The Lexmark E120 is a classic, compact monochrome laser printer perfect for light office work. To keep your printing costs at a minimum, refilling the 12016SE (Europe) or 12015SA (USA) toner cartridge is a highly effective DIY solution. Unlike newer models, the E120 cartridge has a straightforward design that is easy to service.
In this tutorial, we will show you how to refill this cartridge properly. While refilling is cost-efficient, remember that using a high-quality replacement cartridge ensures the longevity of your printer’s internal components.
Refill and Cleaning Steps
- Disassembling the Cartridge: First, remove the side screws to take off the end caps. Our video shows the exact sequence at [01:28] to ensure you don’t break the plastic tabs.
- Cleaning the Developer Roller: Subsequently, carefully clean the developer roller with a dry, lint-free cloth. Dust buildup on this roller can lead to faded prints.
- Refilling the Hopper: Open the refill plug and pour in the specialized Lexmark E120 monochrome toner powder. Consequently, ensure the plug is sealed tightly afterward to prevent any internal leaks.
- Replacing the Smart Chip: Additionally, you must replace the reset chip located on the side of the cartridge. This is essential for the printer to recognize the cartridge as “Full.”
- Reassembly: Finally, put the end caps back and secure the screws. For those who prefer a mess-free experience, replacing the entire unit with a new high-yield cartridge is a faster and more reliable professional alternative.
Recommended Lexmark E120 Supplies & Hardware
To maintain consistent print quality, we suggest these replacement parts and tools:
- Replacement Cartridge (Europe): Lexmark 12016SE Black Toner – The original standard for European E120 printers.
- Replacement Cartridge (USA): Lexmark 12015SA Black Toner – Specifically for North American Region 1 devices.
- Imaging Drum: Lexmark E120 Drum Unit – If cleaning the toner doesn’t fix print spots, it might be time to replace the drum.
- Maintenance Kit: Latex Gloves & Toner Vacuum – Essential for keeping your workspace clean during a refill.
- Modern Replacement: Lexmark Printers – If your E120 is finally showing its age, new and modern wireless printer is the perfect upgrade.
Expert Tip
The Lexmark E120 is very reliable, but its small size means it can overheat during long print jobs. Furthermore, always make sure to use specific E120 toner powder; using universal toner might result in a “Ghosting” effect where text repeats faintly down the page.
Check out our other guides on Lexmark MS317 Maintenance or HP Q7551X Refill Steps.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.