Review of Brother MFC-L8850CDW Troubleshooting

The Brother MFC-L8850CDW is a robust and feature-rich multifunction color laser printer designed to meet the needs of small to medium-sized offices. Despite its high reliability and performance, like any complex device, it can encounter issues that require troubleshooting. Effective troubleshooting can save time and money by resolving issues without the need for professional service. This review will provide an in-depth look at common problems associated with the Brother MFC-L8850CDW and offer detailed troubleshooting steps to resolve them. The aim is to empower users to handle these issues confidently and efficiently.

1. Printer Setup Issues

Problem: Difficulty Connecting to Wi-Fi

One common issue users face is difficulty connecting the Brother MFC-L8850CDW to a Wi-Fi network. This can be due to incorrect settings, weak signal, or interference.

Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Check Wi-Fi Settings: Ensure that the Wi-Fi settings on the printer match those of your network. Verify the SSID and password.
2. Move the Printer Closer to the Router: Sometimes, the printer may be too far from the router, resulting in a weak signal. Moving it closer can help.
3. Reduce Interference: Ensure there are no large metal objects or other electronic devices between the printer and the router, as these can interfere with the signal.
4. Update Firmware: Check Brother’s website for firmware updates that may improve connectivity.

Problem: Driver Installation Issues

Installing the correct drivers is crucial for the printer to function correctly. Sometimes, users may encounter problems during installation.

Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Download the Latest Drivers: Ensure you are using the latest drivers from Brother’s official website.
2. Run as Administrator: Run the installation file as an administrator to avoid permission issues.
3. Disable Antivirus Software: Temporarily disable any antivirus software during installation, as it can sometimes block driver installation.
4. Check USB Connections: If using a USB connection, ensure the cable is securely connected and try a different USB port if necessary.

2. Printing Problems

Problem: Printer Not Printing

If the Brother MFC-L8850CDW is not printing, it can be due to various reasons including connectivity issues, print queue problems, or hardware malfunctions.

Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Check Printer Status: Ensure the printer is turned on and not displaying any error messages on the LCD screen.
2. Verify Connectivity: Check that the printer is properly connected to the network or directly to the computer.
3. Clear Print Queue: Sometimes, print jobs get stuck in the queue. Clear the print queue and try printing again.
4. Restart Printer and Computer: Restarting both the printer and the computer can resolve many temporary issues.

Problem: Poor Print Quality

Issues such as streaks, smudges, or faded prints can compromise the quality of printed documents.

Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Check Toner Levels: Low toner can result in poor print quality. Replace any empty or low toner cartridges.
2. Clean the Drum Unit: Dirt or debris on the drum unit can cause streaks. Clean the drum unit according to the instructions in the user manual.
3. Adjust Print Settings: Ensure the print settings are appropriate for the type of document being printed. Adjusting the resolution and paper type settings can improve quality.
4. Perform Calibration: Use the printer’s calibration function to ensure colors are accurately aligned.

Problem: Paper Jams

Paper jams are a common issue that can halt printing operations.

Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Remove Jammed Paper: Open the appropriate compartments and carefully remove any jammed paper. Follow the instructions in the user manual to avoid damaging the printer.
2. Check for Obstructions: Ensure there are no small pieces of paper or other obstructions in the paper path.
3. Use Correct Paper Type: Ensure you are using the recommended paper type and size. Avoid overloading the paper tray.
4. Clean the Paper Feed Rollers: Dust and debris on the rollers can cause paper jams. Clean the rollers using a lint-free cloth.

3. Scanning Issues

Problem: Scanner Not Working

If the scanner is not working, it can be due to driver issues, connectivity problems, or incorrect settings.

Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Check Connections: Ensure the printer is properly connected to the computer or network.
2. Update Scanner Drivers: Ensure the scanner drivers are up-to-date. Download the latest versions from Brother’s website.
3. Check Scanner Settings: Verify that the scanner settings in the ControlCenter4 software are correct.
4. Restart Devices: Restart both the printer and the computer to reset any temporary issues.

Problem: Poor Scan Quality

Poor scan quality, such as blurry images or incorrect colors, can affect the usability of scanned documents.

Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Clean the Scanner Glass: Dust and smudges on the scanner glass can affect scan quality. Clean the glass with a soft, lint-free cloth.
2. Adjust Scan Settings: Ensure the scan settings, such as resolution and color depth, are appropriate for the document being scanned.
3. Use the Document Feeder Properly: Ensure documents are properly aligned in the automatic document feeder (ADF).
4. Calibrate the Scanner: Use the scanner’s calibration function to ensure accurate scans.

4. Faxing Issues

Problem: Unable to Send or Receive Faxes

Issues with sending or receiving faxes can be due to incorrect settings, phone line problems, or hardware issues.

Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Check Phone Line Connection: Ensure the phone line is properly connected to the printer and is functioning correctly.
2. Verify Fax Settings: Check the fax settings in the ControlCenter4 software and ensure they are correct.
3. Check for Error Messages: Look for any error messages on the printer’s LCD screen and refer to the user manual for troubleshooting steps.
4. Test with a Different Line: If possible, test the printer with a different phone line to rule out line issues.

5. Network Connectivity Issues

Problem: Printer Not Found on Network

If the printer is not visible on the network, it can be due to IP address conflicts, network configuration issues, or router problems.

Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Check IP Address: Ensure the printer has a valid IP address. You can print a network configuration page to check the current settings.
2. Restart Network Devices: Restart the printer, router, and any other network devices to reset connections.
3. Check Firewall Settings: Ensure that any firewall or security software is not blocking the printer’s access to the network.
4. Update Firmware: Check for and install any firmware updates that may improve network connectivity.

6. Software and Driver Issues

Problem: Software Crashes or Freezes

Software crashes or freezes can disrupt printing and scanning operations.

Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Update Software: Ensure you are using the latest version of the Brother software. Updates can fix bugs and improve performance.
2. Check System Requirements: Ensure your computer meets the system requirements for the Brother software.
3. Reinstall Software: If the software continues to crash, uninstall it completely and then reinstall it.
4. Check for Conflicting Software: Ensure there are no other programs running that might conflict with the Brother software.

Problem: Unable to Update Firmware

Firmware updates are important for maintaining the printer’s performance and security.

Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Check Internet Connection: Ensure your internet connection is stable before starting the firmware update.
2. Follow Instructions Carefully: Follow the firmware update instructions carefully. Interrupting the process can cause issues.
3. Use USB Connection: If the update fails over a network connection, try updating via a direct USB connection.
4. Contact Support: If the update continues to fail, contact Brother support for assistance.

7. Maintenance and Error Messages

Problem: Toner Cartridge Not Recognized

Sometimes, the printer may not recognize a new toner cartridge.

Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Reinsert the Cartridge: Remove and reinsert the toner cartridge to ensure it is properly seated.
2. Check for Protective Covers: Ensure that all protective covers and seals have been removed from the new cartridge.
3. Use Genuine Brother Toner: Non-genuine toner cartridges can cause recognition issues. Ensure you are using Brother-approved cartridges.
4. Reset the Toner Counter: Some printers may require a toner counter reset after installing a new cartridge.

Problem: Drum Error Messages

The printer may display error messages related to the drum unit.

Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Clean the Drum Unit: Clean the drum unit according to the instructions in the user manual.
2. Replace the Drum Unit: If the drum unit is near the end of its life, replace it with a new one.
3. Reset the Drum Counter: After replacing the drum unit, reset the drum counter in the printer settings.
4. Check for Firmware Updates: Firmware updates can sometimes resolve drum-related issues.

8. Support and Resources

Brother Online Support

Brother offers extensive online support resources, including user manuals, FAQs, troubleshooting guides, and video tutorials. These resources can help users quickly resolve common issues without the need for professional assistance.

Customer Support

If online resources do not resolve the issue, Brother’s customer support team is available to assist. Users can contact support via phone, email, or live chat. Brother’s support representatives are knowledgeable and can provide step-by-step assistance for more complex issues.

Community Forums

Online forums and communities can also be valuable resources. Users can share their experiences and solutions for common issues. Brother’s official forum, as well as other popular tech forums, provide a platform for users to ask questions and get answers from both peers and experts.

9. Common Error Codes and Solutions

Understanding common error codes and their solutions can greatly assist in troubleshooting the Brother MFC-L8850CDW.

Error Code: “E50”

Description: Fuser unit error.

Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Turn Off and On: Turn the printer off, wait a few minutes, and then turn it back on.
2. Check Fuser Unit: Ensure that the fuser unit is properly installed and there are no obstructions.
3. Reset the Printer: If the error persists, reset the printer to factory settings.
4. Contact Support: If the problem continues, contact Brother support for further assistance.

Error Code: “B200”

Description: Printhead issue.

Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Turn Off and On: Power off the printer, wait for a few minutes, and turn it back on.
2. Check Printhead: Ensure the printhead is installed correctly and there are no blockages.
3. Run Printhead Cleaning: Use the printer’s cleaning function to clean the printhead.
4. Replace Printhead: If cleaning does not resolve the issue, the printhead may need to be replaced.

Error Code: “E52”

Description: Laser unit issue.

Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Power Cycle: Turn off the printer, wait for a few minutes, and turn it back on.
2. Check Laser Unit: Ensure that the laser unit is installed correctly and free from dust or debris.
3. Update Firmware: Ensure the printer’s firmware is up-to-date.
4. Contact Support: If the error persists, contact Brother support for further diagnosis.

10. Preventative Maintenance

Regular maintenance can prevent many common issues with the Brother MFC-L8850CDW.

Cleaning

Steps:

1. Exterior Cleaning: Wipe the exterior of the printer with a soft, lint-free cloth.
2. Interior Cleaning: Clean the paper feed rollers and the scanner glass regularly to prevent dust buildup.
3. Toner Cartridge Area: Periodically remove and clean the toner cartridge area to prevent toner dust accumulation.

Firmware Updates

Keeping the printer’s firmware up-to-date ensures it operates efficiently and securely.

Steps:

1. Check for Updates: Regularly check Brother’s website for firmware updates.
2. Download and Install: Follow the instructions to download and install the updates.

Replace Consumables Promptly

Replacing consumables like toner cartridges and drum units before they are completely depleted can prevent printing issues.

Steps:

1. Monitor Levels: Regularly check the toner and drum levels via the printer’s control panel or software.
2. Replace Promptly: Replace these components as soon as the printer indicates they are low.

11. Advanced Troubleshooting Techniques

For more complex issues, advanced troubleshooting techniques may be required.

Factory Reset

A factory reset can resolve persistent issues by restoring the printer to its default settings.

Steps:

1. Access Menu: Go to the printer’s menu and navigate to the settings.
2. Select Reset: Choose the factory reset option and confirm.
3. Reconfigure: After the reset, reconfigure the printer settings.

Diagnostic Mode

Some issues may require accessing the printer’s diagnostic mode to gather more detailed information.

Steps:

1. Access Diagnostic Mode: Refer to the service manual to access diagnostic mode.
2. Run Tests: Run the diagnostic tests to identify specific hardware or software issues.
3. Interpret Results: Use the test results to guide further troubleshooting or repairs.

12. Conclusion

The Brother MFC-L8850CDW is a powerful and versatile multifunction printer that offers a range of features designed to meet the needs of busy offices. While it is generally reliable, users may encounter occasional issues that require troubleshooting. By understanding common problems and their solutions, users can effectively address most issues without needing professional assistance.

Summary of Key Points:

1. Setup Issues: Ensure proper Wi-Fi settings, driver installation, and correct USB connections.
2. Printing Problems: Address issues like no printing, poor print quality, and paper jams through proper maintenance and settings adjustments.
3. Scanning Issues: Resolve scanner connectivity and quality issues by updating drivers, cleaning the scanner glass, and adjusting settings.
4. Faxing Issues: Ensure proper phone line connections and settings for smooth fax operations.
5. Network Connectivity Issues: Check IP addresses, restart network devices, and ensure firewall settings are correct.
6. Software and Driver Issues: Keep software updated, reinstall if necessary, and check for conflicting programs.
7. Error Codes: Understand and resolve common error codes by following recommended steps.
8. Preventative Maintenance: Regular cleaning, firmware updates, and timely replacement of consumables can prevent many issues.
9. Advanced Troubleshooting: Utilize factory resets and diagnostic mode for more complex problems.

By following these comprehensive troubleshooting steps, users can maintain the Brother MFC-L8850CDW in optimal working condition, ensuring efficient and reliable performance in their office environments. Regular maintenance, staying updated with firmware, and understanding common error codes will significantly enhance the longevity and functionality of this versatile printer.