Not Reporting Toner Levels

HP LJ 4550 Not Reporting Toner Levels

On the 4550 only, the continuous toner level sensing PCA is mounted to the carousel drive assembly. This board, which does not exist in the 4500, is used to generate the graphical representation of remaining toner levels on the Supplies Status Page. It does not generate the “TONER LOW” or “TONER OUT” messages on the printer’s display panel—these come from a different sensor on the other side of the printer (PS12). This board is the reason why there are two versions of the carousel drive assembly. The newer version has three extra holes for mounting the sensor board (Figures 1 & 2).

Figure 1 - Old-style carousel drive assembly (RG5-5209)

Figure 2 - New-style carousel drive assembly RG5-5502   with mounting holes for toner level sensing PCA.

Only the new-style assembly (part number RG5-5502) is currently available as a new part. But this is no problem, since this version will work on any 4500 or 4550 printer, whether or not it has the toner level sensing PCA. The old-style assembly (RG5-5209) is still available as a refurbished part, but note that this is for the 4500 only, because it does’t have the mounting holes for the toner level sensing PCA. It is possible to run a 4550 without this board, but the toner level information on the Supplies Status Page will be incorrect.

© 2005 Hewlett-Packard