HP LaserJet 5L Prints Uneven Darkness

[embguy]

My HP LaserJet 5L prints uneven darkness. Do I need a new toner cartridge? If not, what is the cause of this problem?

 

[ghwellsjr]

Did you try removing the toner cartridges and shaking it end-to-end and reinstalling it? Sometimes this can extend the life of the cartridge a little bit. However, I don't even know if that is your problem but it can't hurt to try.

 

[embguy]

I did that already and the problem remains.

 

[fotofreek]

probably needs a new cartridge. Unfortunately, if your find out after installing a new cartridge that the printer has a problem you wil then own an expensive, useless cartridge!

 

[embguy]

Let go with the spirit of this forum. I will refill the toner cartridge. It will not cost me as much if the problem is somewhere else.

 

[embguy]

I refilled the C3906A toner cartridge without using a hole tool to cut a hole on the cartridge. Just follows the steps on my photo. My HP Laserjet 5L is back to normal.

 

[mikling]

Yes, classic sign of toner running very low.

Those older HP laser engines are rugged. My Canon LPB430 ( HP4L clone still runs nicely)

 

[jasiiboss]

Embguy, Nice job man,that resolution was fast and TY for sharing the refill part.
Edit: During refill of a laser toner I find lot of old toner sticking on to the Mag Roller. This I normally remove by blowing air on to it. This way all the traces of the old toner are removed and results in a much cleaner refill.

 

[embguy]

Embguy, Nice job man,that resolution was fast and TY for sharing the refill part.
Edit: During refill of a laser toner I find lot of old toner sticking on to the Mag Roller. This I normally remove by blowing air on to it. This way all the traces of the old toner are removed and results in a much cleaner refill.

After taking the side cap off (step 3), one can take the roller off to clean it before refilling with fresh toner.

Cleaning toner cartridge is a messy operation. For the next toner refill, I will make an attachment to my wet and dry vacuum using a half inch rubber tubing to suck the old toner out of the cartridge. Remember to put some water in the wet & dry tank to cut down the amount of toner dust getting out. It will be messy to clean the wet & dry vacuum afterward. On second thought, it is not a good idea after all.

If you get the toner on your clothes, do not wash it with hot water. Heat will fuse the toner onto your clothes permanently.

 

[jasiiboss]

Yup! you're right using a vac to suck the microfine toner particles is not only messy but I found that the toner particles get into all the unlikely places rendering the vac unfit for other tasks. I personally prefer to blow the toner outdoors and have a polythene enclosure to collect and dispose off the waste.