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Recurring REMOVE AND SHAKE
<COLOR> CARTRIDGE message
The image below shows what a typical failing
cartridge pull strip looks like, compared with a
good cartridge. The cartridge is shown with the
shutter pulled back, in the installed position.
Some customers have experienced a recurring
REMOVE AND SHAKE <COLOR> CARTRIDGE
error message. Approximately 200 pages after
a new print cartridge is installed, the control
panel posts the error REMOVE AND SHAKE
<COLOR> CARTRIDGE. Following these
instructions may clear the error for 10 to 20
pages, but then the error message appears
again. This issue has been seen with original
print cartridges shipped with the printer, as well
as with replacement print cartridges.
Please replace the print cartridge that is causing
the error. Cartridges with lot code 3D23XX or
earlier have been identified as having a defect
which causes the automatic pull strip embedded
in the cartridge not to release correctly when
the cartridge is initially installed.
Torn Mylar
strip—failing
cartridge
Mylar strip in
good condition
Print cartridge Mylar strip in
poor and good condition
Background information
The lot code is found on the front of the print
cartridge as indicated below, in a format
similar to other print cartridges:
When a new image drum is installed in the
printer, it is primed with a limited amount of
toner. As soon as the automatic toner
replenishment (ATR) sensor detects that the toner
to carrier ratio in the image drum is low, it
requests that toner be transferred from the print
cartridge to the image drum. If the ATR sensor
does sense a change to the toner/carrier ratio,
the message REMOVE AND SHAKE <COLOR>
CARTRIDGE is posted on the control panel,
assuming that shaking the cartridge will help
transfer toner from the print cartridge.
• First digit: year (3=2003, 4=2004)
• Second digit: month (A=Jan, B=Feb)
• Third and fourth digits: day
• Fifth and sixth digits: shift
For example, 3D23S1 indicates 23 April 2003,
first shift.
In addition, check the lot codes of the printer’s
remaining three print cartridges. If any of the
cartridges have a lot code 3D23XX or earlier,
check the clear plastic pull strip on the bottom
of the cartridge, under the shutter, for damage.
Replace any print cartridges with damaged pull
strips. The error message is likely to appear for
these cartridges as well when toner runs low in
the image drum.
Reasons for the ratio not changing include:
• Toner is bound in the print cartridge. This is
most likely to occur if the print cartridge was
exposed to high temperatures during
transport.
• The motor on the T-cartridge drive assembly is
not working properly, either electrically or
mechanically.
Note
• The toner outlet on the bottom of the print
cartridge did not open properly when it was
installed in the printer, or the outlet is
otherwise blocked.
Only a small percentage of cartridges within
the indicated lot code range will exhibit this
issue. Do not replace all cartridges within the
range, only those that exhibit the torn strip or
error message.
Lot code location
HP Color LaserJet 9500 printer updates 12