Top 20 Brother MFC-3240C All-In-One InkJet Printer - Page 5 Questions & Answers

I have to ask this question of you, just to make sure this is not an issue. Are you using a factory new ink cartridge?
Please consider the following:
If you are using a refilled or third party cartridge that may well be your problem. Most manufacturers build logic into their products to prevent the use of “Other Equipment Manufactured” cartridges as well as re-filled cartridges.
They do this to prevent problems from contaminated inks causing problems with print quality or damaging the physical printhead.
If you are using factory new cartridges, then please call the manufacturers Technical Support for assistance with the warranty on the cartridges
Don

they are not empty. you just need to reset cartridge ink levels indicator. you can do that in printer driver options.

unable to clean means the ink absorber is full and you need to have the absorber box replaced and the counter reset at a shop. The job usually costs less than a hundred dollars, but the new mfc 490 is selling for about $129.00 with a one year warranty.

Were you told to,

1.Clean the jet holes on the ink cartridge, and

2.The area on the printer the ink cartridge jet holes line up with? Plus after doing so insuring that both areas were dry?

You may have ink dried up in those tiny jet holes. A hairdryer set to low heat, and constantly moving back, and forth when using it to dry these areas, helps too.
(After using the Isopropyl alcohol method. Use CAUTION as Isopropyl alcohol is Flammable!
I know, DUH! But it has to be stated.

I use a clean, lint-free cloth, and warm water. Wring the warm water out until the cloth is just lightly damp. BE SURE those above mentioned areas are dry, before reinstalling the ink cartridges!)

3.MFC-3240C off, and unplugged?
(Opening the cover, and closing it helps to remove error codes, as it will reset itself. Unplugging from power, replugging in, and turning on does also. You may still have the error code of unable to clean, because it hasn't be cleared)

you need to install the printer kindly follow this steps
Don’t connect the printer usb cable first
1st you install the driver disc which is come along with the printer and when the software prompt you to connect the cable then plug the usb cable and follow the instruction.

Pull out the black cartridge and try to shake it.With a piece of cotton clean the pot and pull back the cartridge and start the cleaning function.

When cleaning doesn't help, you need a new printhead. Around $89.00 now and then you add labor. They sell a new MFC 490 for around $120.00 with a year warranty.

Not sure what CD you have, but you can download the drivers for this printer from the following URL

http://welcome.solutions.brother.com/bsc/public/us/us/en/dlf/download_top.html?reg=us&c=us&lang=en&prod=mfc3240c_all

Hi and welcome to FixYa,

Initially and if haven't been tried:

• determine if there is dialtone on the unit itself. Temporarily replace the unit with an ordinary telephone. Dial a fax number and check if it will dial, connect and hear the fax handshake (fax tone). Reversely, have a fax machine dial/send fax to that number and answer it using the regular phone. Again the fax handshake (fax tone) should be audible;
• verify that the telephone line is connected to the port marked "LINE" and not the EXT;
• if there are other devices such as a telephone answering device or a wireless phone, temporarily disconnect them until the main issue has been resolved;
• if the telephone is part of a multiple features/packages of a subscription, check that a splitter/filter is used;
• likewise, check the modem.

Good luck and thank you for asking FixYa.

When the ink absorber is full it cannot clean. Ink box needs to be replaced by a repair shop, and the count reset.

mfc3240c is face down

Hello,

Are you trying to clean the print head? This can be easily done by just getting a soft earbud and then dilute it with a small amount of water. You can use this to clean the print head. Before turning the unit on, make sure it is dry.

I'm looking forward to your response.

Use this link to download the latest driver for the printer.

http://welcome.solutions.brother.com/BSC/public/agreement2.aspx?c=us&lang=English&prod=mfc3240c_all&osname=win_xp&viewmode=0&guid=15fa3850-ceb2-4ca3-af4a-4cadbc7b3532&dlid=dlf000821&flang=4&dlfileseq=1

Hope this Help.
Cheers!!!!

Make sure you have properly installed the printer's driver in your laptop.

Then plug the cable of the printer to your usb port is the printer cable's end is a usb cable.

If you have other clarification, you can ask further.

Most printers require that you install the drivers BEFORE you attach the printer. Try to uninstall with the printer disconnected, reboot twice and reinstall the drivers. It will tell you when to hook up the printer.

Sometimes many cleaning cycles will clean the printhead, it uses a lot of ink. The best is a new printhead but the price plus labor is more than a new MFC 490

im assuming you are using regular copy paper, is so fan the paper out before you put it in the printer and also check to see if the roller inside the printer are clean. they pull the paper threw the machine.

check to see if the encoder strip is outside of the printhead assembly.
you will need to slide the printhead al the way to the left and see if the encoder strip is in the printhead groove.

Main Menu 1. General Setup
1. Mode Timer
2. Paper Type
3. Paper Size
4. Volume
1. Ring
2. Beeper

I know this is something that you may not want to hear... I used to work for Pitney Bowes fixing postage machines.. these machines have inkjet printers in them. If you use refills other words ink not from the manufacturer it will cause you problems. I know that it might work a few times without problems... but I have seen it first hand at Pitney Bowes... If you don't use the manufacters ink it will destroy your printers. In your case go back to using the Brother cartridge... see if that solves the problem. Which it very well could work off the Brother again. Printer manufactures do this on purpose you have to buy their ink! In any case good luck.

cdixon18
The Man Inside the Machine