Ricoh Aficio 1515 Add Toner Error

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  • proggyy
    • May 2025

    #1

    [Error Code] Ricoh Aficio 1515 Add Toner Error

    Hi,

    I have owned this beast machine for two years, and now I am getting a 'Add Toner' error, despite inserting a new toner.

    I eventually go into service mode and erase the error code but it keeps coming back. I open the cover and see some some powder leaking.

    How do I fix this error
  • rthonpm
    Field Supervisor

    2,500+ Posts
    • Aug 2007
    • 2847

    #2
    Re: Ricoh Aficio 1515 Add Toner Error

    There were issues with some of these machines and the toner hopper if I'm not mistaken. The workaround from Ricoh was to add the new bottle, and turn the handle down to release the cap before putting the hopper all the way back into the machine. Another possible issue is the PCU, which may not be seeing the toner even though it's being added.

    Comment

    • Zeldaman
      Senior Tech

      500+ Posts
      • Mar 2011
      • 946

      #3

      Comment

      • sandmanmac
        Field Supervisor

        Site Contributor
        2,500+ Posts
        • Feb 2009
        • 3964

        #4
        Re: Ricoh Aficio 1515 Add Toner Error

        The 'plug' from the previous bottle sometimes gets stuck and remains in the toner hopper when the bottle is replaced. Check to see if it's in the old bottle, or still inside the toner hopper. That will block the flow from the new bottle

        Comment

        • Blizzoo
          Senior Tech

          Site Contributor
          500+ Posts
          • Aug 2013
          • 594

          #5
          Re: Ricoh Aficio 1515 Add Toner Error

          Had once a broken gear on Hooper Driver Clutch.You can check without toner bottle set in and front door cheated if drive mechanism rotates when supplying.
          Defects are simple, our mind is complicated

          Comment

          • Polo-022
            Trusted Tech

            250+ Posts
            • Sep 2007
            • 481

            #6
            Re: Ricoh Aficio 1515 Add Toner Error

            Someone to suggest him call a technician, please?

            Comment

            • Herostrat
              Trusted Tech

              100+ Posts
              • Oct 2012
              • 220

              #7
              Re: Ricoh Aficio 1515 Add Toner Error

              After 2 years I'm guessing it never saw a tech,or he didn't mentioned who worked on it.
              PCU units can do about 60k optimum,I'we seen some developing units doing around 120k!
              Is old toner bottle completly empty,is there toner spilled inside the front doors and in side papper tray,do you hear any krunching noises?
              Usual cause is worn out gears in developing assembly,so if previous toner bottle is completly empty it means that hooper didn't open the new bottle the way it shuld and that PCU is good,if there is loads of toner inside it means that hooper opened the bottle,toner bottle motor is working propper,but gears are busted and can't take toner inside developing assembly.
              My sugestion is that you call a tech and buy whole PCU,not shure about rebuilding old one,perhaps mylars and bushings are ok (it took him 2 years to reach it's end,sometimes it means that bushings aren't damaged/leaking)
              New PCU will enshure that machine works flawlesly for another 2 years,at least for image forming...fusing unit rebuild awaits u around the corner.
              Gears,springs,clutches,sliders,connectors and electronics...who on earth can tell what's wrong with it?

              Comment

              • slimslob
                Retired

                Site Contributor
                25,000+ Posts
                • May 2013
                • 36807

                #8
                Re: Ricoh Aficio 1515 Add Toner Error

                Originally posted by Herostrat
                After 2 years I'm guessing it never saw a tech,or he didn't mentioned who worked on it.
                PCU units can do about 60k optimum,I'we seen some developing units doing around 120k!
                Is old toner bottle completly empty,is there toner spilled inside the front doors and in side papper tray,do you hear any krunching noises?
                Usual cause is worn out gears in developing assembly,so if previous toner bottle is completly empty it means that hooper didn't open the new bottle the way it shuld and that PCU is good,if there is loads of toner inside it means that hooper opened the bottle,toner bottle motor is working propper,but gears are busted and can't take toner inside developing assembly.
                My sugestion is that you call a tech and buy whole PCU,not shure about rebuilding old one,perhaps mylars and bushings are ok (it took him 2 years to reach it's end,sometimes it means that bushings aren't damaged/leaking)
                New PCU will enshure that machine works flawlesly for another 2 years,at least for image forming...fusing unit rebuild awaits u around the corner.
                I have had the development gears fail with less than 45K on the PCU. Especially on low usage machines. Replace the PCU.

                Comment

                • Smee
                  Trusted Tech

                  100+ Posts
                  • Aug 2009
                  • 178

                  #9
                  Re: Ricoh Aficio 1515 Add Toner Error

                  Check the shaft that goes through the clutch that spins the bottle - its plastic and gets rounded. As above tho - first replace the PCU, then try hopper then shaft as its kinda difficult to get to.

                  Comment

                  • Llama God
                    Service Manager

                    1,000+ Posts
                    • Mar 2009
                    • 1353

                    #10
                    Re: Ricoh Aficio 1515 Add Toner Error

                    This smells strongly of end-user, put your hand into your pocket and pay someone who knows what they're doing to fix it.

                    Comment

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