I am getting a PCL error code on my Dell 5100cn

ahmad, does the printer show as default? if not make it. Try test print and make sure all printer compartment are securely closed.

Generic toners often cause this error. Was the cyan you purchased a aftermarket compatible?

1. reset count in printer menu
2. clean the optical sensor

Most commonly, LaserJet printers are accessed over a network. To workaround the issue, you may try to connect your PC directly to the printer using an IEEE-1284 compliant cable.
or update your driver
The PCL XL error may occur if one or more of the required driver files are missing from your computer or are outdated. In this case, you may visit the HP Website for the latest driver updates, download them, and update the existing driver files.
If the problems with the PCL 6 driver continue to occur, remove it from your system. After removing, install the PCL5 printer driver that is shipped with your HP LaserJet Family Printer. If this driver is not available, use the latest preinstalled driver that is available on your Windows computer.

hope this helps

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/5100cn/en/UG/section18.html
see this page for detail, i hope this helpfull, if you think this helpfull please rate very helpfull or helpfull. thanks for using fixya

Please clarify,
else you can download this printers manual from here
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/5100cn/en/index.htm#online_documentation

The dell 5100cn is a rebranded Xerox Phaser 6300. You can buy the maintenance manual for under $4 on ebay. I did, and it was emailed to me as a pdf.

I would only use the part designated by the manufacturer.

This may not solve your problem but it did mine when I got the "reseat cartridge" error. I had inadvertently ordered the cartridge for the 5100cn, which looks exactly the same as the 5110cn and actually fits if you order the generic version (the Dell 5100cn cartridge looks like the 5110cn but doesn't quite fit).

So, first make sure that you ordered the 5110cn cartridge. (And if you need two opened 5100cn cartridges, I've got them up on ebay :( !!!!)

My Dell 1600n suddenly stopped printing. It keeps saying "No paper," and even though I've changed papers, fanned it, squared it, changed how much, how little.............it still says "no paper."