{"id":78720,"date":"2026-08-11T16:54:56","date_gmt":"2026-08-11T13:54:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/drivernew.com\/?p=78720"},"modified":"2026-08-11T16:54:56","modified_gmt":"2026-08-11T13:54:56","slug":"oki-mc332-mc362-and-mc562-fuser-near-life-and-errors-320-348-354-980-what-to-do","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/drivernew.com\/?p=78720","title":{"rendered":"OKI MC332, MC362 and MC562: Fuser Near Life and errors 320, 348, 354, 980 \u2014 what to do"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Fuser Near Life<\/strong>, Check Fuser Unit<\/strong>, Fuser Unit Life<\/strong> messages and code 980<\/strong> refer to the fuser \u2014 the heating unit that fuses toner to the paper. This unit is also called a fuser unit.<\/p>\n

These messages require different actions. The Fuser Near Life<\/strong> warning usually allows printing to continue, code 354<\/strong> indicates that the estimated service life has ended, while codes 320<\/strong> and 348<\/strong> most often appear because the unit is installed incorrectly. Code 980<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

\n

First write down the full code<\/strong><\/p>\n

If the display prompts you to press HELP<\/strong>, press the button and write down the error number. Do not buy a fuser unit simply because someone refers to a \u201cfuser error\u201d: codes 320, 348, 354 and 980 indicate different situations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Which models this guide applies to<\/h2>\n

The location of the fuser unit and the general removal procedure apply to the following color MFPs:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • OKI MC332dn;<\/li>\n
  • OKI MC342dn and MC342dw;<\/li>\n
  • OKI MC352dn;<\/li>\n
  • OKI MC362dn and MC362w;<\/li>\n
  • OKI MC562dn, MC562w and MC562dw;<\/li>\n
  • OKI ES3452 MFP;<\/li>\n
  • OKI ES5462 MFP and ES5462dw MFP;<\/li>\n
  • OKI MPS2731mc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    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.<\/p>\n

    What the message or error code means<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Message or code<\/th>\nWhat happened<\/th>\nWhat to do<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
    Fuser Near Life<\/strong>
    \nFuser Unit Near Life<\/strong><\/td>\n    		The estimated service life of the fuser unit is approaching its end<\/td>\nPrepare a compatible new unit; printing can usually continue<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Fuser Unit Life<\/strong>
    \nInstall New Fuser Unit<\/strong>
    \ncode 354<\/strong><\/td>\n    		The estimated service life has ended<\/td>\nReplace the fuser unit; opening and closing the cover may restore printing only temporarily<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Check Fuser Unit<\/strong>
    \nReset Fuser Unit<\/strong>
    \ncodes 320<\/strong> or 348<\/strong><\/td>\n    		The unit is seated unevenly, has not entered the guides or is not locked by the levers<\/td>\nTurn off the MFP, allow it to cool and reinstall the fuser unit<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Fuser Unit Not Installed<\/strong>
    \ncode 699<\/strong><\/td>\n    		The MFP does not detect the installed fuser unit<\/td>\nCheck the seating of the unit and the position of both locking levers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Non Recommended Fuser Unit<\/strong>
    \ncode 698<\/strong> with additional digits<\/td>\n    		An unsuitable or incorrectly recognized unit is installed<\/td>\nCheck the part number, model, regional version and voltage<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Service Call 980<\/strong>
    \nPower Off\/On 980<\/strong><\/td>\n    		A fault has been detected in or near the fuser unit; paper may be jammed<\/td>\nTurn off the device, allow it to cool, inspect the accessible area and perform only one test power-on<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

    Step 1. Check the message and MFP status<\/h2>\n
      \n
    1. Do not dismiss the message with the CANCEL<\/strong> button until you have written it down in full.<\/li>\n
    2. If the bottom line of the display shows Please see HELP for details<\/strong>, press HELP<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
    3. Write down the three-digit code and the entire message. For code 698, also write down the digits after the hyphen.<\/li>\n
    4. Note whether printing has stopped or the MFP remains in the ready state.<\/li>\n
    5. Check for the smell of overheated plastic, smoke, unusual crackling or jammed paper near the output area.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
      \n

      Disconnect the power immediately if dangerous signs appear<\/strong><\/p>\n

      If there is smoke, a strong burning smell, sparking or visibly melted paper, turn off the device and unplug the power cable from the outlet. Do not perform a test power-on and do not disassemble the fuser unit.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

      Step 2. Check the remaining life of the fuser unit<\/h2>\n

      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:<\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Wait for the ready screen.<\/li>\n
      2. Press the STATUS<\/strong> button.<\/li>\n
      3. Open Device Information<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
      4. Select Supplies Status<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
      5. Find the line for Fuser<\/strong> or Fuser Unit<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        The item names on the display depend on the selected language, but the sequence remains the same: device status, device information, supplies status.<\/p>\n

        If only Fuser Near Life is displayed<\/h3>\n
          \n
        • You usually do not need to stop using the device immediately.<\/li>\n
        • Do not remove a working unit just to inspect it.<\/li>\n
        • Prepare a replacement in advance, especially if the MFP is used continuously.<\/li>\n
        • Do not expect a strictly defined number of remaining pages: it depends on the printing mode and the condition of the unit.<\/li>\n
        • If paper jams, poorly fused toner or an overheating smell appear at the same time, do not wait for message 354 \u2014 check the unit earlier.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          If code 354 is displayed<\/h3>\n

          Code 354<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

          Step 3. Check whether replacement is really required<\/h2>\n

          Not every fuser-related message means that the unit is physically worn out. Use the error code:<\/p>\n

            \n
          • 320, 348 or 699<\/strong> \u2014 first reinstall the existing unit. If the error appeared immediately after maintenance, incorrect seating or an unlocked lever is the most likely cause.<\/li>\n
          • 354<\/strong> \u2014 prepare a new fuser unit and replace the old one.<\/li>\n
          • 698<\/strong> \u2014 do not continue repeatedly reinstalling the unit. Check part compatibility first.<\/li>\n
          • 980<\/strong> \u2014 proceed to the separate check in the section below. Resetting the service life will not help.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            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.<\/p>\n

            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.<\/p>\n

            Step 4. Choose the correct new fuser unit<\/h2>\n

            Do not order the unit based only on a photograph or the word \u201ccompatible.\u201d Different regional versions may have different part numbers and operating voltages.<\/p>\n

              \n
            1. Find the full MFP name on the chassis label, including the dn<\/strong>, dw<\/strong> or w<\/strong> suffix.<\/li>\n
            2. Determine the region of supply and the mains voltage for which the device was manufactured.<\/li>\n
            3. Compare the number of the new unit with the part number specified for your model and region.<\/li>\n
            4. Check not only the seller’s model list but also the label on the fuser unit itself or its packaging.<\/li>\n
            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.<\/li>\n
            6. Inspect the packaging before installation. A damaged heating roller, broken connector or deformed frame is a reason not to install the unit.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
              \n

              Do not use one part number for all countries<\/strong><\/p>\n

              A matching model name does not guarantee a matching fuser unit. Before purchasing, always check the regional version, voltage and full part number. An unsuitable unit may cause the Non Recommended Fuser Unit<\/strong> message or may not operate safely.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

              Step 5. Safely turn off and cool the MFP<\/h2>\n

              This procedure is used both for reinstalling and for completely replacing the fuser unit.<\/p>\n

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

                Burn hazard<\/strong><\/p>\n

                The fuser unit housing and surrounding parts may remain hot after the device is turned off. Hold the unit only by the top handle. Do not touch the rollers, heating surface, connectors or areas with warning labels.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                Step 6. Reinstall the fuser unit for code 320, 348 or 699<\/h2>\n
                  \n
                1. Make sure the MFP is turned off, the cable is disconnected and at least 10 minutes have passed.<\/li>\n
                2. Carefully lift the entire scanner unit upward.<\/li>\n
                3. Press the top cover release and fully open the top cover, which also serves as the output tray.<\/li>\n
                4. Locate the fuser unit directly behind the four toner cartridges. There is a handle on its upper surface.<\/li>\n
                5. Locate the two locking levers on the left and right edges of the unit.<\/li>\n
                6. Pull both levers toward the front of the MFP until they are fully vertical.<\/li>\n
                7. Hold only the handle and lift the fuser unit straight up. Do not tilt it toward the LED heads.<\/li>\n
                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.<\/li>\n
                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.<\/li>\n
                10. Do not wipe or rotate the rollers. Do not touch the contacts, LED heads or transfer belt.<\/li>\n
                11. Hold the fuser unit by the handle. Both locking levers must remain vertical, and the two guide projections must face the user.<\/li>\n
                12. Keep the unit horizontal and lower both guide projections into the slots on the sides of the mounting area.<\/li>\n
                13. Make sure the left and right sides are lowered to the same depth. Do not force a tilted unit into place.<\/li>\n
                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.<\/li>\n
                15. Slowly close the top cover and press it down until the latches engage.<\/li>\n
                16. Carefully lower the scanner unit.<\/li>\n
                17. Reconnect the power, turn on the MFP and wait for initialization to complete.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                  How to evaluate the result of reinstallation<\/h3>\n