typical shelf or unused life for toner cartridges?

[Jack Sala]

I purchased an HP 2420d laserjet back in 2005. I used it a lot from
2005-2007 and then only occasionally since about 2008. About 2010, I
started noticing very light print. I at first attributed this to the
transfer roller, which is one possibility the manual mentioned to replace,
and I replaced it a week ago. Same light print. On a whim, I decided to
purchase a new toner cartridge and install. Presto! Problem solved. Now I
have a question: what is the typical lifetime for either an unused
cartridge or one that only sees occasional use? The toner cartridge I
replaced had not begun to run out at all, in fact it had been sitting on the
shelf for 3-4 years.

Thanks.

 

[David H. Lipman]

sorry to intervene in the O/P's thread ....

Tony, we have a P1505N which has a nominal 1500 page @5% cartridge
capability, and which reports about 400 left. The printed images are
faint in the central 40% or so of the width. Is this likely to signal
the same issue and resolution (replace cart)?

Yes. Did you shake the cartridge ?

 

[Bob Eager]

Yes very likely. One of the factors can be the 5% coverage, if your
printer has printed a greater than 5% average the cartridge will print
light before the 1500 pages are done. Having said that, I would expect
it to print light across the width of the page. Light printing in the
middle of the page is normally caused by a worn drum requiring
replacement of the cartridge (once more, that is in printers that use
integrtated cartridges like yours). Tony

Or badly distributed remaining toner. Rock the cartridge back and forth a
few times and you'll often get a load more proper pages out.