What this means
Error 010-397 means your Xerox printer has detected a fault in the fusing system. The fuser uses heat and pressure to bond toner to the paper. This code points to a problem with the fuser temperature, the heating lamps, the thermal sensors, or a fusing assembly that has reached the end of its useful life.
A power surge can trigger this code erroneously. A simple power cycle often clears the message because internal lamps or sensors sometimes register a reading outside the normal operating range. Reseating the unit can also fix a minor electrical contact issue.
Do not ignore a persistent warning. The fuser reaches very high temperatures during normal operation, and internal lamps burn out over time. If the fuser has reached its rated life limit or suffered a component failure, the machine triggers a safety shutdown. Continuing to run the printer with a damaged fusing assembly causes internal jams and further component damage.
Common causes
- Fuser unit has reached the end of its rated service life
- Fuser lamp has burned out or broken internally
- Thermistor failure causing incorrect temperature readings
- Temporary power fluctuation or voltage drop
- Poor electrical connection between the fuser and the printer chassis
- Internal paper jam or trapped debris around the fusing area
What to check first
- 1Check if the error returns immediately after a full power cycle
- 2Verify whether the printer is plugged directly into a wall outlet
- 3Check if the fuser area is abnormally hot or completely cold
Step-by-step fix
- 1
Power off the printer
Turn off the printer using the main power switch. Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet and wait sixty seconds.
- 2
Allow the fuser to cool
Leave the printer completely powered down for at least twenty minutes so the fusing unit cools down safely.
The fuser gets extremely hot during operation. Touching it while hot causes severe burns.
- 3
Bypass surge protectors
Plug the power cord directly into a standard wall outlet. Power strips can cause voltage drops that trigger thermal errors.
- 4
Inspect for paper jams
Open the rear access cover and look for any leftover paper scraps or foreign objects stuck near the fuser rollers.
- 5
Reseat the fuser unit
Open the fuser access door, release the latches, pull the fuser out slightly, and push it firmly back into place to ensure a clean electrical connection.
- 6
Power on the printer
Plug the printer back into the wall and turn on the power switch. Check if the error code clears during the startup sequence.
- 7
Replace the fusing unit
If the error code returns immediately upon boot, order a replacement fusing unit designed for your specific Xerox model and install it.
Ensure the printer is fully powered off and unplugged before attempting to swap the fuser unit.
When to contact a professional
If you install a new fusing unit and the 010-397 error code immediately returns, call a service technician. This points to a main board or power distribution fault rather than a failed part. Stop here. Pushing past this point exposes you to severe burns from a hot fuser and dangerous electrical hazards.