If you know any good solid laser printers that offer multiple functions such as fax, scan, copy, and duplex print in color, you should know the HP LaserJet Pro 400 Color M475dw is one of them! It’s great for small business and students alike. Though it has been discontinued, it is still a well-loved printer that continues to give quality outputs for its users. While HP has stopped its production, the HP 305A/305X cartridges that fit it are still available for other printers to use without much change in prices either. Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) cartridges continue to be quite expensive. To keep your beloved printer going, you shouldn’t have to shell out more than you can save!
HP M475dw uses multiple HP 305A/305X cartridges for black and colored prints, for a total of four cartridges. Each colored toner cartridge can cost you up to $125 and $90 for black toner cartridges, amassing a whopping $425 just for a set! This expense can’t really be taken lightly especially if you’re used to getting out loads and loads of prints. With compatible cartridges, on the other hand, are much more affordable and can match, sometimes even exceed, what OEM cartridges can do! Though you might be hesitant to try after seeing some nasty issues, or you’re already experiencing them. But before you beat the punch, perhaps you could try some of these solutions first.
Toner cartridge leaking.
A faulty cartridge leaking toner would, of course, have to be replaced. If the toner is leaking inside the printer, the issue could be with the installation. Before throwing it away, try cleaning and reinstalling it first. Never use a vacuum for it, though!
First and foremost, you have to prepare yourself and your space whether it is for cleaning the printer or replacing toner cartridges. Put on your mask and gloves and place paper towels in your working area.
Cleaning the printer
1. Open the front door and pull out the cartridge carrier assembly.
2. Remove all toner cartridges and place them on an even surface. Hold them as level as possible to prevent more toner from escaping.
3. Use a clean cloth to clean the areas with toner. You may also use isopropyl alcohol.
If there’s not much toner spill or the cartridge doesn’t have damage, the problem may lie on the installation. Clean the toner cartridges and reinstall it in the printer, making sure that they are properly slotted in.
Cleaning and reinstalling the toner
1. Wipe the toner cartridge with cloth. Use cotton buds and isopropyl alcohol for the nooks harder to wipe with just cloth. Try not to touch the roller with your hands directly, as oils from your skin may cause damage or printing issues.
2. Reinsert the cartridge in the carrier assembly. Check that it is firmly in place.
3. Push in the carrier assembly and close the front door.
4. You can now try printing a test page.
If no further issues come up, then you’re good to go! Should you notice that the cartridge is still leaking though, you’ll have to replace it.
Lines on prints.
If it’s not a leaking toner, then it’s annoying lines on the page. You can try to reprint the page but you may end up wasting toner instead. While this may indicate a faulty cartridge, there are some stuff you might like to look into before throwing it away.
Cleaning the printer rollers
Printer rollers are responsible for pulling paper into your printer. It’s easy to get toner on them over time, especially when duplex printing. So if you notice paper jams, streaky or unclear prints, and squeaky rollers, it might be time to give your printer’s roller some attention and clean them.
To clean the feeder roller, do the following steps:
1. Turn off the printer and unplug the power cable.
2. Open the document feeder cover.
3. Use a clean and moist lint-free cloth to wipe the rollers as well as the separation pad. Wait for the parts to dry.
4. Close the document feeder cover.
You can also take out the rollers if you need a more thorough cleaning.
1. Turn off the printer and unplug the power cable.
2. Open the document feeder cover.
3. Lift up on the end of the assembly, and then slide it toward the control panel to remove it.
To clean the pickup roller, follow the steps below:
1. Press the Settings icon on the printer’s control panel.
2. Simultaneously press the Left icon and Cancel button.
3. Press the Settings icon again and select 2ndary Service.
4. Scroll down and select Pick roller and press OK.
5. Turn off the printer and unplug the power cable.
6. Remove the toner cartridges and paper tray.
7. Turn over the printer and locate the roller at the bottom of the printer.
8. Move the two protruding tabs away from the pickup roller to release it.
9. Below the pickup roller is the separation roller. Release the two roller-cover locking pins and then remove the cover to take the roller out.
10. Use a clean and moist lint-free cloth to wipe the rollers and let dry.
11. Reinstall the parts into the printer.
Printing a cleaning page
You can also print cleaning pages a few times before you clean the rollers. This will help clean the paper path and maybe this can solve your issue.
1. Select the Settings button on your printer’s control panel.
2. Open the Service menu.
3. Select Cleaning Page.
Remove lock on cartridge error.
This error may also occur when replacing toner cartridges which can get annoying when you need to print immediately. It may seem silly, but you can try switching the cartridges around so they are in their wrong slots. Running your printer will give you another error, but putting them back in their rightful places could fix both errors at once.
You may also check the contact points on the assembly. Perhaps the printer isn’t recognizing the cartridges properly because of dust accumulation. Use a dry lint-free cloth to clean the contact points.
Final thoughts
The HP M475dw is a handy printer for both students and office use, but using OEM cartridges to keep it alive is a bit more expensive than most of us would like. Why should you have to spend more than necessary when compatible cartridges can do just the same, if not better? Laser Tek Services stands behind their products, and you can rest assured you will get the best value for your money with our 305A/305X compatible cartridges for your HP M475dw! And should you encounter any issues, we’ve got solutions right here.
