Brother Error M38 — 4 Ways to Fix Fan Error

Is your Brother HL printer showing error M38? You are not alone. The error code M38 indicates fan error, and it affects thousands of Brother printer users worldwide. The good news is that this error is usually fixable at home without calling a technician.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through 4 proven methods to fix Brother error M38. We have organized these fixes from the simplest to the most advanced, so you can start with the easiest solution first. Most users can resolve this error in under 11 minutes.

What Is Brother Error M38?

Error M38 is a common Brother printer error that indicates fan error. This error can appear on your printer's control panel display or as a pop-up message on your computer screen when you try to print.

When error M38 occurs, your printer may stop printing, flash warning lights, or display the error code. The root cause is typically related to the drum unit and toner are not compatible. Understanding what triggers this error is the first step toward fixing it.

Error M38 can affect various Brother HL models, both older and newer versions. If you are experiencing this error, do not worry — we have compiled all the necessary troubleshooting steps below to help you get your printer back to正常工作.

Common Causes of M38

This error can be triggered by several factors. Understanding the root cause helps you choose the right fix.

• The drum unit and toner are not compatible.
• Corrupted printer driver or software configuration.
• Multiple paper sheets fed through at once due to static.

Printer Models Affected by M38

M38 has been reported on the following Brother printer models:

Error M38 is common on Brother HL series printers.

4 Proven Ways to Fix M38

Try these methods in order. Start with the easiest and most common solutions first.

Method 1: Restart Your Brother Printer

Easy ⏱ 2 minutes

1. Press the power button to turn off the printer. 2. Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet. 3. Wait for at least 60 seconds. 4. Plug the power cord back in. 5. Turn on the printer and check for the error.

💡 Pro Tip: Always start with a power cycle. It is the simplest and often most effective fix.

Method 2: Check and Resolve Fan Error

Easy ⏱ 5 minutes

1. Open the front cover and toner/drum access door. 2. Inspect the drum unit for damage or wear. 3. If clearing a jam, remove paper in the direction indicated by the arrows. 4. Close all covers and try printing again.

💡 Pro Tip: Reset the drum counter after replacing the drum unit.

Method 3: Reset the Printer Settings

Medium ⏱ 5 minutes

1. Press Menu on the printer control panel. 2. Navigate to General Setup or Initial Setup. 3. Select Factory Reset or Reset All Settings. 4. Confirm the reset when prompted. 5. The printer will restart automatically. 6. Reconfigure date, time, and network settings.

💡 Pro Tip: A factory reset will clear all custom settings including WiFi and network configuration.

Method 4: Update Printer Firmware

Medium ⏱ 10 minutes

1. Visit the Brother Support website (support.brother.com). 2. Enter your model: HL-L5200DW. 3. Go to Downloads section. 4. Select Firmware and download the latest version. 5. Run the firmware update tool. 6. Do not power off the printer during the update. 7. Restart the printer when done.

💡 Pro Tip: Brother frequently releases firmware updates to fix known issues and improve performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

Brother error M38 can be frustrating, but as you have seen, there are 4 effective ways to resolve it. In most cases, starting with a simple power cycle or checking your cartridges will solve the problem quickly.

If you have tried all the methods above and the error M38 persists, it may be time to contact Brother support for professional assistance. Remember to keep your printer's firmware updated and use genuine supplies to prevent future errors.