Lexmark Optra LX+
Hello. I have a rather old workhorse. Optra Lx+, I forget the similar IBM model number. My problem is this: I have owned this printer maybe 14 years. Works great. I put a toner cart in storage, not hot, cold, humid, etc.. In it’s original packaging. Model 1382150 OEM cart. That was in storage for 5 years. My old cart was giving out, showing black blotches along the edges, and sometimes looked like a double transfer.
Experienced technical support provide their insights in answering this question :
What mostly goes bad in toner cartridges is the drum wiper blade. They deteriorate in new sealed cartridges. Toner caking up, not so much.
How to Identify and Fix Common printer Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced technical support :
Make sure that both your computer and your Lexmark printer are connected to your network. Restart your printer. In some cases, a simple restart can fix the issue. Unplug the printer and check if there is any paper stuck in the machine, and if the toner is installed correctly.
Ways to check if Black Only is enabled
Navigate to Settings > Print > Quality > Print Mode and check whether it is set to “Black and White” then change it to “Color”. Navigate to Settings > Device > Maintenance > Configuration Menu > Print Configuration > Black Only Mode. Make sure this option is unchecked.
1. Check the toner darkness settings. Sometimes light print can be remedied by simply changing the toner darkness setting in the printer. To change the setting, go to MENU>>SETTINGS>>QUALITY MENU>>TONER DARKNESS.
Among the more common technical issues that may bring down a printer are disconnected cables, malfunctioning routers, and low ink levels. Moreover, software problems such as interrupted connections or incorrect settings in your system`s drivers can also cause your printer to show up as offline.
First, check your printer settings on the file or picture your trying to print. If your page is setup to print in “grayscale” it will only print in black and white. Change the setting to “default” so it will print in color. If your settings look good from the start, the cartridge may just need to be primed.
The easiest remedy for this is to open the box and stand the cartridge upside down for a few minutes before using. Next, get a damp paper towel, fold it into quarters and the set cartridge print head down onto it, holding it there for three minutes. This will help to prime the print head and pull the ink out.
Hold the button until you get the self-test page on the printer display. After that users need to access the diagnostics mode and choose the maintenance count option. After that select the reset option. This will reset the ink level automatically and you didn`t get the low ink or chip reset errors anymore.
Navigate to the Maintenance Page Count menu item using the arrow or the Select button. Navigate to the Reset menu option and then press Select. Press the Return button to come out of the diagnostic mode. Now your toner cartridge chip is reset and you can resume a normal printing operation.
Place the smart chip against the pins on the reset device. A red light will flash to show you that the chip is engaged. When the light turns green, usually six or seven seconds later, the cartridge chip is reset and ready to use.
Check the ink levels
Sometimes, the printer may not print black ink because it is low or empty. You can check the ink levels on the printer`s display, or by using the software that came with your printer. If the ink level is low, replace the cartridge or refill it according to the manufacturer`s instructions.
Ink cartridges that have been sitting idle in your machine for more than a couple weeks will eventually dry out. You might be able to bring them back to life by running a cleaning on your machine, but if the pattern continues, you will eventually be placing an order for a set of replacement cartridges.
Most printers will stop working when they`re out of paper, ink or toner, or if the unit detects an issue with the ink or toner cartridge. When this occurs, you might receive an error message or notice blinking green or amber lights on your printer.
Primary causes include grime, dust, worn rollers, or incorrect paper weight.
Cartridge or Toner Issues Low, empty or malfunctioning toner cartridges can cause issues within your copy machine. If toner or cartridges are low or empty, replacing them should resolve the problem.
Select Start > Settings . Go to Devices > Printers & scanners > select a printer > Manage.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Brother toner cartridge low toner override
ANSWER : Thank you. You are a genius. Of course this is not a substitute for cartridge replacement but it is great for extending the life of the color cartridges and allowing you to continue to print until you can get new cartridges.
Toner not transferring
ANSWER : What mostly goes bad in toner cartridges is the drum wiper blade. They deteriorate in new sealed cartridges. Toner caking up, not so much.
Brother toner cartridge low toner override
ANSWER : follow these steps:
Expired Toner and Suggestions for Source of Toner
ANSWER : Hi Frank, I had a very similar question two weeks ago, but my “old beloved workhorse” is an HP Laserjet 4L. From the good old days! I too had made bad investments in “new but old truly HP” toner cartridges, hoping to coax more life from my printer. I ended up choosing to try a remanufactured cartridge from www.4inkjets.com. It was a gamble, but the website said they had a 100% satisfaction guarantee. And I can tell you they have lighting fast service. I’ve now printed 50 pages without a flaw. JOY! While the cartridges and technology are different, I suggest you try the same place. And good luck!
toner loose
ANSWER : That would indicate the fuser is not getting hot. Of course, that should cause an error and shut down the printer. Could be a piece of paper wrapped around the heat roller preventing the transfer of heat to the printed sheet.
toner cartrigdes and drums
ANSWER : You can, but there are good knock-offs and bad ones. I’ve run into ones that come totally empty. Ones that don’t have the chips installed that identify themselves to the printer. Ones that have sat on a shelf for years and fail on installation. I could go on, but I’m sure you get the idea. I use http://directpreciseimaging.com/ Mostly because I set him up in business and he’s local to me. I have very few problems with his products.
Toner cartridge full, printer displays: "empty needs replacing"
ANSWER : I once went to a customer who had a similar issue. They had installed new cartridges and judging from the box, they looked OEM. Strange thing was they felt empty when lifted and they were missing the chip on the outside that tells the printer it is installed and keeps track of how many copies were printed with that cartridge. The printer has no other way of knowing if the cartridge is full or empty.
Toner chip resetter or cheap replacement source
ANSWER : There is a chip resetter if you can find someone who sells it. http://apexmic.info/how-to-reset-chip-dell-1250c.h…Otherwise, do a google search on dell 1250c reset chips. There are lots of suppliers.