Laser copies kind of light

[jacatone]

I have an old HP LaserJet 5L Xtra Printer and the copies seem kind of light. The cartridge isn't that old. Does it mean I need to replace it? I'm new to laser printers. I've always used inkjets before but must admit the laser copies are a lot sharper. Thanks.

[Panama Red]

Does it have a Toner Save feature? It may be set to Toner Save or something similar that limits the amount of toner it will use on each print job. Before you buy a replacement cartridge, look into the availability of a toner refill kit. Here's where I've bought my toner kit for a Samsung.

http://www.tonerkits.com/

[clroberts]

I can't remember if that has a Drum that has to be periodically replaced or if that is on the Cartridge. I know that my Laserjet 6L that I have had for about 10 years has never gotten any lighter. Sometimes the prints will get light spots on it and if that happens you need to take the toner cartridge out and gently shake it back and forth and put it back in.

[glc]

That printer has an integrated cartridge like all other HP's, the drum is part of the cartridge.

Check your driver settings - there's an "econo" mode for toner conservation that may be enabled.