Brother 'Drum Error' / 'Drum !' — Drum unit needs attention

What this error means

The corona wire on the drum unit is dirty, or the drum unit is at end of life. Distinct from 'Replace Drum' (a life counter) — 'Drum Error' is usually cleanable.

Symptoms

• Lines or streaks on prints
• 'Drum !' icon or message

Try this first (safe DIY steps)

1. Remove the drum+toner assembly, separate them
2. Slide the green corona-cleaning tab across its full travel several times and return it to the home (▲) position — leaving it off-home causes print defects
3. Reinstall; if 'Replace Drum' shows instead, reset the drum counter only when actually fitting a new drum

Safety: power off before any physical intervention. Never bypass covers or interlocks — fuser areas run hot enough to burn.

When to call a technician

Rarely needed — drum units are user-replaceable parts (~$60–120).