Brother: Replace Drum
What it means
The drum unit has reached the end of its rated life. The printer keeps working for a while, with quality falling off, until it stops. After fitting a new drum the counter has to be reset from the panel, which is the step most people miss.
Guides that cover this kind of fault
A guide written for Replace Drum itself is still being checked against the manufacturer's documentation. These cover the same underlying problem and are filed under print quality.
- Printer Printing Lines or Streaks: Causes and How to Fix ItPrint lines and streaks are usually caused by clogged print head nozzles, low ink or toner levels, or a damaged laser drum. Run a nozzle check or...
- Printer Prints Too Small: How to Fix Scaling and Page Size SettingsFix printer output that is too small by checking application scaling settings and resetting them to actual size or 100 percent. Mismatched paper sizes...
- Printer Prints Blank Pages on Test Prints: Causes and FixesA blank test page usually means the printer cycles paper correctly but fails to transfer ink or toner. Remove any forgotten protective tape from new...
Common questions
What does the Replace Drum error mean on a Brother printer?
The drum unit has reached the end of its rated life. The printer keeps working for a while, with quality falling off, until it stops. After fitting a new drum the counter has to be reset from the panel, which is the step most people miss.
Is the Replace Drum error serious?
It is worth attention but not alarm. Switching the printer off, unplugging it for a minute and checking for anything physically in the way resolves a large share of cases before anything else is needed.
Different code or problem?
Switch off and unplug a printer before reaching inside it. If a fault involves the power supply or internal electronics, or the machine is under warranty, contact the manufacturer or a qualified technician. Full disclaimer. Brand and code names are trademarks of their owners; PrinterFixUp is independent and unaffiliated.