HP M234dw how to replace the toner cartridge
When the cartridge is near the end of its life and redistributing toner no longer gives acceptable print quality.
Steps
- Open the cartridge access door and take out the old cartridge.
To prevent damage to the print cartridge, hold the print cartridge at each end. Do not touch the protective cover or roller surface.
Marked CAUTION by the manufacturer Source: Replace the toner cartridge, p. 50
- Unpack the new cartridge and put the old one in the recycling bag and box.
- Hold both sides of the new cartridge and rock it gently to even out the toner.
- Pull the cover off the new cartridge.
If toner gets on your clothing, wipe it off with a dry cloth and wash the clothing in cold water. Hot water sets toner into the fabric.
Marked CAUTION by the manufacturer Source: Replace the toner cartridge, p. 51
After enabling cartridge protection for the printer, all subsequent toner cartridges installed in the printer are automatically and permanently protected. To avoid protecting a new cartridge, disable the feature before installing the new cartridge.
Marked CAUTION by the manufacturer Source: Configure the HP toner-cartridge-protection supply settings, p. 48
- Slide the cartridge into the printer and close the cartridge access door.
Source: Replace the toner cartridge: Remove and replace the toner cartridge Source: Replace the toner cartridge: Remove and replace the toner cartridge, p. 50
Used for
- Er/07: The toner cartridge is missing or not seated correctly.
- Er/08: The toner level is too low for printing.
- Er/14: The toner cartridge is protected and cannot be used in this printer.
- Er/17: An unauthorized toner cartridge is installed.
- Amber bar with the Cartridge light blinking: The cartridge is very low, or the printer reports an incompatible, unauthorized or protected cartridge.
- Cartridge light blinking: The cartridge is very low, or it has a problem.
- Cartridge is unauthorized: Cartridge Policy admits only genuine HP cartridges, and the installed one is not.
- Cartridge is protected: Cartridge Protection bound the installed cartridge to a different printer or fleet.
- Whole page prints light or faded
- Gray background or darker print than expected
- Whole page prints black
- Repeating bands down the page in filled areas
Other M234dw procedures
- How to clear a jam in the input tray (Er/04)When the display shows Er/04 and the paper is stuck at the tray.
- How to clear a jam in the printer base (Er/04)When the display shows Er/04 and the tray area is clear.
- How to clear a jam in the print cartridge area (Er/05)When the display shows Er/05.
- How to clear a jam in the document feeder (Er/41)When the display shows Er/41 on a model with a document feeder.
- How to clear a jam in the rear duplexer (Er/42)When the display shows Er/42.
- How to load paper in the input trayWhen the display shows Er/01 or the Paper light blinks for an empty tray.
- How to load an original in the document feederTo copy or scan several pages on a model with a document feeder.
- How to load an original on the scanner glassTo copy or scan a single page or a book page.
- How to clean the pickup rollerWhen the printer will not pick up paper and the earlier checks did not help.
- How to redistribute toner in the cartridgeWhen the Cartridge light shows low toner but print quality is acceptable.
- How to inspect the toner cartridgeWhen pages print poorly or fully black.
- How to run Cartridge Cleaning ModeWhen pages show background shading, dark vertical bands or repeating horizontal banding.
- How to print a cleaning pageWhen pages show toner specks, spatter, smears, streaks, lines or repeating marks.
- How to clean the scanner glassWhen copies or scans show specks or smudges.
- How to make a copy from the scanner glassTo copy a page with the control panel.
- How to copy both sides of an ID cardTo put both sides of an identification card on one sheet.
- How to open the Embedded Web Server (EWS)Before any step that uses the EWS.
- How to connect the printer to Wi-Fi with HP SmartFor first setup, after switching Wi-Fi off, or after restoring network settings.
- How to connect the printer to Wi-Fi with WPSWhen the router has a WPS button.
- How to connect the printer to an Ethernet networkTo use a wired connection on a model with an Ethernet port.
- How to restore network settings to defaultWhen the printer must return to wireless setup mode.
- How to print a configuration reportTo see the printer usage log, event logs, network status and settings.
- How to print a Wireless Network Test ReportWhen the printer will not connect to Wi-Fi.
- How to restore the original factory defaultsTo undo disabled functions or changed settings.
- How to turn Cartridge Policy on or offTo limit the printer to genuine HP cartridges or lift that limit.
- How to change what happens at the Very Low cartridge stateTo make the printer stop, or keep printing, when toner is Very Low.
- How to adjust print densityWhen prints are consistently too light or too dark.
Sources
- User Guide, HP LaserJet MFP M232-M237 series. HP Development Company, L.P. Document c06759742, revision UG_EN (PDF created 2020-12-02), 154 pages, en. h10032.www1.hp.com (PDF). Retrieved 13 November 2026.
Page numbers are the numbers printed in the manual. Where this page and the manual differ, follow the manual.