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Drum error on a laser printer

Seeing replace drum, drum end soon or a drum error on your laser printer? Reseat it, clean the corona wire, reset the counter or replace the drum.

10–30 min
Moderate
Updated

Quick fix

Remove the drum and toner assembly, check the toner is locked into the drum, and reinstall it firmly. If the message says the drum is nearing the end of its life, you can usually keep printing until quality drops. After fitting a new drum, reset the drum counter as described in your printer's manual.

Didn’t work? Go to the full steps

You might see

  • A message such as drum error, drum end soon or replace drum
  • The message stays after a new drum is installed
  • Dark lines, spots or faint repeating marks on pages
  • The printer stops printing until the drum is replaced

Usually caused by

  • Drum nearing or past the end of its rated life
  • Drum counter not reset after fitting a new drum
  • Dirty corona wire inside the drum unit
  • Drum or toner not seated or locked properly
  • Damage or debris on the drum surface

Safety first. Turn the printer off and let it cool for at least 15 minutes before removing the drum, as the fuser behind it gets very hot, and don't touch the drum surface or leave it in bright light.

Step-by-step fix

Work through the steps in order and check each one off. Most people are printing again before the last step.

Laser printers

0 of 6 steps tried

  1. Know your drum type

    Some laser printers build the drum into the toner cartridge, so a new cartridge clears drum messages. Others, including many Brother models, use a separate drum unit that outlasts several toner cartridges and has its own life counter.

  2. Reseat the drum and toner

    Lift out the drum and toner assembly, push the toner into the drum until it clicks, and check nothing is caught underneath. Slide the assembly back in until it stops and close the cover firmly.

  3. Clean the corona wire

    Many separate drum units have a small sliding tab along the top. Slide it gently from end to end several times, then return it to its home position, usually marked with an arrow, or it will leave a streak down the page.

  4. Check for debris

    Look at the drum without touching it. A label, staple or clump of paper dust on it can trigger errors and marks; remove loose debris carefully and wipe the cartridge bay with a dry lint-free cloth.

  5. Treat drum end soon as a warning

    A drum end soon message is an early warning, and many printers keep printing normally for some time. Order a replacement and fit it when the printer stops or prints show lines, spots or fading.

  6. Reset the counter after replacement

    Many printers need the drum counter reset after a new drum is fitted, from the control panel menu or a button sequence. Steps vary by model, so follow your manual; resetting a worn drum only hides the warning.

Common questions

Do I need a new drum every time I change the toner?

Only if your printer combines them in one cartridge. Separate drum units typically last through several toner cartridges.

Can I clean a laser drum?

Most makers advise against touching the drum surface. Some manuals describe cleaning small spots with a dry cotton swab, so only try it if your manual explains the method.

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