How to Replace Consumables in Printronix LP654C and LP844C Printers
Below are instructions on how to replace consumables in Printronix LP654C and LP844C Printers. These consumables include toner cartridges, imaging drums, transfer belts, and fusers.
Before moving forward, please ensure that you have at hand the consumables that fit your particular model of Printronix printer, whether it's the right toner cartridges and imaging drums or fuser and transfer belt. While the steps taken to replace consumables are very similar whether you have either the LP654C or LP844C, both printers have their own set of consumables, and said consumables are not cross-compatible between models.
Toner Cartridge Replacement Instructions
Before You Start
- Have replacement toner cartridges ready. Click here if you need to order replacements.
- Prepare for Replacement: If the printer displays a "Replace Toner Cartridge" message or printing has stopped, it's time to replace the cartridge immediately
- Put down a sheet of paper or cloth under your printer to catch any spilt toner. Wear disposable gloves if you prefer — toner can be messy, but it isn’t highly hazardous.
How to Replace Toner Cartridges on Printronix LP654C Printers
- Open the Front Access Panel: The LP654C is designed for full front access—open the front cover to reach the toner cartridges
- Remove the Old Cartridge: Gently pull out the empty toner cartridge (Black, Cyan, Magenta, or Yellow) by its handle.
- Insert the New Cartridge: Unpack the new cartridge and carefully slide it into the corresponding slot until it clicks into place.
- Close the Panel and Resume Printing: Close the front cover securely. The printer should automatically detect the new cartridge and be ready to resume printing.
Imaging Drum Replacement Instructions
Before You Start
- Have replacement imaging drums ready. Click here if you need to order replacements.
- Turn the printer off and unplug it (or at least make sure it’s idle and the Ready light is on). Let the unit cool for a minute if it was printing.
- Put down a sheet of paper or cloth to catch any spilt toner. You do not need to remove the toner cartridges from the printer, but there may be residual toner on the image drums.
How to Replace Imaging Drums on Printronix LP654C Printers
- Gain access to the printer's consumables: press down on the blue latch to the right-hand side of the front of the printer on the LP654C, and then pull open the gray plastic cover to reveal the printer's internals.
- Reveal the tray of current imaging drums in the printer: pull on the black handle to the left of L1 until the two red arrows above L1 align, then lift the L2 latch to open the printer's hood, and pull on the L3 handle to find and take out the tray.
- Remove the spent imaging drums from the tray: Lift and pull the old imaging drums away from the printer tray, and place them on a clean and dry surface; handle the imaging drums from their black plastic tops and be careful to avoid touching the green surface underneath both old and new imaging drums as to prevent oils or scratches on the drums that will cause print defects.
- Install the new drum(s): remove any protective packaging, then carefully match and seat the new imaging drums to their respective places on the tray. Make sure all drums are fully seated.
- Reset all the printer's internals back into place: push the tray of imaging drums back into the printer, and then handle L3, L2 and L1 latches mentioned above to put parts back where they fit inside the printer. Close the gray plastic cover.
After Replacement (Checks & Reset)
- Print a test page to confirm print quality and that the color prints correctly.
- Reset the drum/consumable counter if required. Many printers require you to reset the drum life after replacement, so the front panel shows the correct remaining life. The LP654C and LP844C user manuals document how to reset consumable/drum counters from the front-panel menus — if the printer doesn’t detect the new drum automatically, follow the manual’s maintenance/parts-life instructions to reset it.
Troubleshooting & Tips
- If you see streaks, spots, or faint prints after installing a new drum, re-seat the drum and toner and run another test page.
- Do not touch the photosensitive drum surface (usually green/blue). Clean spills with a dry cloth — don’t use solvents.
- Use genuine Printronix drums/toner where possible for best results and to avoid errors.
Transfer Belt Replacement Instructions
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When to Replace
- The transfer belt has an average service life of about 60,000 A4 pages (simplex) — based on typical usage and 5% coverage
- You can view the belt status on the printer’s control panel: navigate to Functions → Configuration → Supplies Status → Belt
- The printer displays warnings when the belt is nearing end-of-life: “Belt Unit Near Life – Please prepare a new belt unit.” (Printing continues for approx. 1,500 pages) and “Belt Unit End of Life – Replace with a new Belt Unit.” (Printing will stop)—replace immediately when this appears
Step-by-Step Replacement Steps
Based on the user manual instructions, here's how to replace it:
- Power Off: It's safest to turn off the printer before handling internal components.
- Open the Front Cover: Pull the blue front cover lever to access internal parts
- Use Lever L2: Pull the L2 lever, which will raise both the output tray and the image drum basket to an accessible position
- Remove the Old Transfer Belt: Hold the blue handle on the belt unit and lift it out carefully. Be cautious, as internal parts may still be warm
- Install the New Transfer Belt: Using the blue handle, gently slide the new belt into position until it fits securely. Ensure it’s properly seated.
- Close the Output Tray and Cover: Push the output tray back down securely, then firmly close the front cover using both hands to ensure proper alignment and operation
Additional Notes
- The printer’s display allows customizing the warning threshold for belt replacement (default is 1,500 pages before end-of-life)—adjustable in Admin Setup → Others Setup → Belt Near Life Timing (range: 500–5,000 pages)
- Proper seating and cover alignment are crucial to avoid print errors or interruptions.
Fuser Unit Replacement Instructions
Here’s a step-by-step guide based on the official user manual:
- Power Off & Cool Down: Turn off the printer and unplug it. The fuser gets very hot—allow it to cool completely before handling.
- Open the Front Cover: Pull the blue front cover open lever and lift the output tray to its stop position.
- Release the Fuser Lock: At the back of the output tray, locate the fuser unit's left and right handles. Lift both handles vertically until a click is heard—this releases the lock.
- Remove the Old Fuser: With both handles lifted, grasp and gently pull the fuser unit out of the printer. Be extra cautious, as it can still be hot even after initial cooling.
- Prepare the New Fuser: Remove the new fuser unit from its packaging. Lift its handles vertically until they click into position.
- Install the New Fuser: With the warning label facing forward, slide the new fuser into place, aligning it over the top of the output tray. Push both handles down to lock it in securely. Confirm the unit doesn’t float above the tray—if it does, printing may fail to start.
- Close the Printer: Lower the output tray (if needed) and close the front cover firmly.
- Power On: Reconnect the power and turn the printer back on. It should recognise the new fuser unit and resume operational status.
