As I understand it, the problem wit refilling these cartridges is that
there is a special chip (you can buy them for about $10 each, as I
understand it) that is destroyed by the printer as the cartridge reaches
a certain number of copies. Without this chip functional, the cartridge
will indicate to the printer it is a refill, and the printer will run at
a very considerably lower speed.
It seems to be on the edge of legality, IMHO.
What the chip does is put the printer in a cleaning mode every time
you print a single page as it detects the cartridge is low on toner.
That is why the speed is reduced so dramatically. Hence, if you plan
on refilling, buying that chip is necessary. The actual process of
refilling is fairly straightforward as the dealer will bundle the
instructions. Because I am paranoid with laser printers, I always
service these units in areas where there is the least amount of light.
Usually, I wait until it gets dark. Since you want the toner and drum
to last, try to handle the unit as gently as possible. Here is the
procedure:
-Wait until the unit is cold, then unplug the printer
-Remove toner/drum unit
-Disconnect toner from drum
-Use a screwdriver to pop open the refill cap.
-Pour all the toner powder slowly into cartridge
-Reattach the refill cap
-Unscrew and remove the old chip
-Screw in the new chip
-Reconnect toner to drum
-Since the unit is out, you might as well shake the toner/drum.
-Insert toner/drum unit back into printer
-Plug in Printer
-Done
