Fix Brother Error Drum Error: Drum Unit Malfunction
warning Severity: warning
If your Brother printer is displaying error Drum Error, do not worry – this is a known issue with a proven fix. This error typically indicates drum unit malfunction that can usually be resolved without a service call. Follow the steps below to clear this error.
What Causes Brother Error Drum Error?
This error can be triggered by one or more of the following issues:
- Corona wire inside the drum unit is dirty
- Drum unit not seated correctly
- Drum surface damaged by light exposure or scratching
- Toner cartridge not compatible with the drum unit
How to Fix Brother Error Drum Error
Follow these steps in order. After each step, check whether the error has cleared before proceeding to the next one.
- Step 1: Open the front cover and remove the drum and toner assembly
- Step 2: Separate the toner cartridge from the drum unit
- Step 3: Clean the corona wire by sliding the green tab back and forth 5-6 times, then return to home position
- Step 4: Inspect the drum surface for scratches or damage
- Step 5: Reinstall the toner into the drum and reinsert the assembly
- Step 6: Close the front cover — the error should clear
Affected Brother Printer Models
The following Brother printer models are known to display error Drum Error:
- Brother HL-L2350DW
- Brother MFC-L2710DW
- Brother HL-L3270CDW
- Brother MFC-L8900CDW
- Brother HL-L2370DW
- Brother HL-L6200DW
Related Brother Error Codes
If you are troubleshooting error Drum Error, these related error codes may also be relevant:
- Replace Drum – Drum Unit End of Life
- Toner Low – Toner Cartridge Low
- Machine Error 46 – Unable to Print – Waste Toner
- Unable to Clean 46 – Purge Unit Error
- Unable to Print 50 – Print Head Error
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes Brother Drum Error?
The most common cause is a dirty corona wire inside the drum unit. The corona wire charges the drum surface and when coated with toner residue, it cannot charge properly, causing print defects and errors.
How often should I clean the corona wire?
Clean the corona wire every time you replace the toner cartridge, or whenever you notice print quality degradation such as vertical streaks or faded areas on printouts.
Error still not resolved?
If the steps above did not fix the error, the issue may require professional service. Contact the manufacturer support line or visit an authorized service center near you.