User Guide
TROUBLESHOOTING AND ROUTINE MAINTENANCE 
20 - 7
If You Are Having Difficulty with Your MFC
If you think there is a problem with your MFC, make a copy first. If the copy 
looks good, the problem is probably not your MFC. Check the chart below and 
follow the troubleshooting tips.
If you have any other problems, visit us at: 
http://solutions.brother.com
DIFFICULTY SUGGESTIONS
Printing or Receiving Faxes
Condensed Print and Horizontal 
Streaks / Top and Bottom of 
Sentences Are Cut Off
If your copy looks good, you probably had a bad connection, with static or 
interference on the phone line. If the copy looks bad, call Brother Customer 
Service at 1-800-284-4329 (in USA), 1-800-853-6660 (in Canada) or 
1-514-685-6464 (in Montreal).
Poor Quality Print Make sure the Printer Driver matches the type of paper you are using (See 
page 13-1). If you are using plain paper, try using recommended special 
paper (See Chapter 3). Don’t handle the paper until the ink is dry. Adjust 
the Vertical Alignment (See page 20-11).
Smudged stain on the top center of the 
printer page
Change Paper Thickness to Thick in the Paper tab of the Print dialog box, 
in the Printer Driver setting.
Printing Too Dark or Too Light Make sure your ink cartridges are fresh. Cartridges are good up to two 
years, after that the ink may become clogged. Cartridge expiration dates are 
printed on the package. Make sure the Printer Driver matches the type of 
paper you are using (See page 13-1.). Try using recommended special 
paper (See Chapter 3). The recommended environment for your MFC is 
between 68°F to 91°F.
Printing Appears Dirty or Ink Seems 
to Run
Make sure you are using the recommended paper (See Chapter 3). Don’t 
handle the paper until the ink is dry.
The recommended environment for your MFC is between 68°F to 91°F.
White Lines in Text or Graphics Clean the print head (See Cleaning the Print Head, page 20-10.).
Stains Appear on the Reverse Side or 
at the Bottom of the Page
Make sure the Printer Platen and Pick Up Roller are not dirty with ink mist.
(See page 20-16).
Vertical Black Lines When Receiving The sender’s scanner may be dirty. Ask the sender to make a copy to see if 
the problem is with the sending machine. Try receiving from another fax 
machine.
If the problem continues, call Brother Customer Service at 1-800-284-4329 
(in USA), 1-800-853-6660 (in Canada) or 1-514-685-6464 (in 
Montreal).
Received color fax prints only in 
B & W.
Replace the color ink cartridges that are empty or nearly empty, and then 
ask the other party to send the color fax again. (See Replacing the Ink 
Catridges, page 20-17.)
Left and right margins are cut off. Turn on Auto Reduction. (See Printing a Reduced Incoming Document 
(Auto Reduction), Page 6-3.)
Phone Line or Connections
MFC Does Not Answer When Called Make sure the MFC is in the correct receiving mode for your setup (either 
MANUAL,
 FAX ONLY, or EXT. TEL/TAD). Check for dial tone. If 
possible, call your MFC to hear it answer. If there is still no answer, check 
the telephone line cord connection. If there is no ringing when you call your 
MFC, call your telephone company to check the line.
Sending Faxes
Poor Transmitting Quality Try changing your resolution to FINE or S.FINE. Make a copy to verify 
your MFC’s scanner operation.










