A Canon imageCLASS MF455dw that displays a maintenance or toner message, such as a prompt to prepare a new cartridge or replace the toner, is a monochrome laser all-in-one asking for a consumable, and the message should be read and acted upon in the right order. The MF455dw prints black and white only, at up to 40 pages per minute on letter paper, with a paper capacity that can be extended from 350 to 900 sheets, duplex, wireless and Ethernet connections, and scan, copy and fax functions.
The checks in more detail
Its toner cartridge and its parts are meant to last for thousands of pages, and the printer warns before they run out. Start with the message. A prompt to prepare a cartridge means that the toner is getting low, and the printer will keep printing for a while; order a new one and carry on. A message to replace the cartridge means that the toner has run out or the cartridge is not recognized. Open the printer, take out the cartridge, remove the sealing tape and any packaging from the new one, shake it gently from side to side, and slide it in until it clicks.
Close the cover completely. A message that persists after fitting a new cartridge usually means that the cartridge is not fully seated, the protective tape was not removed or the cartridge is not a compatible one; remove it and refit it, and wipe the contacts with a dry lint-free cloth. Use genuine Canon cartridges for the best results, since third-party cartridges may trigger messages or give a lower page count. Streaks, faded print and repeating marks are separate signs:
faded print suggests low or unseated toner, and streaks or repeating marks point at the toner cartridge or the drum. Run a cleaning from the menu if the printer offers it. If a message mentions a maintenance part, the fixing unit or a roller, that is a service item rather than an owner's task, and Canon support can supply the part or the service. Print a test page after any change. Quote the model and the serial number, which is on the label, when you contact Canon.
Differential
Likely causes of “Canon imageCLASS MF455dw shows a maintenance box, drum, fuser, waste”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Low toner
What separates it A prepare-cartridge message and fading print
How to confirm Order a new cartridge and carry on
- 2
An empty toner cartridge
What separates it A replace-cartridge message
How to confirm Fit a new genuine cartridge
- 3
A cartridge not seated or tape left on
What separates it The message stays after a new cartridge
How to confirm Reseat and remove all packing
- 4
A non-genuine cartridge
What separates it The printer does not recognize it
How to confirm Use a Canon cartridge
- 5
A maintenance part due
What separates it A message about a fixing unit or roller
How to confirm Contact Canon service
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The exact message
- Whether a new cartridge was fitted
- How the prints look
- The cartridge brand
Try in this order
0 of 6 completedRead the message
ReversiblePrepare or replace?
Remove the cartridge
ReversibleAnd the packing.
Shake and fit the new one
ReversibleUntil it clicks.
Close the cover
ReversibleFully.
Clean the contacts
ReversibleDry, lint-free cloth.
Print a test page
ReversibleAnd contact Canon.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Early warning
- The printer asks for a cartridge before it runs out.
- Seating
- A cartridge must click fully in.
- Packing
- Tape and covers must be removed.
- Genuine parts
- They avoid recognition problems.
- Service items
- The fixing unit is not an owner's task.
- Canon help
- Quote the model and serial number.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Do not open the cartridge
- !Let the fuser cool before reaching inside
- !Contact Canon for a fixing unit message
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
What does prepare cartridge mean?+
The toner is getting low.
Does it print color?+
No, it is monochrome only.
Why does a new cartridge not clear the message?+
It is unseated or has packing left.
Do I need genuine cartridges?+
They give the best results.
What is a maintenance part?+
A service item such as the fixing unit.