Brother Printer Error Code 39: How to Fix It

Easy 10-20 minutes Low Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
39
Brand
Brother
Product Type
printer
Severity
Low
DIY Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Fix Time
10-20 minutes
Brother printer error code 39 means your drum unit has reached the end of its rated life and needs to be replaced. The drum unit is a separate component from the toner cartridge — it is the cylindrical part that transfers toner onto paper during printing. This is a low-severity warning, meaning your printer may still produce prints for a short time, but print quality will likely degrade and the printer will eventually stop working until you install a new drum unit.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code 39

  1. Confirm the Error Code

  2. Purchase the Correct Replacement Drum Unit

  3. Power Off and Open the Printer Front Cover

    Allow the printer to cool for at least 10 minutes before reaching inside. The fuser area inside the printer can be extremely hot and cause burns.

  4. Remove the Drum Unit and Toner Cartridge Assembly

    Do not tilt or shake the assembly excessively, as loose toner powder can spill. Avoid touching the green drum surface — fingerprints and scratches will damage print quality on a drum you plan to reuse.

  5. Separate the Toner Cartridge from the Old Drum Unit

  6. Unpack and Prepare the New Drum Unit

    Keep the drum unit away from direct sunlight or strong light. Prolonged exposure to light can permanently damage the drum surface.

  7. Reinstall the New Drum Unit Assembly into the Printer

  8. Reset the Drum Counter on the Printer

    Only reset the drum counter after installing a new drum unit. Resetting it without replacing the drum will suppress the warning but will not fix the underlying issue — print quality will continue to degrade.

  9. Print a Test Page to Confirm the Fix

Parts You May Need

Brother Drum Unit
Check Price on Amazon
Brother Drum Unit
Check Price on Amazon
Brother Drum Unit
Check Price on Amazon
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When to Call a Professional

Error code 39 is almost always resolved by replacing the drum unit yourself — professional service is rarely needed. However, contact a Brother-authorized service technician or printer repair shop if: the error code 39 persists after installing a new drum unit and resetting the counter; your print quality remains poor (lines, streaks, or blank pages) after the drum replacement; the printer displays additional error codes alongside code 39; or the printer makes unusual grinding or mechanical noises during printing, which may indicate a separate internal mechanical failure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep printing after Brother error code 39 appears?
Yes, in most cases you can continue printing for a short time after error code 39 appears. Brother sets the end-of-life warning conservatively. However, print quality may start to degrade — you may notice fading, streaks, or smearing. It is best to replace the drum unit promptly to avoid poor print quality or a complete printer stoppage.
Is the drum unit the same as the toner cartridge on a Brother printer?
No, they are two separate components. The toner cartridge holds the toner powder that creates the text and images. The drum unit is a separate cylindrical component that transfers the toner onto the paper. Many Brother printers use a two-piece system where you replace them independently. The drum unit typically lasts 3 to 4 times longer than a toner cartridge before needing replacement.
How do I reset the drum counter on my Brother printer after replacing the drum?
The exact steps depend on your model. A common method is: open the front cover, then press and hold the 'OK' button (or 'Go' button) for several seconds until the display confirms the reset. On menu-driven models, go to Menu > Machine Info (or Reset Menu) > Drum > Yes to confirm. Always check your specific model's user manual for the correct procedure, as skipping this step will leave the error active even with a new drum installed.
How long does a Brother drum unit last?
Brother drum units are typically rated for approximately 12,000 to 30,000 pages depending on the model and drum unit type. Actual lifespan varies based on how often you print, the types of documents you print (heavy graphics use more drum life), and environmental conditions. You can check the drum page count remaining through your printer's status monitor software on your computer.
Can I use a compatible (non-Brother) drum unit to fix error code 39?
Yes, compatible third-party drum units are widely available and are generally significantly cheaper than OEM Brother drum units. They will fix error code 39 and the drum counter can be reset the same way. However, quality varies between third-party manufacturers. For best results, choose a reputable brand with good reviews for your specific Brother printer model. Using a non-OEM drum unit will not void your printer's warranty for unrelated issues, though Brother may decline to cover warranty claims directly caused by a third-party part.

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