Cant get all 4 lights to flash on my MFC 240 C to solve Error 46

SOURCE: MFC 215C, mfc 215c erorr 46

most likely your flush box is full of ink, the pads will need to be replaced by a service center.

SOURCE: error-46

Machine error 46 ("Unable to Clean") indicates the wasteink "sponge" as full, which disables the machine's ability to clean. To fix this, you could get the needed part from a Brother parts dealer and enter the servicemode to reset the counters. However, the more reasonable thing to do would be to just change to another machine. You could also have the machine sent to service, but that most likely would not be worth the trouble. The error is pretty common on old Brother inkjets, so it'll come back eventually even if you replace the part. Newer machines should not have this problem.

SOURCE: error 46 in brother mfc-440cn

Machine Error 46 ("Unable to Clean") indicates that the wasteink is full. Basicly it gives you two options - have it replaced (a semi-complicated performance which requires buying a spare part and change it yourself) or have it sent to service. If you do not have any warranty on the machine, the more suitable would probably be to just replace the machine instead, since it's relatively cheap compared to both service costs and having the wasteink replaced, but you instead get a full new warranty on your new machine.
Unfortunately, there's nothing you yourself can do to remove this error, without actually changing an item inside the machine.

SOURCE: Unable to Init. 46

Your Ink Absorber box is full. The machine cleans its print nozzles by blasting them out with ink; it collects that waste ink and pumps it into a plastic box filled with thick, felt pads. After a certain number of cleaning operations, it decides it's not safe to squirt more ink into the box and gives this Error 46. Replacing the ink absorber box and flushing box and resetting the purge counter is fairly complex. Maybe someone has instructions all typed out, but your best bet is probably to take it to a Brother tech.

SOURCE: machine error 46

Here is the answer to the Machine Error 46 (have just fixed my own MFC210C):


Machine Error 46 – Purged Ink Box Full MFC620CN/420CN/410CN/210C and FAX2440C

The machine counts all purge (cleaning) operations in order to prevent the internal ink absorber box from overflowing with purged ink. An “initial purge”, for example, advances the purge counter by 187 + 420 = 607. When the purge counter approaches 6400, an internal "Machine Error 46" is generated. Further purge operations are prohibited, and therefore the printer becomes unuseable.

When an internal Machine Error 46 is generated, the user will see an “Unable to Clean” external message and will be unable to use the printer. The “Unable to Clean” external message can relate to many different internal error codes however.

The user can establish the internal Machine Error Code as follows: pull the mains cable out of the machine (power off), hold down the Menu/Set key, re-insert the mains cable into the machine (power on). The internal Machine Error Code will be displayed.

If there is a Machine Error 46, it is necessary to dismantle the printer, replace the ink absorber box (or possibly break the ink absorber box open and clean its absorbent sponges under a tap), re-assemble the printer and reset the purge counter to zero.


Resetting purge counter MFC620CN/420CN/410CN/210C and FAX2440C

1) Enter machine maintenance mode (on MFC210C all four photo/copy/fax/scan lights flash in maintenance mode). Care is needed in maintenance mode, otherwise critical settings may be inadvertently corrupted.

FAX models with numerical keypads: Press the Menu/Set, *, 2, 8, 6 and 4 keys within two seconds. (if you fail to complete the correct key sequence within two seconds, press the Stop key to try again).

Other (non-FAX) models: Press the Menu/Set and Black Start keys. Next press the “up arrow” key four times to enter the maintenance mode).

2) Press the 8 then 0 keys in the initial stage of the maintenance mode to call up the machine's log information list (function code 80).

3) Press the Black Start key several times to scroll through the log information list to reach the purge counter. The purge counter is the 25th item in the list.

4) Press the 2, 7, 8, and 3 keys in this order to reset the purge count to zero.

5) Press the Stop/Exit key to return to the initial stage of the maintenance mode.

6) Press the 9 key twice to return to the standby state.

Carry on printing !!

thanks.