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Re: HP LaserJet Pro M404n toner cartridge problem

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In comp.periphs.printers Allodoxaphobia <trepidation@example.net> wrote:
> On Sun, 1 Mar 2026 03:23:06 -0000 (UTC), bp@www.zefox.net wrote:
>> Allodoxaphobia <trepidation@example.net> wrote:
>>> On Sat, 28 Feb 2026 19:03:36 -0000 (UTC), bp@www.zefox.net wrote:
>>>> In comp.periphs.printers Allodoxaphobia <trepidation@example.net> wrote:
>>>>> HP LJ Pro M404n
>>>>> 
>>>>> The original toner cartridge has come to the end of it's life.  For a
>>>>> while now I've been taking the cartridge out and softly shaking it to
>>>>> squeeze more pages out of it -- then replacing the cartridge.
>>>>> 
>>>>> It came time to replace the cartridge.  I took the old one out, and
>>>>> double checked it with the new CF258X cartridge and they seem identical.
>>>>> 
>>>>> I slid the new cartridge in and it would NOT go in far enough to allow
>>>>> the printer cover to close.  It seems well seated on both sides of the
>>>>> cartridge, but it protrudes about 1/2 inch -- blocking the closure of
>>>>> the cover.
>>>>> 
>>>>> I tried several times -- thinking I wasn't holding either the cartridge
>>>>> or my tongue correctly.  No Go.
>>>>> 
>>>>> So, I picked up the old cartridge and slid it back in.  SAME PROBLEM!
>>>>> The cartridge will not slide in far enough to allow the cover to close.
>>>>> The cartridge protrudes enough to block the cover release push button on
>>>>> the right side.
>>>>> 
>>>>> In both cases -- with the old and the new cartridge -- it seems to
>>>>> "snap' into place and it seems well seated on both sides of the
>>>>> cartridge
>>>>> 
>>>>> I've inspected the interior of the printer -- even using a dental
>>>>> mirror, and I cannot see any potential obstruction.
>>>>> 
>>>>> I can't believe I'm the only one to encounter this problem, but my
>>>>> Google Fu fails to find any similar complaint.  Search seems powered
>>>>> more and more by AI, and all I get is hits for the bog-simple cartridge
>>>>> replacement instructions: "Remove the old one. Slide in the new one".
>>>>> 
>>>>> Anyone here ever have this problem?
>>>>
>>>> Well, yes. My next door neighbor came over seeking help with the
>>>> same problem. He handed me the new cartridge, sure enough it didn't
>>>> go in. After a _lot_ of trying, fiddling and finally looking closely
>>>> at both the printer and cartridge it turned out he'd turned the
>>>> new cartridge tail-end-to-head. The outer shape of the cartridge
>>>> was fairly symmetric and it _almost_ went in the wrong way. I was
>>>> fairly embarrassed at not noticing right away. It took me about
>>>> ten minutes to realize what was wrong.  
>>>>
>>>> Since you've already tried putting the old cartridge back I suspect
>>>> you'd have noticed such an error, but only a close inspection of the 
>>>> dust cover on the drum tipped me off.
>>>>
>>>> In fact, I was trying to see where the drum drive gears were. Never
>>>> did figure that out....
>>>>
>>> 
>>> Thank you for your reply!  And, yes, I know I'm holding both cartridges
>>> right-side-up.  I just need another 1/2" to 3/4" of more 'insert' to
>>> have the cartridge(s) in proper position.
>>
>> I was referring to fore-and-aft orientation, not vertical. Likely you're
>> right and I'm being pedantic. In the case of my neighbor's printer there
>> were no orientation markings of any kind on the cartridge, printer or
>> instructions. Inserted trailing-edge-first his cartridge did exactly
>> what you're describing. Here's a Youtube video that mentions what you're
>> describing:
>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7kGuCzmUx0
>> which mentions troubles closing the cover. Apparently
>> one has to insert the cartridge horizontally and then
>> press down vertically at the end of insertion stroke.
>> Your new cartridge might be a tighter fit.
>>> 
>>> The M504n has an almost throw-away price at Amazon.  Maybe getting a new
>>> one will put my printing back in play, and at the same time yeild a
>>> reason for the current problem.  Fixing the not-so-very old one would
>>> give us a spare here for when the next SNAFU comes.
>>>
>> That's rewarding HP for selling a hard-to-use product. 
>> Personally, I'd try to avoid that. 
>>  
>>> But I'd really like to beat this one into submission.
>>>
>> I'm of the same mind, and tend to favor Brother printers.
>> HP has run its reputation into the ground imho. These days
>> there are many excellent alternatives. 
> 
> THANK YOU, THANK YOU!  Your description, plus the YouTube 
> demonstration solved my problem!  I feel like an idiot!
I felt the same way. However, I did have the consolation
of being handed the cartridge in the wrong orientation.
On the other hand, It was handed to me by a retired physician.

Fortunately, he wasn't a surgeon 8-)

> 
> It is actually easier to slide the cartridge in wrong-way-round than in 
> the correct orientation.  And, as you described, there are NO insertion 
> guides or clues anywhere on the cartridge.
> 
>> Good luck,
> 
> Heh, it wasn't luck I needed; it was a slap upside my head with 
> a clue-stick.  You have my sincerest gratitude for sticking with 
> me on this problem!  
> 
> A belated Happy New Year to you!
> Jonesy

It was a pleasure to turn my frustration into something useful!

bob prohaska

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Thread

HP LaserJet Pro M404n toner cartridge problem Allodoxaphobia <trepidation@example.net> - 2026-02-27 15:17 +0000
  Re: HP LaserJet Pro M404n toner cartridge problem bp@www.zefox.net - 2026-02-28 19:03 +0000
    Re: HP LaserJet Pro M404n toner cartridge problem Allodoxaphobia <trepidation@example.net> - 2026-03-01 01:35 +0000
      Re: HP LaserJet Pro M404n toner cartridge problem bp@www.zefox.net - 2026-03-01 03:23 +0000
        Re: HP LaserJet Pro M404n toner cartridge problem Lars Poulsen <lars@beagle-ears.com> - 2026-03-02 13:17 +0000
          Re: HP LaserJet Pro M404n toner cartridge problem Hendrik van der Heijden <hvdh@gmx.de> - 2026-03-08 22:22 +0100
            Re: HP LaserJet Pro M404n toner cartridge problem TJ <TJ@noneofyour.business> - 2026-03-09 10:54 -0400
        Re: HP LaserJet Pro M404n toner cartridge problem Allodoxaphobia <trepidation@example.net> - 2026-03-02 14:10 +0000
          Re: HP LaserJet Pro M404n toner cartridge problem bp@www.zefox.net - 2026-03-02 22:53 +0000

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