Brother Printer Error Code 42: How to Fix It

Easy 10-20 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
42
Brand
Brother
Product Type
printer
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Fix Time
10-20 minutes
Brother printer Error Code 42 means your printer's drum unit has reached the end of its expected lifespan and needs to be replaced or reset. The drum unit is a separate component from the toner cartridge — it's the cylinder that transfers the toner image onto paper during printing. If you've recently installed a new drum unit and the error persists, the drum counter likely just needs to be reset manually.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code 42

  1. Stop Printing and Note the Error

    Do not ignore this error for an extended period. A worn drum unit can produce streaky, faded, or smeared prints and may eventually affect print head components.

  2. Power Off and Open the Front Cover

    Allow the printer to cool for at least 10 minutes before reaching inside. Internal components such as the fuser unit can reach high temperatures during operation and may cause burns.

  3. Remove the Drum Unit and Toner Cartridge Assembly

    Avoid touching the green drum surface with your fingers. Skin oils can permanently damage the drum and degrade print quality. Handle only by the plastic frame or handle.

  4. Separate the Toner Cartridge from the Drum Unit

  5. Install the New Drum Unit

    Do not expose the new drum unit to direct sunlight or bright fluorescent light for more than a few minutes. Light exposure can damage the drum surface before it is installed.

  6. Reinstall the Assembly into the Printer

  7. Reset the Drum Unit Counter

    Only reset the drum counter when you have physically installed a new drum unit. Resetting the counter without replacing the drum unit will suppress the warning but will not fix wear-related print quality problems.

  8. Print a Test Page

Parts You May Need

Drum unit
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Toner cartridge
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Drum unit
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Toner cartridge
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Drum unit
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Toner cartridge
Check Price on Amazon
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When to Call a Professional

Contact Brother support or a certified printer technician if Error Code 42 returns immediately after installing a new drum unit and resetting the counter, as this may indicate a faulty drum unit sensor or a deeper hardware issue. Also seek professional help if you notice physical damage inside the printer such as broken guide rails, a damaged fuser unit, or if toner has spilled heavily inside the machine and cannot be safely cleaned.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep printing with Brother Error Code 42?
You can often continue printing for a short time after Error Code 42 appears, but print quality will likely deteriorate — expect streaks, faded areas, or smearing. It is best to replace the drum unit promptly to avoid damage to other internal components and to maintain print quality.
Is the drum unit the same as the toner cartridge on Brother printers?
No, they are separate parts. The toner cartridge holds the toner powder and is replaced more frequently. The drum unit is a longer-lasting component that physically transfers the toner image onto paper. Most Brother drum units last through several toner cartridge replacements before needing to be changed.
Why does Error Code 42 still show after I replaced the drum unit?
The drum counter must be manually reset after installing a new drum unit — the printer does not detect the new part automatically. Follow your model's reset procedure (usually holding the OK button with the front cover open) to clear the error and reset the drum life counter to 100%.
How many pages does a Brother drum unit last?
Most Brother drum units are rated for approximately 12,000 to 15,000 pages, though this varies by model. High-volume printing, frequent short print jobs, or using non-genuine toner cartridges can shorten drum life. Check your specific model's documentation for the rated drum yield.
Do I need to use a genuine Brother drum unit, or will a compatible one work?
Genuine Brother drum units are recommended for best performance and to ensure the drum counter resets correctly. Compatible third-party drum units can work and are often less expensive, but quality varies by brand. Make sure any compatible drum unit is specifically listed as compatible with your exact Brother printer model before purchasing.

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