Maintaining a color laser printer can be expensive, but refilling your own cartridges can drastically reduce costs. The Kyocera TK-5240 (Europe) and TK-5242 (USA/Canada) cartridges are standard for the ECOSYS M5526cdw and P5026cdw series. However, you must perform a proper cleaning to ensure high-quality color prints.
In this guide, we will show you how to refill these cartridges correctly. Furthermore, we will explain why cleaning the waste toner section is vital for your printer’s health.
The Refill and Cleaning Process
- Empty the Waste Toner: First, you must locate the waste toner exit hole. Unlike simple monochrome cartridges, these units accumulate waste that you must remove to prevent leaks and background shading.
- Access the Toner Hopper: Subsequently, open the refill plug or create a small opening to pour in the new color toner powder. Each color (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) requires its specific high-quality powder.
- Refilling: Carefully pour the toner into the hopper. Consequently, ensure you do not overfill the cartridge, as it needs some space for the internal mixing mechanism to function.
- Replacing the Smart Chip: Additionally, you must replace the reset chip located on the side of the cartridge. This chip tracks the toner level; therefore, the printer will not recognize the refill without a new one.
- Final Inspection: Finally, wipe the cartridge with a dry cloth and ensure there are no toner leaks before installing it back into the printer.
Recommended Supplies (Global Models)
To maintain vibrant colors and protect your drum units, we recommend using these specific supplies:
- Replacement Cartridge (USA): Kyocera TK-5242 High Yield Set — The standard high-capacity option for North American users.
- Replacement Cartridge (Europe): Kyocera TK-5240 Standard Set — The original high-quality option for European models.
- Cleaning Essential: Toner Vacuum or Microfiber Cloths — Vital for a clean refill process without staining your workspace.
- Printer Upgrade: Kyocera ECOSYS Color Printers — Our top recommendation for a reliable and refill-friendly color MFP.
Expert Tip
Always wear a mask and gloves when handling color toner, as the particles are extremely fine. Furthermore, if you notice color streaks after refilling, check the developer unit for dust buildup. Cleaning it often resolves color consistency issues immediately.
Want more Kyocera tips? Check our guides on Fixing Error 0x0000011b or Kyocera FS-1030D Registration Fixes.
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