An HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 4301fdw that shows a maintenance or supply message, such as a toner low or very low warning, a replace-cartridge prompt or an imaging drum notice, is a color laser all-in-one asking for a consumable, and each message has a clear action. The printer prints at up to 35 pages per minute in black and color, with duplex, wireless and Ethernet, and it uses toner, not ink, so it does not clog from sitting unused as an inkjet does.
The checks in more detail
Faded print is therefore low toner or an unseated cartridge, and streaks or spots point to the toner or the imaging drum. Read the message and the color. A color laser has four cartridges, black, cyan, magenta and yellow, and the message names the one that is low or empty. A low warning means you can keep printing, and you should order a new cartridge; a very low or replace message means that the cartridge is nearly empty or needs replacing. HP printers may continue to print past a very low message until a set override.
Open the front door, remove the named cartridge, remove the orange tape and packing from the new one, and slide it in until it clicks, and close the door completely. Use a genuine HP cartridge, since a non-HP cartridge or one with a dynamic security chip can cause a message that the cartridge is not supported. If the message persists after a new cartridge, remove it and refit it, check that the plastic tab was removed and that it is the right color and model, and clean the contacts on the cartridge and in the printer with a dry cloth.
An imaging drum message means that the drum, which transfers toner to the paper, is near its end; replace it following HP's guide. Repeating marks at a fixed interval indicate a drum problem, and spots or streaks indicate toner. Print a cleaning page from the menu or HP Smart. A message about the fuser or a maintenance kit is a service item, which HP support can arrange. Print a test page and quote the model and serial number if the message returns.
Differential
Likely causes of “HP Color LaserJet Pro 4301fdw shows a maintenance box, drum, fuser”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A low toner cartridge
What separates it A low or very low message and fading print
How to confirm Order a replacement and carry on
- 2
An empty cartridge
What separates it A replace message
How to confirm Fit a new genuine cartridge
- 3
An unseated cartridge or packing left
What separates it The message stays after replacing
How to confirm Reseat and remove the tab
- 4
A non-HP cartridge or a security chip
What separates it A not-supported message
How to confirm Use a genuine HP cartridge
- 5
A worn imaging drum or a service part
What separates it A drum, fuser or maintenance message
How to confirm Replace the drum or contact HP service
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The exact message and color
- Whether a new cartridge was fitted
- How the prints look
- The cartridge brand
Try in this order
0 of 6 completedRead the message
ReversibleWhich color?
Open the front door
ReversibleRemove the named cartridge.
Remove the packing
ReversibleSlide in the new one.
Close the door
ReversibleFully.
Print a cleaning page
ReversibleAnd a test page.
Contact HP
ReversibleIf the message stays.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Four cartridges
- Black, cyan, magenta and yellow.
- Warnings
- Low lets you carry on; replace needs action.
- Seating
- A cartridge must click in.
- Genuine parts
- They avoid not-supported messages.
- Service items
- The drum and fuser follow HP's guidance.
- HP 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 HP for a fuser or drum message
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
What does very low mean?+
The cartridge is nearly empty.
Does a color laser clog?+
No, it uses toner.
Why does a new cartridge not clear the message?+
It is unseated or has packing left.
What is the imaging drum?+
The part that transfers toner to paper.
What is a fuser message?+
A service item.