Ricoh error code Replace Drum Unit
Quick answer
The black or colour drum unit has reached the end of its life. Ricoh's documented action here is to contact your service representative — unlike the toner cartridge, this is not presented as a user-replaceable part on this machine.
Caution: This step can be done wrong in a way that is costly or hard to undo, including voiding your warranty. Check your model's manual before proceeding.
Before you try the solution
- 1. Copy the complete message exactly as shown, including any letters, spaces, or punctuation around Replace Drum Unit.
- 2. Find the printer's exact model number. The same-looking code can mean something different on another model family.
- 3. Let the current print, scan, or update operation stop before touching controls, paper paths, or covers.
Manufacturer-documented solution
The black or colour drum unit has reached the end of its life. Ricoh's documented action here is to contact your service representative — unlike the toner cartridge, this is not presented as a user-replaceable part on this machine.
Model scope: the alert messages list in your own model's Ricoh user guide. This wording is documented for the Ricoh P C600
If the error is still there
- 1Return to the screen or job that produced the message and check whether the code has cleared.
- 2If Replace Drum Unit returns, do not repeat a risky procedure. Record when it appears and check the documentation for the exact model.
- 3Because this message involves opening the printer, service risk, or possible damage, stop and contact Ricoh support or a qualified printer technician if it persists.
Other Ricoh error codes
- Add toner. Replace Print CartridgeThe toner is depleted and the print cartridge needs replacing. Ricoh documents a separate, earlier message — "Toner is almost empty" — for a cartridge nearing the end of its life, which is a prompt to obtain a replacement rather than to fit one. Ricoh warns specifically against switching the machine off while replenishing toner: doing so cancels the specified settings and printing will not resume.
- SC codesA three-digit SCnnn code Ricoh's firmware displays when it detects a fault it cannot recover from on its own. The machine stops operating and cannot be used until the underlying fault is serviced.
- SCxxx-xx"Call Service" shown with an SC number and the machine's serial number. Ricoh documents this as the device requiring repair, and the accompanying "Functional Problems" message as a malfunction requiring maintenance or repair — in both cases the documented action is to arrange service. Note the format: on these machines the code is SCxxx-xx, longer than the three-digit SCnnn form used on other Ricoh lines.
- Waste Toner Bottle is full or not set correctlyThe waste toner bottle has reached capacity, or it is fitted but not seated correctly. The wording covers both cases deliberately, so check that the bottle is properly seated before assuming it is full — a bottle knocked loose during another repair produces the same message as one that has genuinely filled.
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Manufacturer reference
The meaning and documented action above were taken from the manufacturer source below.
Alert Messages (Displayed on the Control Panel) — Ricoh P C600 User GuideVerified against manufacturer documentation, last checked 2026-08-15. PrintDiag has no printers and no technician, so nothing here is claimed as tested on hardware.