Brother Printer Error Code 98 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Brother error 98 means the printer's main circuit board (main PCB) has detected a critical internal fault. This is the board that controls everything the printer does. Error 98 is a serious hardware error that usually requires professional repair.

Affected Models

Brother HL-L5100DN
Brother HL-L5200DW
Brother MFC-L5700DW
Brother MFC-L6700DW
Brother DCP-L5500DN

Common Causes

A component on the main circuit board has failed due to a power surge or age
The printer's firmware has become severely corrupted causing the main board to fault
A short circuit inside the printer has damaged main board components
Accumulated toner dust caused an electrical short on the main board
A manufacturing defect or capacitor failure on the main board triggered the fault

How to Fix It

Turn off the printer and unplug it from the wall outlet. Wait 15 minutes to allow all capacitors to fully discharge.

A complete power drain sometimes clears a firmware-related fault that was triggering the main board error.
Plug the printer directly into a wall outlet — not a power strip, extension cord, or UPS. Try a different wall outlet if possible.

Insufficient or unstable power can trigger main board faults, especially during startup.
Check if the printer is under warranty at support.brother.com by entering the serial number. Do not attempt further disassembly if it is under warranty.

Main board faults within the warranty period are covered. Opening the printer improperly may void the warranty.
Try a firmware recovery if the printer allows it. On some Brother models, you can force a firmware update by holding specific keys during startup. Check Brother's support website for your model's recovery procedure.

A firmware corruption causing error 98 can sometimes be resolved by a forced firmware reinstall.
If the above steps do not resolve error 98, the main board requires professional repair or replacement. Contact Brother Support for a repair estimate or authorized service center referral.

Brother's authorized service network can source and replace main boards for most current and recent model printers.

When to Call a Professional

Error 98 almost always requires professional service. Contact Brother Support at 1-877-276-8437 or an authorized Brother service center. For printers under warranty, main board replacement is typically covered at no cost. Out-of-warranty main board replacement can cost $150 to $300 — weigh this against a replacement printer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main PCB in a printer?

The main PCB (Printed Circuit Board) is the printer's central computer. It processes print data from your computer, controls all motors and mechanisms, manages cartridge detection, and runs the firmware. Almost every function of the printer passes through the main board. When it fails, the printer cannot operate at all.

Can a power surge cause error 98?

Yes. Voltage spikes from a power outage or a lightning strike can damage sensitive components on the main board. A good-quality surge protector (rated at 1000 joules or more) is worthwhile protection for any laser printer. If the printer was running during a power event and then showed error 98, a power surge is a likely cause.

Is it worth repairing a Brother printer with error 98?

Compare the repair cost to the printer's current replacement value. For a basic home laser printer worth $100 to $150, a $200 main board repair does not make financial sense. For a high-capacity workgroup model worth $400+, a main board repair at $150 to $250 is often a good investment. If the printer is less than 2 years old and under warranty, repair at no cost is always the right answer.