Error 35 on a Brother printer typically indicates a mechanical issue related to the printer’s printhead, often referred to as a “Print Unable 35” or “Machine Error 35.” This error can be frustrating as it may prevent the printer from functioning properly. However, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve this issue. Below is a detailed guide on how to fix Brother printer error 35.
Understanding the Error
Error 35 usually arises when the printhead is blocked, jammed, or unable to move freely. This could be due to physical obstructions, such as paper jams, or issues with the printhead itself. The error can occur in various Brother printer models, including those that use inkjet technology.
Step 1: Power Cycle the Printer
The first step in troubleshooting any printer issue is to power cycle the machine. This simple procedure can often reset the printer and clear minor errors.
- Turn off the printer: Press the power button to turn off the printer completely.
- Unplug the power cord: Disconnect the printer from the power source.
- Wait for 1-2 minutes: Give the printer some time to fully power down.
- Reconnect the power cord: Plug the printer back into the power outlet.
- Turn on the printer: Press the power button to restart the printer.
If the error persists after power cycling, proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Check for Paper Jams
Paper jams are a common cause of Error 35. Even a small piece of paper lodged in the printer can obstruct the printhead’s movement.
- Open the printer cover: Access the interior of the printer by lifting the cover.
- Inspect the paper path: Look for any pieces of paper that might be stuck inside the printer. Pay special attention to the areas around the printhead and rollers.
- Remove any obstructions: If you find any paper, gently remove it, ensuring that no pieces are left behind.
- Close the printer cover: Once you have cleared any obstructions, close the cover and check if the error message disappears.
Step 3: Clean the Encoder Strip
The encoder strip is a clear, plastic strip located near the printhead. It helps the printer determine the position of the printhead. If this strip is dirty or smudged, it can cause the printer to misinterpret the printhead’s position, leading to Error 35.
- Turn off the printer: As always, start by turning off the printer and unplugging it from the power source.
- Locate the encoder strip: The encoder strip is a thin, transparent strip that runs horizontally near the printhead. It may be slightly difficult to see, so take your time to locate it.
- Clean the encoder strip: Use a soft, lint-free cloth slightly dampened with water or isopropyl alcohol. Gently wipe both sides of the strip to remove any dust or ink residue. Be careful not to dislodge or damage the strip.
- Allow the strip to dry: Before turning the printer back on, make sure the encoder strip is completely dry.
- Restart the printer: Turn the printer back on and check if the error is resolved.
Step 4: Reposition the Printhead
If the printhead is stuck in one position, manually moving it to a different position might help reset its alignment.
- Turn off the printer: As always, turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
- Access the printhead: Open the printer cover to access the printhead.
- Move the printhead: Gently push the printhead to the center or other side of the printer. Do this slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the printhead or the printer’s internal components.
- Close the cover: Once the printhead is repositioned, close the cover.
- Restart the printer: Plug the printer back in, turn it on, and check if the error is resolved.
Step 5: Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers
Sometimes, the error may be software-related. An outdated or corrupt printer driver can cause communication issues between your computer and the printer.
- Visit the Brother website: Go to the official Brother website and navigate to the support section.
- Download the latest drivers: Enter your printer model number and download the latest drivers available for your operating system.
- Install the drivers: Follow the on-screen instructions to install the new drivers. If you already have the latest drivers, consider uninstalling them and reinstalling to ensure they are not corrupt.
- Restart the printer: After updating or reinstalling the drivers, restart your printer and check if the error persists.
Step 6: Perform a Factory Reset
If all else fails, performing a factory reset on your Brother printer might resolve the issue. This step will revert the printer back to its original settings, so be aware that any custom settings or configurations will be lost.
- Access the printer’s menu: Use the printer’s control panel to navigate to the settings menu.
- Select “Factory Reset”: Find the factory reset option and select it. The exact steps may vary depending on your printer model, so refer to the user manual if needed.
- Confirm the reset: Follow the prompts to confirm the reset process.
- Restart the printer: Once the reset is complete, restart the printer and check if the error has been resolved.
Step 7: Contact Brother Support
If none of the above steps work, it may be time to contact Brother support for further assistance. The issue might be hardware-related, requiring professional repair or replacement of parts.
- Gather your information: Before contacting support, have your printer model number, serial number, and a description of the problem ready.
- Reach out to Brother support: Visit the Brother website or call their support hotline to get in touch with a representative.
- Follow their guidance: The support team may walk you through additional troubleshooting steps or advise on sending the printer in for repair.
Conclusion
Brother Printer Error 35 can be frustrating, but with patience and methodical troubleshooting, it can often be resolved without professional intervention. Start with the simplest solutions, like power cycling and checking for obstructions, and gradually move on to more complex steps like cleaning the encoder strip or updating drivers. If all else fails, Brother’s customer support is available to help resolve the issue.
FAQ’s Brother Printer Error 35
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding Brother Printer Error 35:
1. What is Brother Printer Error 35?
- Answer: Brother Printer Error 35, often displayed as “Print Unable 35” or “Machine Error 35,” is a common error indicating a mechanical problem with the printer’s printhead. This error usually occurs when the printhead is blocked or unable to move freely due to obstructions or internal malfunctions.
2. What causes Brother Printer Error 35?
- Answer: The error can be caused by several factors, including paper jams, foreign objects inside the printer, dirty or misaligned encoder strips, stuck printheads, or software issues like outdated or corrupt printer drivers.
3. How do I fix Brother Printer Error 35?
- Answer: There are several steps you can take to fix the error:
- Power cycle the printer.
- Check for and remove any paper jams.
- Clean the encoder strip inside the printer.
- Reposition the printhead manually.
- Update or reinstall the printer drivers.
- Perform a factory reset on the printer if necessary.
- If the issue persists, contact Brother support for assistance.
4. Can a paper jam cause Error 35?
- Answer: Yes, even a small piece of paper lodged inside the printer can cause Error 35. The paper jam may obstruct the printhead’s movement, triggering the error.
5. What is an encoder strip, and why should I clean it?
- Answer: The encoder strip is a thin, transparent strip located near the printhead that helps the printer determine the printhead’s position. If the encoder strip becomes dirty or smudged, it can cause the printer to misinterpret the printhead’s position, leading to Error 35. Cleaning the strip can help resolve the error.
6. What should I do if the printhead is stuck?
- Answer: If the printhead is stuck in one position, you can try gently moving it to a different position manually. Be careful not to force it or damage any internal components. Once moved, restart the printer to see if the error is resolved.
7. Is Error 35 a serious issue?
- Answer: While Error 35 can prevent your printer from functioning correctly, it is often fixable with basic troubleshooting steps. However, if the error persists after trying all recommended fixes, it might indicate a more serious hardware issue that requires professional repair.
8. Will updating my printer drivers help fix Error 35?
- Answer: Yes, outdated or corrupt printer drivers can cause communication issues between your computer and the printer, potentially leading to Error 35. Updating or reinstalling the drivers can sometimes resolve the problem.
9. How do I perform a factory reset on my Brother printer?
- Answer: To perform a factory reset, navigate to the printer’s settings menu using the control panel, and select the “Factory Reset” option. This will revert the printer to its original settings. Keep in mind that this will erase any custom settings you have configured.
10. What should I do if none of the troubleshooting steps work?
- Answer: If none of the troubleshooting steps resolve the issue, it’s best to contact Brother support. The problem might be hardware-related and could require professional repair or replacement of parts.
11. Can I prevent Brother Printer Error 35 in the future?
- Answer: While not all instances of Error 35 can be prevented, regular maintenance can help reduce the risk. Keep the printer clean, avoid using low-quality paper, and ensure that the printhead and encoder strip are free of dust and debris. Regularly update your printer drivers to prevent software-related issues.
12. Is Error 35 covered under warranty?
- Answer: If your Brother printer is still under warranty, Error 35 and related hardware issues might be covered. It’s advisable to check your warranty terms and contact Brother support for clarification.
