Xerox Printer Fault Code 116-324 – Meaning, Causes & Fix

XeroxPrinterUpdated 2026-09-26

Fault Code 116-324 on a Xerox printer is a fuser-related error indicating that the printer's fuser unit has reported a fault — most commonly a temperature problem, a connection issue, or a fuser that has reached end-of-life. The fuser is the heated roller assembly that melts toner onto the paper to make the image permanent, so a fuser fault halts all printing until the unit is replaced or the underlying fault is resolved. This error appears most often on Xerox WorkCentre, VersaLink, and AltaLink models. This guide explains what triggers fault code 116-324 and how to resolve it. For related printer hardware errors, see our Ricoh Printer SC542 Error guide and our Brother Printer Drum End Soon guide.

Quick Answer

What it means

The fuser unit has reported a fault — most commonly a temperature anomaly, a loose connection, or a fuser that has reached the end of its rated life and must be replaced.

Severity

High

Can you fix it yourself?

Partially — reseating the fuser and checking connections is DIY, but a failed fuser requires replacement (often a user-replaceable part on WorkCentre models).

Call a technician when

Contact Xerox support if 116-324 persists after reseating the fuser and verifying connections, as this indicates a failed fuser unit or a fuser power supply issue requiring replacement.

What Does 116-324 Mean?

Xerox printers use a numeric fault code system where the first group (116) identifies the subsystem and the second (324) identifies the specific fault. The 116 prefix covers fuser subsystem faults, and 116-324 specifically indicates that the fuser has reported a fault — typically a temperature that's out of range, a fuser that has reached its life limit, or a lost connection between the fuser and the main board.

Common causes include:

1. Fuser end-of-life: The fuser has reached the end of its rated page yield and the printer's internal counter has flagged it for replacement. 2. Fuser not seated correctly: The fuser isn't fully clicked into its mounting, so the electrical contacts don't connect reliably. 3. Fuser temperature anomaly: The fuser is failing to reach or maintain its target temperature, often due to a failed heating element or thermistor. 4. Loose or damaged fuser connector: The connector between the fuser and the printer's main board is loose, dirty, or damaged. 5. Power supply issue: The fuser power supply is failing to deliver the voltage needed to heat the fuser. 6. Fuser installed in the wrong model: A fuser intended for a different Xerox model is installed and not recognized.

This fuser-specific fault is conceptually related to other brand fuser errors such as the Ricoh SC542 error, which similarly indicates a fuser temperature or hardware fault.

What Causes This Error?

Fuser end-of-life — the fuser has reached the end of its rated page yield and must be replaced
Fuser not seated correctly in its mounting, preventing reliable electrical contact
Fuser temperature anomaly — failure to reach or maintain target temperature due to a failed heating element or thermistor
Loose, dirty, or damaged fuser connector between the fuser and the printer's main board
Fuser power supply failing to deliver the voltage needed to heat the fuser
Fuser intended for a different Xerox model installed and not recognized by the printer
Firmware misreading a transient temperature fluctuation as a permanent fuser fault

How to Fix 116-324

1
Power off the printer and allow the fuser to cool. Turn the printer off and wait at least 30 minutes for the fuser to cool to a safe temperature — the fuser operates at temperatures above 180°C and can cause burns if handled while hot.
2
Locate and reseat the fuser. Open the side or rear door that provides access to the fuser (location varies by model), release the fuser's retaining levers or screws, carefully pull the fuser partway out, then push it back in firmly until it seats with a click. Many 116-324 errors resolve simply with proper reseating.
3
Inspect the fuser connector. With the fuser removed, inspect the electrical connector on both the fuser and the printer for bent pins, debris, or damage. Clean with a lint-free cloth if needed, and confirm the connector seats fully when the fuser is reinstalled.
4
Verify the fuser's part number matches your printer model. Check the part number printed on the fuser against your printer's user manual — a fuser from a different Xerox model may fit physically but won't be recognized, triggering 116-324.
5
Power the printer on and observe whether the fault clears. If the fuser reseated correctly and the connector is clean, powering the printer on should clear the 116-324 fault. If the fault persists, the fuser has likely failed and needs replacement.
6
Contact Xerox support if 116-324 persists after reseating. If the fault continues after a proper reseat and connector inspection, contact Xerox support to order the correct replacement fuser for your model, or schedule a service visit. A failed fuser power supply (rare) requires professional diagnosis.

When to Call a Professional

If fault code 116-324 persists after reseating the fuser and inspecting the connector, the fuser has likely failed and must be replaced. Genuine Xerox replacement fusers cost $150-$400 depending on the model and are often a user-replaceable part on WorkCentre and VersaLink models. A fuser power supply fault (rare) requires professional service and typically warrants a service visit. On out-of-warranty AltaLink models, a failed fuser power supply can approach the cost of printer replacement.

Can You Still Use the Device?

A Xerox printer displaying fault code 116-324 cannot print until the fuser fault is resolved, as the fuser is essential for permanently bonding toner to the paper. Pending print jobs will queue but not complete. Once the fuser is reseated or replaced and the fault clears, normal printing resumes immediately.

Official Resources

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional repair advice. CodeExplain is not affiliated with Xerox or any other brand mentioned. Always consult a qualified technician for complex repairs.