MP 3504ex says toner is depleted but it isn't.

**stricky1** · 10-31-2019

Hello! I have a MP C3504ex that is telling me that I need to replace the toner cartridge and that the toner is depleted. The cartridge is new and I removed the paper output tray and I can see the toner cartridge spinning.

After a minute or so, it says to replace cartridge toner is depleted. I remove the toner cartridge and there is some toner dumping, but not a huge amount....maybe a teaspoon or so worth.

I've repeatedly cleaned it, made sure the contact are clean and connecting. I did a little research and it says the problem might be a broken gear in the PCU.

So my next question is, will a PCU from a 3501 fit in a 3504?

Thank you in advance.

**davel** · 10-31-2019

No way will it fit, if you have to ask that you must be an end user, do yourself a favour and call a tech.

**copier tech** · 10-31-2019

Originally Posted by stricky1

Hello! I have a MP C3504ex that is telling me that I need to replace the toner cartridge and that the toner is depleted. The cartridge is new and I removed the paper output tray and I can see the toner cartridge spinning.

After a minute or so, it says to replace cartridge toner is depleted. I remove the toner cartridge and there is some toner dumping, but not a huge amount....maybe a teaspoon or so worth.

I've repeatedly cleaned it, made sure the contact are clean and connecting. I did a little research and it says the problem might be a broken gear in the PCU.

So my next question is, will a PCU from a 3501 fit in a 3504?

Thank you in advance.

This is a very common issue with the METIS models.

You need to replace the toner hopper & possibly the dev unit (not the same as the 3501)

You've not said what colour the machine is calling for but replace the hopper for that colour.

**Phil B.** · 10-31-2019

you left out some really important info:

how many pages on machine/pm parts?

are you using genuine OEM Ricoh toner/drums?

other than slapping toners in what have you done?

are you a tech.. or end user?
(betting End User)

did you search CTN for like Ricohs with same problem?
(betting NO)

**slimslob** · 10-31-2019

This can happen if the toner system was not properly initialized when first power up. From the installation procedures in the service manual "If the initial toner supply is not performed at installation, and the machine goes to the toner end condition even if the machine has plenty of toner in the toner bottle."

**Oze** · 10-31-2019

Originally Posted by davel

No way will it fit, if you have to ask that you must be an end user, do yourself a favour and call a tech.

DITTO...

**Codex** · 11-01-2019

Had this last week....dead dev ubkt that causes a fault in the toner hopper

Inviato dal mio SM-G935F utilizzando Tapatalk

**fshead** · 11-01-2019

Originally Posted by stricky1

Hello! I have a MP C3504ex that is telling me that I need to replace the toner cartridge and that the toner is depleted. The cartridge is new and I removed the paper output tray and I can see the toner cartridge spinning.

After a minute or so, it says to replace cartridge toner is depleted. I remove the toner cartridge and there is some toner dumping, but not a huge amount....maybe a teaspoon or so worth.

I've repeatedly cleaned it, made sure the contact are clean and connecting. I did a little research and it says the problem might be a broken gear in the PCU.

So my next question is, will a PCU from a 3501 fit in a 3504?

Thank you in advance.

just by this question TELLS ME this guy is no tech..

So my next question is, will a PCU from a 3501 fit in a 3504?

**copier tech** · 11-01-2019

Originally Posted by Codex

Had this last week....dead dev ubkt that causes a fault in the toner hopper

Inviato dal mio SM-G935F utilizzando Tapatalk

Seen so many of these hoppers fail from early MP C2003 right up to later MP C2504exp

Does anyone know if they have finally modified them on the IMC range?

**Oze** · 11-03-2019

Originally Posted by copier tech

Seen so many of these hoppers fail from early MP C2003 right up to later MP C2504exp

Does anyone know if they have finally modified them on the IMC range?

Ricoh reckon that it was a faulty dev bearing causing all these issues.
It was "fixed" in subsequent batches but I've had an issue where a tech went to an '04 twice for the same problem.
Fitted a complete pcdu the first time (flipped the auger in the sub hopper) and then just the dev and it did the same thing.
The fix for me has been new dev and new sub hopper and DO NOT do a forced toner (he ran quite a few forced toner:junior tech).
Let the machine add toner normally.