Brother DCP 185C User Manual

							
Troubleshooting and Routine Maintenance63
B
Error and Maintenance messagesB
As with any sophisticated office product, errors may occur. If this happens, your machine identifies 
the error and shows an error message. The most common error and maintenance messages are 
shown below.
You can correct most errors and routine maintenance messages by yourself. If you need more 
help, the Brother Solutions Center offers latest FAQs and troubleshooting tips.
Visit us at http://solutions.brother.com.
Error MessageCauseAction
B&W Print OnlyOne or more of the colour ink 
cartridges is empty. While this 
message appears on the LCD, 
each operation works in the 
following way:„ Printing
If you click  Greyscale in the 
Advanced tab of the printer 
driver you can use the machine 
as a monochrome printer for 
approximately four weeks 
depending on the number of 
pages you print.
„ Copying
If the paper type is set to Plain 
Paper, Inkjet Paper or 
Transparency you can make 
copies in monochrome.
If the paper type is set to Other 
Glossy or Brother BP71, the 
machine will stop all print 
operations. If you unplug the 
machine, or take out the empty ink 
cartridge, you cannot use the 
machine until you change to a new 
ink cartridge. Replace the empty ink 
cartridges. (See  Replacing the ink 
cartridges  on page 69.) Replace the empty ink cartridges. (See 
Replacing the ink cartridges
 on page 69.)
Cannot Detect You installed a new ink too fast and 
machine didn’t detect it. Take out the new ink cartridge and reinstall it 
slowly until it clicks.
If you are using non Brother 
Original Ink the machine may not 
detect the ink cartridge. Replace the cartridge with a Brother Original Ink 
Cartridge. If the error remains, contact your 
Brother dealer.
An ink cartridge is not installed 
correctly. Take out the new ink cartridge and re-install it 
slowly until it clicks. (See 
Replacing the ink 
cartridges  on page 69.)
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Cannot Print
Replace XX Ink
One or more of the ink cartridges 
are empty. The machine will stop all 
print operations.Replace the empty ink cartridges. (See 
Replacing the ink cartridges
 on page 69.)
Cover is Open The scanner cover is not closed 
completely. Lift the scanner cover and then close it again.
Data RemainingPrint data is left in the machines 
memory. Press 
Stop/Exit . The machine will cancel the job 
and clear it from the memory. Try to print again.
Document Jam
(DCP-185C only) The document was not inserted or 
fed correctly, or the document 
scanned from the ADF was too 
long. See 
Using the ADF (DCP-185C only)  
on page 17
See  Document jam (DCP-185C only)  
on page 66
High TemperatureThe print head is too warm. Allow the machine to cool down.
Hub is Unusable.A Hub or USB Flash memory drive 
with a Hub has been connected to 
the USB direct interface. A Hub or USB Flash memory drive with a Hub 
are not supported. Unplug the device from the 
USB direct interface.
Init Unable XXThe machine has a mechanical 
problem.
—OR—
A foreign object such as a clip or 
ripped paper is in the machine.Open the scanner cover and look on the left, 
middle, and right hand side under the covers for 
any foreign objects inside the machine. If the 
error message continues, disconnect the 
machine from the power source for several 
minutes then reconnect it.
Ink Low Black The indicated ink cartridge is 
running out of ink. Order a new ink cartridge. You can continue 
printing until the LCD shows 
Cannot Print.
Ink Low Yellow
Ink Low Cyan
Ink Low Magenta
Low TemperatureThe print head is too cold. Allow the machine to warm up.
Media Error The memory card is either 
corrupted, incorrectly formatted, or 
there is a problem with the memory 
card. Put the card firmly into the slot again to make 
sure it is in the correct position. If the error 
remains, check the media drive (slot) of the 
machine by putting in another media card that 
you know is working.
Media is Full.The memory card or USB flash 
memory drive you are using already 
contains 999 files.
Your machine can only save to your memory 
card or USB flash memory drive if it contains less 
than 999 files. Try deleting unused files to free 
some space and try again.
No Cartridge An ink cartridge is not installed 
correctly. Take out the new ink cartridge and re-install it 
slowly until it clicks. (See 
Replacing the ink 
cartridges  on page 69.)
No File The memory card or USB Flash 
memory drive in the media drive 
does not contain a .JPG file. Put the correct memory card or USB Flash 
memory drive into the slot again.
Error MessageCauseAction
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Troubleshooting and Routine Maintenance65
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No Paper FedThe machine is out of paper or 
paper is not properly loaded in the 
paper tray, or the Jam Clean Cover 
is not closed properly. Do one of the following:
„ Refill the paper in the paper tray, and then 
press  Mono Start  or Colour Start .
„ Remove the paper and load it again and then 
press  Mono Start  or Colour Start . (See 
Loading paper and other print media  
on page 8.)
The paper is jammed in the 
machine. See 
Printer jam or paper jam  on page 67.
Out of Memory The machines memory is full. When copy operation is in progress, press 
Stop/Exit and wait until the other operations in 
progress finish and then try again.
The memory card or USB Flash 
memory drive you are using does 
not have enough free space to scan 
the documents. Delete unused files from your memory card or 
USB Flash memory drive to make some free 
space and then try again.
Paper Jam Paper is jammed in the machine. Remove the jammed paper by following the 
steps in  Printer jam or paper jam  on page 67.
See  Printer jam or paper jam  on page 67. Make 
sure the paper length guide is adjusted to the 
paper side.
Print Unable XXThe machine has a mechanical 
problem.
—OR—
A foreign object such as a clip or 
ripped paper is in the machine. Open the scanner cover and look on the left, 
middle and right hand side under the covers for 
any foreign objects inside the machine. If the 
error message continues, disconnect the 
machine from the power source for several 
minutes then reconnect it.
Scan Unable XXThe machine has a mechanical 
problem.
—OR—
A foreign object such as a clip or 
ripped paper is in the machine.
Open the scanner cover and look on the left, 
middle and right hand side under the covers for 
any foreign objects inside the machine. If the 
error message continues, disconnect the 
machine from the power source for several 
minutes then reconnect it.
Unusable DeviceA broken device has been 
connected to the USB direct 
interface.
Unplug the device from the USB direct interface, 
then press 
On/Off to turn the machine off then 
on again.
Unusable Device 
Please Disconnect
USB Device.A USB device or USB Flash 
memory drive that is not supported 
has been connected to the USB 
direct interface.
For more information, visit us at 
http://solutions.brother.com.Unplug the device from the USB direct  interface.
Wrong Paper SizePaper is not the correct size. Make sure the machines Paper Size setting  matches the size of paper you are loding in the 
tray. Load the correct size of paper, and then 
press Mono Start  or Colour Start .
Error MessageCauseAction
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Document jam 
(DCP-185C only)B
Documents can jam in the ADF unit if they are 
not inserted or fed properly, or if they are too 
long. Follow the steps below to clear a 
document jam.
Document is jammed in the top of the 
ADF unit
B
aTake out any paper from the ADF that is 
not jammed.
bOpen the ADF cover.
cPull the jammed document up and to the 
left.
 
dClose the ADF cover.
ePress Stop/Exit .
Note
To avoid future document jams close the 
ADF cover correctly by pressing it down 
gently in the middle.
 
Document is jammed inside the ADF 
unit
B
aTake out any paper from the ADF that is 
not jammed.
bLift the document cover.
cPull the jammed document out to the 
left.
 
dClose the document cover.
ePress Stop/Exit .
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Troubleshooting and Routine Maintenance67
B
Printer jam or paper jamB
Take out the jammed paper depending on 
where it is jammed in the machine. Open and 
close the scanner cover to clear the error.
aPull the paper tray (1) out of the 
machine.
 
bPull out the jammed paper (1) and press 
Stop/Exit.
 
cReset the machine by lifting the scanner 
cover from the front of the machine and 
then close it.
„ If you cannot remove the jammed 
paper from the front of the machine, 
or the error message still appears on 
the LCD after you have removed the 
jammed paper, please go to the next 
step.
dOpen the Jam Clear Cover (1) at the 
back of the machine. Pull the jammed 
paper out of the machine.
 
 
eClose the Jam Clear Cover. 
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1
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fUsing both hands, use the finger holds 
on both sides of the machine to lift the 
scanner cover (1) until it locks securely 
in the open position.
Make sure that there is no jammed 
paper left inside the machine under the 
plastic covers. Check both ends of the 
print carriage.
 
Note
• If the paper is jammed under the print head, unplug the machine from the power 
source, and then move the print head to 
take out the paper.
• If the print head has stopped in the right  corner as shown in the illustration, you 
cannot move the print head. Hold down 
Stop/Exit  until the print head moves to the 
middle. Then unplug the machine from the 
power source, and take out the paper.
 
• If ink gets on your skin or clothing  immediately wash it off with soap or 
detergent.
 
gLift the scanner cover to release the 
lock (1). Gently push the scanner cover 
support down (2) and close the scanner 
cover (3) using both hands.
 
hSlowly push the paper tray completely 
into the machine.
Note
Make sure you pull out the paper support 
until it clicks.
 
 
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1
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Troubleshooting and Routine Maintenance69
B
Routine maintenanceB
Replacing the ink cartridgesB
Your machine is equipped with an ink dot 
counter. The ink dot counter automatically 
monitors the level of ink in each of the 4 
cartridges. When the machine detects an ink 
cartridge is running out of ink, the machine 
will tell you with a message on the LCD.
The LCD will tell you which ink cartridge is low 
or needs replacing. Be sure to follow the LCD 
prompts to replace the ink cartridges in the 
correct order.
Even though the machine tells you that an ink 
cartridge is empty, there will be a small 
amount of ink left in the ink cartridge. It is 
necessary to keep some ink in the ink 
cartridge to prevent air from drying out and 
damaging the print head assembly.
CAUTION 
Brother multifunction machines are 
designed to work with ink of a particular 
specification and will work to a level of 
optimum performance and reliability when 
used with genuine Brother Branded ink 
cartridges. Brother cannot guarantee this 
optimum performance and reliability if ink or 
ink cartridges of other specifications are 
used. Brother does not therefore 
recommend the use of cartridges other than 
genuine Brother Branded cartridges or the 
refilling of empty cartridges with ink from 
other sources. If damage is caused to the 
print head or other parts of this machine as 
a result of using other brands of ink or ink 
cartridges, any repairs required as a result 
may not be covered by the warranty.
 
aOpen the ink cartridge cover.
If one or more ink cartridges are empty, 
for example Black, the LCD shows 
Cannot Print and 
Replace BK Ink .
bPress the lock release lever as shown to 
release the cartridge indicated on the 
LCD. Remove the cartridge from the 
machine.
 
 
cOpen the new ink cartridge bag for the 
colour shown on the LCD, and then take 
out the ink cartridge.
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dTurn the green knob on the protective 
yellow cap clockwise until it clicks as to 
release the seal vacuum, then remove 
the cap (1).
 
 
eEach colour has its own correct position. 
Insert the ink cartridge in the direction of 
the arrow on the label.
 
fGently push the ink cartridge until it 
clicks, and then close the ink cartridge 
cover.
 
gThe machine will automatically reset the 
ink dot counter.
Note
• If you replaced an ink cartridge, for example Black, the LCD may ask you to 
verify that it was a brand new one 
(Did You Change Blck? ). For each 
new cartridge you installed, press  a (Yes ) 
to automatically reset the ink dot counter 
for that colour. If the ink cartridge you 
installed is not a brand new one, be sure 
to press  b ( No ).
• If the LCD shows  No Cartridge or 
Cannot Detect  after you install the ink 
cartridge, check that the ink cartridges are 
installed correctly.
 
WARNING 
If ink gets in your eyes, wash them out with 
water at once and call a doctor if you are 
concerned.
 
CAUTION 
DO NOT take out ink cartridges if you do 
not need to replace them. If you do so, it 
may reduce the ink quantity and the 
machine will not know the quantity of ink left 
in the cartridge.
  
DO NOT touch the cartridge insertion slots. 
If you do so, the ink may stain your skin.
  
If ink gets on your skin or clothing 
immediately wash it off with soap or 
detergent.
  
If you mix the colours by installing an ink 
cartridge in the wrong position, clean the 
print head several times after correcting the 
cartridge installation.
 
1
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Troubleshooting and Routine Maintenance71
B
 
Once you open an ink cartridge, install it in 
the machine and use it up within six months 
of installation. Use unopened ink cartridges 
by the expiration date written on the 
cartridge package.
  
DO NOT dismantle or tamper with the ink 
cartridge, this can cause the ink to leak out 
of the cartridge.
 
Cleaning the outside of the 
machineB
Clean the outside of the machine as 
follows:
CAUTION 
Use neutral detergents. Cleaning with 
volatile liquids such as thinner or benzine 
will damage the outside surface of the 
machine.
  
DO NOT use cleaning materials that 
contain ammonia.
  
DO NOT use isopropyl alcohol to remove 
dirt from the control panel. It may crack the 
panel.
 
aPull the paper tray completely out of the 
machine.
 
bWipe the outside of the machine with a 
soft cloth to remove dust.
 
cLift the output paper tray cover and 
remove anything that is stuck inside the 
paper tray.
dWipe the inside and outside of the paper 
tray with a soft cloth to remove dust.
 
eClose the output paper tray cover and 
slowly push the paper tray completely 
into the machine.
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Cleaning the scannerB
aLift the document cover (1). Clean the 
scanner glass (2) and white plastic (3) 
with a soft lint-free cloth moistened with 
a non-flammable glass cleaner.
 
b(DCP-185C only)
In the ADF unit, clean the white bar (1) 
and the glass strip (2) with a soft lint-free 
cloth moistened with a non-flammable 
glass cleaner.
 
Note
In addition to cleaning the glass strip with 
a non-flammable glass cleaner, run your 
finger tip over the glass strip to see if you 
can feel anything on it. If you feel dirt or 
debris, clean the glass strip again 
concentrating on that area. You may need 
to repeat the cleaning process three or 
four times. To test, make a copy after each 
cleaning attempt.
 
Cleaning the machine printer 
platenB
WARNING 
Be sure to unplug the machine from the 
electrical socket before cleaning the printer 
platen (1).
  
If ink is scattered on or around the printer 
platen, wipe it off with a soft, dry, lint-free 
cloth.
 
aLift the scanner cover until it locks 
securely into the open position.
bClean the machine printer platen (1). 
2
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3
1
2
1
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