yellow rectangle in the following image.

   

   For a larger version of this image, click here.



3. If the transfer roller is covered with toner, clean it off lightly with a dry cloth that can be disposed of. Make sure to rotate the transfer roller and clean off the entire surface.

Try another toner cartridge

1. Once you have performed all of the above actions, install a new toner cartridge into the printer. If a new toner cartridge is unavailable, try one of the following alternative suggestions:

   • If you had just installed the toner cartridge that is leaking, reinstall the toner cartridge you removed when you installed the leaking one (if possible).
   • Install a working toner cartridge from another Lexmark printer of the same model.


2. Power the printer back on.



3. Try printing again. Print 10 to 20 pages to see if the print quality issue is resolved.

   • If a different toner cartridge corrects the issue, the printer should be fine but continue to observe it over the next few days to see if the issue returns.
   • If the issue continues to occur or returns wh en a different toner cartridge is used, the printer will probably require service to correct the issue. For more information on arranging repair service, please contact Lexmark Technical Support or an authorized service center.

About the use of refilled or refurbished cartridges

Refilling the toner cartridge can cause damage to the cartridge, which can cause it to leak toner. Warranty service does not include repair of failures caused by modification, refurbishment, refilling or remanufacture of supplies by a third party or materials (such as toners and inks) not furnished by Lexmark.

If the cartridge has been refilled or reworked, contact the place where it was refilled to have it replaced.

Is the leaking cartridge eligible for replacement?

If this is an original Lexmark toner cartridge and it is relatively new or unused, it may be eligible for replacement. Contact the point of purchase first as they may have a replacement policy. If the cartridge was purchased directly from Lexmark, contact Lexmark using the phone number or address you used to order the cartridge.

If the point of purchase cannot assist you or if you cannot remember or locate the number you used to contact Lexmark to order the cartridge, contact Lexmark Technical Support. A representative there may be able to provide more assistance. IMPORTANT! Lexmark does not replace or provide warranty on toner cartridges manufactured by a third party or cartridges that have been refilled or reworked. If a third-party cartridge is causing this issue, contact the point of purchase to have the cartridge replaced.