How to Reset a Ricoh Aficio Smart Chip

While Ricoh cartridges for their Aficio line of multi-function printers are relatively inexpensive for the page count yields they produce, they can still cost $100, $200 or more for new ones. Consequently, refilling your Aficio cartridges with aftermarket toner can save your business a considerable amount of money. However, when refilling Aficio cartridges yourself, you may have to replace the smart chip so the printer page count will reset and allow you to print.

Preparation

Purchase a replacement smart chip for your Ricoh Aficio multi-function laser printer if one did not come with the toner refill kit. Many toner refill kits ship with the needed smart chip. However, if you did not receive a smart chip with the kit, you can purchase one online at sites such as ColorTonerExpert, 123 Refills and Laser Connection (links in Resources).

Power off the Ricoh Aficio printer, and then remove the toner cartridge. You can find directions for removing the toner cartridge on the inner face of the cover panel on the front of the printer or in the user guide for your particular model.

Refill the toner in the Ricoh Aficio cartridge according to the directions on the refill kit instruction sheet or guide. Blow away excess toner and dust with compressed air, and then wipe the cartridge with a dry towel or cloth to clean it.

Replace the Chip in the Aficio C4500

Orient the C4500 toner cartridge so that the end with the smart chip faces you. Locate the six plastic tabs that secure the chip in its slot. Use the utility knife to slice the plastic tabs in the upper right and left corner, then slide the chip upward about an eighth of an inch. Pry outward on the top of the chip gently with a flathead screwdriver. Pull outward on the upper edge of the smart chip to remove it from its slot.

Align the new chip with the slot on the end of the toner cartridge. When aligning the new chip, ensure that the raised bezel on the chip aligns with the indenture inside the slot. Push the chip straight into the slot, and then push downward on it slightly until it seats securely behind the three tabs on the bottom of the slot.

Power on the hot glue gun, and insert a glue stick. Apply two small globs of glue in the upper corners of the slot to secure the new smart chip.

Insert the toner cartridge back into the C4500 printer, and then close the maintenance cover door. Power on the printer and allow it to cycle the refilled cartridge. After replacing the smart chip, the printer does not display errors or time out when printing.

Replace Smart Chip on Ricoh Aficio CL-4000

Pry off the colored cap at the end of the toner cartridge tube with a flathead screwdriver. The cap attaches to the end of the toner tube with glue. However, it is not very strong, and you should be able to pry away the cap without much difficulty.

Use alcohol and cotton swabs to clean away toner and glue remnants from where you removed the colored cap.

Slide the smart chip to the left to remove it from its slot. Align the new chip with the slot, and then slide it to the right until it is secure.

Replace the colored cap on the end of the toner tube. Secure the cap to the tube with clear plastic tape or hot glue beads if needed.

Reinsert the tube cartridge into the printer. Power on the printer and use normally.

Change Smart Chip on Ricoh Aficio CL-7000

Orient the toner cartridge so that the end with the smart chip faces you. Use a flathead screwdriver to pry and disengage the three tabs that secure the end panel of the cartridge to the assembly.

Insert the tip of the flathead screwdriver into the crevice at the edge of the panel farthest away from the smart chip, and lift upward until you can insert your finger underneath the panel. Lift upward on the edge of the panel, and continue rotating the panel until the bottom is visible.

Grip the edge of the smart chip with a pair of needle-nosed pliers, and pull it out of the slot.

Grip the edge of the new smart chip, and insert it into the slot. Push the new chip into the slot with the pliers until it is secure.

Close the panel by rotating it in the opposite direction that you used to open it. Push downward on the panel until the three plastic tabs snap into place and lock.

Reinsert the CL-7000 toner cartridge into the printer. Power on the printer and use it as you normally would.