Brother Printer Error Code 43 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Brother printer error 43 means the printer has detected that a cover or access panel is open. The printer cannot print while any cover is open because open covers can expose moving parts or the paper path. This is usually an easy fix — just find the open cover and push it shut firmly.

Affected Models

Brother MFC-L2710DW
Brother MFC-J6945DW
Brother HL-L2350DW
Brother DCP-L2550DW
Select Brother laser and inkjet printers

Common Causes

The front cover or document feeder cover is not fully closed
The toner or ink cartridge access cover was not latched after replacing a cartridge
The paper jam cover at the rear of the printer is still open after clearing a jam
The cover's latch hook has broken and no longer holds the cover shut
A piece of paper or debris is caught in the cover hinge, preventing full closure

How to Fix It

Check every cover on the printer — front, top, rear, and side access panels.

Open each one fully and close it firmly. Listen for a click to confirm each cover has latched properly.
Open the toner or ink cartridge access cover and reseat the cartridge.

Remove the cartridge, then reinsert it firmly. Close the cover and make sure it latches.
Check the rear paper jam access cover.

This cover is easy to forget after clearing a paper jam. Push it shut until it clicks.
Turn the printer off and back on after closing all covers.

A power cycle clears the error message after covers are properly closed.
Inspect the latch on any cover that seems to not stay closed.

Look for a small plastic hook that should snap into a receptor. If the hook is broken off, the cover cannot latch and the sensor will keep triggering the error.

When to Call a Professional

If all covers appear to be closed but error 43 persists, the cover sensor or its switch may have failed. A technician can replace the sensor for $80–$150. If a cover latch is broken, replacement latches are available for $10–$30 for most Brother models.

Frequently Asked Questions

I closed all the covers but my Brother printer still shows error 43. Why?

If all covers appear to be shut but the error persists, the cover detection sensor may have failed. The sensor is a small lever or switch that detects when the cover is in the closed position. If the lever is bent, stuck, or broken, it stays in the 'open' position even when the cover is shut. A technician can inspect and replace the sensor.

Which covers should I check for Brother error 43?

Check all of these in order: the front paper output cover, the toner/cartridge access door, the ADF (document feeder) cover if your model has one, and the rear jam access cover. The rear jam cover is the most commonly forgotten one after clearing a paper jam.

Can I print if the cover sensor is broken?

No — the printer won't print while error 43 is active. You cannot bypass the cover sensor through normal user settings. A broken sensor must be replaced. In a pinch, some users have gently pressed the cover switch manually, but this is not recommended and can void the warranty.