OKI MC332, MC362 and MC562: Fuser Near Life and errors 320, 348, 354, 980 — what to do

Last Updated on 11.08.2026 by DriverNew

The Fuser Near Life, Check Fuser Unit, Fuser Unit Life messages and code 980 refer to the fuser — the heating unit that fuses toner to the paper. This unit is also called a fuser unit.

These messages require different actions. The Fuser Near Life warning usually allows printing to continue, code 354 indicates that the estimated service life has ended, while codes 320 and 348 most often appear because the unit is installed incorrectly. Code 980 cannot be cleared with a normal life counter reset: it indicates a fault in or around the fuser unit and may sometimes be associated with jammed or wrapped paper.

Which models this guide applies to

The location of the fuser unit and the general removal procedure apply to the following color MFPs:

• OKI MC332dn;
• OKI MC342dn and MC342dw;
• OKI MC352dn;
• OKI MC362dn and MC362w;
• OKI MC562dn, MC562w and MC562dw;
• OKI ES3452 MFP;
• OKI ES5462 MFP and ES5462dw MFP;
• OKI MPS2731mc.

The same messages also occur on the related OKI MC351, MC361, MC561, ES3451 MFP and ES5461 MFP. The appearance of the covers may differ on related models, so before replacement, check the full device name and the location of the parts.

What the message or error code means

Step 1. Check the message and MFP status

1. Do not dismiss the message with the CANCEL button until you have written it down in full.
2. If the bottom line of the display shows Please see HELP for details, press HELP.
3. Write down the three-digit code and the entire message. For code 698, also write down the digits after the hyphen.
4. Note whether printing has stopped or the MFP remains in the ready state.
5. Check for the smell of overheated plastic, smoke, unusual crackling or jammed paper near the output area.

Step 2. Check the remaining life of the fuser unit

If the MFP continues to operate and shows only a warning that the end of the service life is approaching, check the status of the consumable units from the control panel:

1. Wait for the ready screen.
2. Press the STATUS button.
3. Open Device Information.
4. Select Supplies Status.
5. Find the line for Fuser or Fuser Unit.

The item names on the display depend on the selected language, but the sequence remains the same: device status, device information, supplies status.

If only Fuser Near Life is displayed

• You usually do not need to stop using the device immediately.
• Do not remove a working unit just to inspect it.
• Prepare a replacement in advance, especially if the MFP is used continuously.
• Do not expect a strictly defined number of remaining pages: it depends on the printing mode and the condition of the unit.
• If paper jams, poorly fused toner or an overheating smell appear at the same time, do not wait for message 354 — check the unit earlier.

If code 354 is displayed

Code 354 means that the estimated service life has ended. Printing may sometimes resume temporarily after opening and closing the top cover, but this does not reset wear or restore the fuser unit. This method is acceptable only for completing a small urgent job if there is no overheating smell, paper jam or print defect. The unit must then be replaced.

Step 3. Check whether replacement is really required

Not every fuser-related message means that the unit is physically worn out. Use the error code:

• 320, 348 or 699 — first reinstall the existing unit. If the error appeared immediately after maintenance, incorrect seating or an unlocked lever is the most likely cause.
• 354 — prepare a new fuser unit and replace the old one.
• 698 — do not continue repeatedly reinstalling the unit. Check part compatibility first.
• 980 — proceed to the separate check in the section below. Resetting the service life will not help.

Even without a service-life message, replacement may be required if, on ordinary dry paper with the correct settings selected, toner rubs off easily with a finger, sheets repeatedly jam before the output area, paper comes out heavily wrinkled, or the same defect repeats along the sheet at intervals of approximately 86 mm.

If toner fuses poorly only on heavy paper, envelopes or labels, first check the media type and weight in the tray and driver settings. An incorrect paper mode changes the feed speed and fusing temperature, so a working fuser unit may appear faulty.

Step 4. Choose the correct new fuser unit

Do not order the unit based only on a photograph or the word “compatible.” Different regional versions may have different part numbers and operating voltages.

1. Find the full MFP name on the chassis label, including the dn, dw or w suffix.
2. Determine the region of supply and the mains voltage for which the device was manufactured.
3. Compare the number of the new unit with the part number specified for your model and region.
4. Check not only the seller’s model list but also the label on the fuser unit itself or its packaging.
5. If buying a used unit, ask about its remaining service life. Installing another partially used fuser unit may cause the remaining service life to be displayed incorrectly.
6. Inspect the packaging before installation. A damaged heating roller, broken connector or deformed frame is a reason not to install the unit.

Step 5. Safely turn off and cool the MFP

This procedure is used both for reinstalling and for completely replacing the fuser unit.

1. Wait until printing, copying, scanning and fax transmission are complete.
2. Press and hold the power switch for approximately one second, but no longer than five seconds.
3. Wait for the Shutdown in progress. Please wait. message.
4. Do not open the covers while the power indicator is flashing.
5. After the indicator turns off, unplug the power cable from the outlet.
6. Wait at least 10 minutes for the fuser unit to cool.
7. Remove watches, bracelets and other items from your hands that could accidentally touch a hot or electrical part.

Step 6. Reinstall the fuser unit for code 320, 348 or 699

1. Make sure the MFP is turned off, the cable is disconnected and at least 10 minutes have passed.
2. Carefully lift the entire scanner unit upward.
3. Press the top cover release and fully open the top cover, which also serves as the output tray.
4. Locate the fuser unit directly behind the four toner cartridges. There is a handle on its upper surface.
5. Locate the two locking levers on the left and right edges of the unit.
6. Pull both levers toward the front of the MFP until they are fully vertical.
7. Hold only the handle and lift the fuser unit straight up. Do not tilt it toward the LED heads.
8. Place the unit on a flat, nonflammable surface with the handle facing upward. If it is still warm, do not place it on plastic, fabric or paper.
9. Inspect the mounting slots and accessible area. Remove only a loose piece of paper or packaging material that can be reached without tools and without force.
10. Do not wipe or rotate the rollers. Do not touch the contacts, LED heads or transfer belt.
11. Hold the fuser unit by the handle. Both locking levers must remain vertical, and the two guide projections must face the user.
12. Keep the unit horizontal and lower both guide projections into the slots on the sides of the mounting area.
13. Make sure the left and right sides are lowered to the same depth. Do not force a tilted unit into place.
14. Move both locking levers back as far as they will go. If one lever will not close, lift the unit again and check the guides.
15. Slowly close the top cover and press it down until the latches engage.
16. Carefully lower the scanner unit.
17. Reconnect the power, turn on the MFP and wait for initialization to complete.

How to evaluate the result of reinstallation

• The code disappears. Print one internal page and check toner fusing and paper movement.
• Code 320 or 348 remains. Turn off the device, allow it to cool again and check that the unit is installed horizontally, both projections have entered the slots and both levers are fully moved back.
• Code 698 appears. Check the compatibility of the unit; reinstalling an unsuitable part will not clear the message.
• Code 348 repeats after correct reinstallation. The fuser unit may be faulty; a new compatible unit will be required.

Step 7. Replace the fuser unit for code 354

1. Unpack the new fuser unit next to the MFP, but do not touch the rollers or electrical contacts.
2. Remove all shipping locks, protective inserts, tapes and packaging material. Do not remove factory labels that are not marked as shipping materials.
3. Turn off and cool the MFP using the procedure described above.
4. Lift the scanner and fully open the top cover.
5. Move both locking levers of the old fuser unit toward the front of the device until they are vertical.
6. Holding the old unit only by the handle, lift it straight up.
7. Place the removed unit on a flat, heat-resistant surface and do not leave it where children can touch it.
8. Hold the new unit by the handle. The locking levers must be vertical and the two guide projections must face the front of the MFP.
9. Lower the projections into the side slots. The unit should fit evenly without rocking or excessive pressure.
10. Move both locking levers back as far as they will go.
11. Make sure no shipping tape, cardboard, plastic insert or other packaging material remains inside the device.
12. Close the top cover until both latches engage and lower the scanner.
13. Reconnect the power cable and turn on the MFP.
14. Wait until the device reaches the ready state. Initializing the new unit may take longer than a normal startup.
15. Print one internal page on plain A4 paper.
16. Check whether the toner is fully fused and whether there are any creases, repeating marks, unusual noises or an overheating smell.

If the message remains after installing a new unit

Do not immediately try to enter a hidden service menu. First match the remaining message to its cause.

A so-called fuser reset, service code, reset fuse or reset chip changes only the service-life information if the specific design supports such a method at all. It does not repair worn rollers, the heater, temperature sensor, connector, wrapped paper or the electrical circuit. For an inexperienced user, this should not be the first method used to troubleshoot the error.

What to do with error 980

Error 980 indicates a fault in or near the fuser unit. It may appear because of jammed paper, but the absence of a visible sheet does not mean that the service-life counter should be reset.

1. If there is no smoke or strong burning smell, turn off the MFP normally by holding the power switch for approximately one second.
2. Wait until shutdown is complete and unplug the power cable.
3. Wait at least 10 minutes.
4. Lift the scanner and fully open the top cover.
5. Inspect the paper path before the fuser unit and the output area. Use a flashlight, but do not touch any parts with a metal object.
6. If a free edge of an intact sheet is visible and the paper comes out without force, carefully remove it in the normal direction of paper travel.
7. If only a small edge of the sheet is visible, the paper is wrapped around a roller, melted, torn inside the unit or does not move without force, do not pull it backward and do not use tweezers, a screwdriver or a knife.
8. Check that the fuser unit is installed correctly and that both locking levers are in the proper position.
9. Close the covers, reconnect the power and turn on the device once.
10. If code 980 appears again, turn off the MFP and stop troubleshooting it yourself.

When you should stop troubleshooting yourself

Turn off the device and contact a service center if at least one of the following occurs:

• code 980 returns after cooling, inspection and one test power-on;
• paper is wrapped around a roller or has melted inside the fuser unit;
• smoke, sparking or a strong smell of overheated plastic appears;
• a torn coating, deep scratch, blister or deformation is visible on the roller;
• a damaged connector, burned contact or wire is visible;
• a new, known compatible unit is installed correctly, but code 320, 348, 354 or 980 remains;
• a locking lever is broken or does not hold the unit;
• removing the paper would require disassembling the fuser unit housing.

Do not open the fuser unit housing: it contains a heater and electrical components. User servicing is limited to safely removing the unit by its handle, removing only freely accessible paper, reinstalling the unit and replacing the entire assembly.