Brother printers are known for their reliability, but like any machine, they can occasionally throw up error messages that leave you scratching your head. The green effect is the “replace drum” mistake content. If you are seeing this, do panic—fixing it is straightforward.
Let walk through what this error means why it appears, and how to resolve it promptly.
What Does the “REPLACE DRUM” Error Mean?
The drum unit is a critical component of your Brother printer that works with the toner cartridge to transfer images and text onto paper. Over time, the drum unit wears out and must be replaced.
The “REPLACE DRUM” message appears when the printer detects that the drum unit has reached the end of its lifespan. Even after replacing the drum, you may need to reset the drum counter to remove the error message.
Steps to Fix the “REPLACE DRUM” Error Message
1. Verify if the drum unit needs replacement.
Before replacing the drum, check its condition:
- Open the printer’s front cover and remove the drum and toner assembly.
- Inspect the drum surface for visible damage or wear.
If the drum is visibly worn or damaged, it’s time to replace it.
2. Replace the Drum Unit
Here’s how to replace the drum unit:
- Open the printer’s front cover.
- Remove the drum and toner assembly.
- Detach the toner cartridge from the old drum by pressing the green lock lever.
- Attach the toner cartridge to the new drum until it clicks into place.
- Insert the assembly back into the printer and close the front cover.
3. Reset the Drum Counter
After replacing the drum, resetting the drum counter is crucial to clear the error message.
- For Printers with a Touchscreen:
- Press Settings > All Settings > Machine Info > Parts Life.
- Press Drum > Reset and confirm.
- For Printers without a Touchscreen:
- Open the front cover.
- Press and hold the OK button until “Drum Unit” appears on the display.
- Press OK, then press the Up Arrow to reset.
4. Check for Firmware Updates
Sometimes, a firmware issue can cause persistent error messages. Check for updates:
- Visit the Brother Support website.
- Enter your printer model and download the latest firmware.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to update your printer.
5. Seek Professional Help
If the problem continues to occur even after performing these steps, your printer might need some repairs.
Note: As already stated, we are a proffering support service for the problems that are triggered by a Brother printer. However, we do not claim to be a Brother service center. We are proficient enough to help resolve any general printer issues.
Conclusion
The ‘REPLACE DRUM’ error message which appears on your Brother printer is only meant to remind you of the regular maintenance practices that all printers require from time to time. With an appropriate action of changing the drum unit, resetting the drum counter, and updating the firmware, this problem can be dealt with effectively so that the printer continues working appropriately.
Need additional help? Don’t worry and get in touch with our third-party support team for professional help.