Lexmark says replace the imaging unit
The imaging unit, the drum assembly that transfers toner to the page, has reached the end of its rated life. It is a separate consumable from the toner cartridge on most Lexmark models and lasts several cartridges. Print quality typically degrades with streaks or repeating marks as it wears out.
What causes it
- The imaging unit has reached its rated page count
- The drum surface is scratched or contaminated
- A very high volume of low-coverage pages has aged the drum faster than the toner
- A previous jam damaged the drum surface
- A non-genuine imaging unit is reporting incorrectly
How to fix it, in order
Work down the list and stop when the printer recovers. The steps are ordered from most likely and least invasive to last resort.
Confirm which part is being reported
Open the printer's web page by typing its IP into a browser and check the supplies page, or use Reports › Device Statistics on the panel. Lexmark distinguishes between the toner cartridge and the imaging unit, and buying the wrong one is an easy and expensive mistake.
Find the correct part number
The imaging unit part number is on the label of the current unit and on the supplies list for your model. Note whether your model uses a single mono imaging unit or a colour imaging kit, since these are different parts at very different prices.
Assess print quality before replacing
Print a few pages and look for repeating marks at regular intervals down the page, grey backgrounds or vertical streaks. If pages are still clean, the warning is a life estimate and you may have time to order rather than replace immediately.
Install the new imaging unit carefully
Switch the printer off, open the front door, remove the toner cartridge first, then the imaging unit. Unpack the replacement without touching the green drum surface or exposing it to light for long, transfer the toner cartridge into it if your model requires that, and refit both.
Reset the counter if prompted
Most Lexmark models detect the new unit automatically and clear the message. If the panel offers a supply reset option after installation, use it. A message that persists after a genuine replacement usually means the counter was not reset.
Check for a scratched drum after a jam
If quality problems started right after a paper jam, look at the drum surface for scratches or embedded debris. Damage of that kind cannot be cleaned out and the unit needs replacing regardless of its page count.
Stopping it happening again
When it is not worth fixing yourself
If you would rather not work through this alone, a printer specialist can take a look with you on a screen-share and tell you honestly whether the machine is worth saving.
Printers that show this code
Frequently asked questions
Is the imaging unit the same as the toner cartridge?
No. On most Lexmark models they are separate, and the imaging unit typically outlasts several toner cartridges.
Can I keep printing after the warning?
Usually for a while, though quality gradually declines. Repeating marks down the page are the sign it is time.
Why do repeating marks indicate the drum?
A defect on a rotating component repeats at the interval of its circumference, which identifies which roller or drum is responsible.
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