How to Replace HP LaserJet 2840 Cartridges and Imaging Drum

Posted Thursday, April 21st, 2011 by .

Replacing toner cartridges and imaging drums are standard procedures when it comes to maintaining a laser printer.  Most models from varying manufacturers have similar configurations; however, the internal setup of the HP LaserJet 2840 is slightly different, as the cartridges and drum can only be accessed by lifting the scanner (as shown in image, release button is circled).HP 2840 Printer

Replacing the Cartridge

Rather than offering standard slots, the cartridges are held on a carousel and users must use the button on the control panel to rotate to the color that is being replaced.

  • Rotate carousel until the color you wish to replace is selected.
  • Open the top of the unit by pulling the white release lever on the top panel.
  • The cartridge will be revealed and you simply pinch the two blue buttons to remove and install cartridges.

Replacing the Drum

It is not as easy to determine when the drum needs to be replaced, but a message will appear on the LCD display of the 2840 when the time comes.  Unfortunately, finding the drum has proved to be a bit challenging for users.

Where art thou, drum?

  • Pull that same white release lever (used to replace cartridges) to open the top panel.  You should be able to locate the drum by spotting the handle.
  • Rotate the drum so the handle is facing the top of the unit.
  • Pull the handle and lift the drum out of the printer.
  • Remove any packing materials, including shipping screws and orange protective plate from the new drum.
  • Use alignment arrows to insert properly.

Once you have changed the cartridges and drum for the HP 2840 one time, the process should be quick and painless. It is just that first replacement that seems to stump many people.

*BONUS TIP*

Want to rotate the carousel without having to have the top cover closed or even having the machine turned on?

Check out this video for a nice trick of the trade:

Robyn Warner
Robyn Warner has been writing since she learned how to hold a pen. She wrote her first book of poems before the age of 10. Though creative writing is her preference, she is enjoying life in the technical blog world. Robyn’s goal in her 30s is to use her writing to inspire fellow cancer survivors and have a job that gives her the flexibility to live anywhere and never wear shoes.
Read more from this author
Post Categories Posted in Printer Setup and Maintenance
Post Tags Tags:
« 
 »

4 Responses to “How to Replace HP LaserJet 2840 Cartridges and Imaging Drum”

  • TxCoChic:
    January 7, 2013 at 10:10 pm

    This is no different than the manual instructions for finding the drum. Can you provide a video or pictures on how to get the drum out? I can see where the drum is, but it doesn’t rotate & I’m afraid to break it if i force it to pull up or to rotate.

    And which way should it rotate? I’m assuming the arrows and picture are trying to tell me something, but I don’t know exactly what the “handle” is…the blue label? The green plastic part with the arrows? Something else? :-/

  • inktechnologies:
    January 10, 2013 at 3:37 pm

    I am sorry but we don’t have the printer in our warehouse and do not have access to a video that shows the process. The drum removes by pulling up on the Green handle. As you start to pull the cartridge will slightly rotate away from you as it glides along the rails in the printer. The Green plastic arrows are used to show what side is up on the drum unit. Please grasp in between the 2 arrows on the Green part of the drum unit. It should slide out with little or no force. Please feel to contact us if you have further questions.

  • Mark:
    September 7, 2013 at 5:30 am

    Thank you, your video was exceptionally helpful. I had issues replacing a magenta cartridge and then was trying to work out how to free the carousel. Excellent article.

  • inktechnologies:
    September 11, 2013 at 12:22 pm

    Mark, we are glad you found it helpful, and thanks for taking the time to comment!