Model discontinued. This page is no longer updated.

FAX-837MC/FAX-837MCS

FAQs & Troubleshooting

FAQs & Troubleshooting

My FAX/MFC will not Dial. Why?

  1. Verify that the unit has no error message on the LCD.

    1. If the LCD displays an error message, refer to "FAQs & Troubleshooting" for information on the error message you are receiving.
    2. If the LCD shows Telephone, any key pressed will not respond. Please hang up the handset of the FAX. If the LCD continues to show Telephone, lift the handsetof the FAX and then press and release the actuator button (telephone hang-up button) on the handset holder. The display should alternate between the date and time and "telephone". If the button does not operate (the display does not change or the button remains down),  please contact Brother Customer Service from "Contact Us".
    3. If the LCD is blank, verify that the power cord is connected. If the power cord is connected to a surge protector or power switch, remove the cord from the device and connect it directly to the outlet. If the display is still blank, try a different known working electrical outlet. If the display still remains blank, your machine may require service.

  2. Check for splitters, commshare devices etc. If connected to a splitter or a commshare device, remove any of these devices from the phone line.

  3. Verify that the wall jack has a dial tone. Connect a regular working telephone and telephone cord directly to the wall jack. Lift the handset of the telephone and listen for a dial tone. If there is a dial tone, continue to STEP 4. If there is no dial tone from the wall jack, the problem is with the wall jack or the line and you need to contact your local telephone company for service.

  4. Verify that the FAX has a dial tone by disconnecting the telephone line from the telephone and connecting it to the jack on the FAX labeled LINE. Pick up the telephone handset of the machine and listen for a dial tone.

    If there is dial tone, continue to STEP 5.
    If there is no dial tone, your machine may require service. Please contact Brother Customer Service from "Contact Us".


  5. Lift the telephone handset and dial the fax number. Wait to hear fax receiving tones before pressing Fax Start or Start/Copy.

  6. If you are having problems sending a fax to a particular number, verify that the number is a working fax number. You can call the number by picking up the  handset of the FAX and verify that the number answers with fax tones.

  7. (For some countries)
    Check for a dial tone. Change TONE/PULSE setting following the instructions listed below:
    1. Press the Menu/Set key.
    2. Press the up or down navigation key until Initial Setup appears on the LCD. Press Menu/Set key.
    3. Press the up or down navigation key until Tone/Pulse appears and then press Menu/Set key.
    4. Press the up or down navigation key until your selection appears (TONE or PULSE) and then press Menu/Set key.
    5. Press Stop/Exit.

If your question was not answered, have you checked other FAQs?

Have you checked the manuals?

If you need further assistance, please contact Brother customer service:

Related Models

FAX-737MC, FAX-837MC/FAX-837MCS

Content Feedback

To help us improve our support, please provide your feedback below.

Step 1: How does the information on this page help you?

Step 2: Are there any comments you would like to add?

Please note this form is used for feedback only.