ErrorCodeDoctor
Brother · Printer (Laser)

Brother Printer (Laser) Drum ! (Drum Exclamation) error code

Difficulty: Easy · Cost: $0 · Duration: 5m

The Drum ! message on your Brother laser printer means either the corona wire on the drum unit needs cleaning or the drum unit and toner cartridge assembly is not correctly installed. Clean the corona wire by sliding the green tab on the drum unit from left to right and right to left several times. If the error persists remove the toner cartridge from the drum unit and reinstall it, then reinstall the assembly back into the machine.

Common causes

  • The corona wire on the drum unit has accumulated dust or toner and needs cleaning
  • The drum unit or the toner cartridge and drum unit assembly is not correctly installed

How to fix it

  1. 1

    Open the front cover and remove the drum unit and toner cartridge assembly

  2. 2

    Clean the corona wire by sliding the green tab on the drum unit slowly from left to right and right to left several times

  3. 3

    Return the green tab to its home position (marked with a triangle) after cleaning

  4. 4

    If Drum ! persists remove the toner cartridge from the drum unit and reinstall it firmly

  5. 5

    Reinstall the drum unit and toner cartridge assembly back into the machine

  6. 6

    Close the front cover

Related Brother Printer (Laser) error codes

1

2-sided Disabled / 2-sided Disable

The back cover or 2-sided tray is not properly closed or installed

easy
2

Access Denied

The function you are trying to use is restricted by Secure Function Lock

medium
3

Cartridge Error / Put the Toner Cartridge back in

The toner cartridge is not installed correctly in the drum unit

easy
4

Comm. Error

A poor telephone line caused a fax communication error

easy

Drum ! (Drum Exclamation) error — frequently asked questions

What does the Drum ! (Drum Exclamation) error mean on a Brother printer (laser)?

The drum unit corona wire needs cleaning or the drum/toner assembly is not installed correctly

What causes the Drum ! (Drum Exclamation) error?

The Drum ! (Drum Exclamation) error is usually caused by: The corona wire on the drum unit has accumulated dust or toner and needs cleaning; The drum unit or the toner cartridge and drum unit assembly is not correctly installed.

Can I fix the Drum ! (Drum Exclamation) error myself?

Yes — this is rated an easy fix that most people can do themselves, typically in 5m.

How much does it cost to fix the Drum ! (Drum Exclamation) error?

Fixing the Drum ! (Drum Exclamation) error on a Brother printer (laser) typically costs $0, depending on parts and whether you do it yourself or hire a technician.

Is it safe to keep using my printer (laser) with the Drum ! (Drum Exclamation) error?

In most cases yes, but it's best to address the Drum ! (Drum Exclamation) error soon — see the fix steps below to resolve it.