Brother offers an entire selection of fax machines, printers and multifunctional printers. However, the list of common error codes found in them can confuse even the most experienced troubleshooter. Here we explain common errors and how to troubleshoot them.

Error code E50: Fuser unit damage

This can happen either when the heat roller has been destroyed or damaged. Make sure to replace your Brother laser printer with a new heat roller.

Error code E51: Fault with protection in the laser beam

This error code indicates that the beam, mirrors or the lid is not seated properly. Make sure to adjust these in order to get your Brother laser printer back working again.

Error code S05: Error with data bus

This type of error code means that the data transmission on the parallel port is affected. Most of the time, this problem can be handled effectively by just resetting your printer.

Error code ‘machine error’: board issues

This kind of error code will usually be indicated with a loud continuous beep on your Brother Fax machine. You need to check on the solder joints to see if these are cold over the power supply place. You also need to check for these joints on all other boards before you go for a replacement. If you find no improvement even after replacement then try changing the capacitors over the board for the power supply.

Error message ‘Black pages’

This error code typically implies black pages being printed out on your Brother laser printer. This usually happens frequently on the Brother 960 and Brother 1260 model varieties. It means that the HVPS is at fault. You will need to replace the following diodes and put jumper wire instead. Diodes D31, D33, D30 and D32 will need replacement. For the jumper wire you will need a gauge of 22.

Error message ‘Check paper path’

The error lies with the paper path which can be rectified by taking out paper hopper. Then simply clean the eject rollers of the paper.

Error message ‘Cutter problems’

This type of error message gets displayed when there is either a paper jam or the device is not cutting paper properly. You need to check if the cutter spring is defective or not. Make sure to take out the cutter and clean as well as lubricate it. In case the issue does not get solved try replacing the gear train.

Error message ‘Poor copy quality’

Sometimes you may come across some grey colored dots on the paper you have just faxed. Make sure to check if the glass and the scanning mirrors are clean. If these are clean then the issue lies with the camera. You could try troubleshooting by just unplugging the Brother Fax machine for at least a whole night. You might just avoid having to shell out on a camera replacement!

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James Kara Murat, the contributor of Printer Reviews. More information on the subject is at Brother Laser Printer, Fax & Brother Multifunction Printer Error Codes & How to Fix Them, and related resources can be found at Brother Ink Cartridges.