Lexmark Printer Common Error Codes Guide
Fix Lexmark printer errors easily! A complete troubleshooting guide for Lexmark error codes 31, 32, 42, 84, 88, and 929.00. Learn causes and solutions for cartridge region mismatches, missing chips, and unsupported cartridges.
6/2/20263 min read
Lexmark Printer Common Error Codes Guide
Lexmark Printer Common Error Codes: Meanings, Causes, and Solutions
Lexmark printers are generally divided into two categories: models with a display screen and models without a display screen. Let's first look at the common error codes for models equipped with a display screen.
1. Screen Displays: "31 Missing or Defective Cartridge"
Meaning: Missing or defective toner cartridge, indicating no communication between the chip and the printer.
Causes: The toner cartridge might be missing a chip, the printer fails to detect the chip, the chip is installed upside down, or the chip model does not match the printer region/model.
Solutions: Check if the toner cartridge has a chip installed, ensure the printer's detection mechanism is functioning properly, and verify that the chip is installed in the correct direction and matches the printer model. Once the root cause is identified, replace or reposition the chip to resolve the issue.
2. Screen Displays: "32 Unsupported Print Cartridge"
Meaning: Unsupported toner cartridge, indicating that the chip communicates with the printer, but the cartridge matching is incorrect.
Common Scenarios:
Incorrect Cartridge Model: A cartridge from a different printer model or series is installed, or a high-capacity cartridge unsupported by the current printer model is used.
Poor Chip Contact: Dust, oxidation, deformation, or misalignment on the cartridge chip or the printer's internal metal contact pins causes communication failure.
Disabled Cartridge [32.40E]: The OEM cartridge has been officially flagged by the printer as invalid, expired, or non-compliant.
Improper Installation [32.40Z]: The cartridge is not fully seated, the front cover is not closed tightly, or the cover sensor is malfunctioning.
Solutions:
Verify that the toner cartridge model completely matches the printer (including compatible models and yield/capacity levels).
Inspect and clean the cartridge chip and the printer's internal metal contacts to ensure they are free of dirt, oxidation, or deformation. Reinstall the cartridge firmly and close the front cover tightly.
If the [32.40E] error persists, a brand-new toner cartridge or replacement chip is required.
3. Screen Displays: "42.XY Cartridge region mismatch"
Meaning: Cartridge region mismatch. (Where X = Printer Region, Y = Cartridge Region; Code definitions: 0 = Worldwide, 1 = USA, 2 = EMEA, 3 = Asia, 9 = Undefined). This indicates that the chip's coded region does not match the printer's regional setting.
Solutions: Check the regional configuration of the chip and replace it with a compatible chip that matches the specific geographic region of your printer.
4. Normal Installation, but Jams or Fails to Recognize After a Few Pages, with Screen Display: "929.00"
Meaning: Encoder wheel and chip mismatch, indicating that the cartridge's mechanical encoder wheel does not match the data on the installed chip.
Solutions: Replace the chip with one that matches the encoder wheel, or replace the cartridge's encoder wheel to match the current chip specifications.
5. Screen Displays: "84 Replace Photoconductor"
Meaning: The photoconductor/drum unit counter has reached its maximum limit.
Causes: The printer's internal counter indicates the imaging drum has reached the end of its rated service life.
Solutions: The drum unit needs to be replaced, or the printer's photoconductor life counter must be manually reset.
The above covers the common error codes for Lexmark printers with display screens.
6. Screen Displays: "88.XXX Toner Low and Replace Toner"
Common Scenarios:
The chip has reached the end of its normal page yield lifecycle and prompts for a replacement.
The printer detects a continuous lack of toner supply in the development area. This can be caused by poor toner flow, a clogged supply channel, or an empty cartridge reservoir.
Solutions:
Remove the toner cartridge, shake it horizontally several times to redistribute the powder, reinstall it, and perform a printer power cycle (turn off and on).
Verify whether there is sufficient toner powder inside the cartridge.
If the toner is full but the error persists, check and clean the printer’s toner supply channel to ensure there are no baked or clumped toner blockages. Once resolved, replace the cartridge chip if necessary.
What about Lexmark models without a display screen?
Typically, these models indicate issues via control panel error lights or a solid/blinking "Toner Low" indicator. This generally points to an unrecognized chip, generic component errors, or a low toner warning.
Common Causes & Solutions:
Missing Chip on Toner Cartridge: Check if the cartridge has a chip. If missing, install a compatible chip before reuse.
Wrong Chip Model or Misalignment: Ensure the chip is installed in the correct direction and that the chip model is fully compatible with the printer. Correct the orientation or swap it with the correct chip model.
Hardware Failure: The printer's internal contact pins are damaged and cannot detect the chip, or other internal components are faulty. Inspect the printer hardware; if defective, contact a professional printer maintenance technician.
Paper Out or Paper Jam: Simply load paper into the tray or clear the paper path jam to resolve the warning light.
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