DCP-197C

FAQs & Troubleshooting

FAQs & Troubleshooting

Ink Low

The message "Ink Low" will be displayed on the LCD of the Brother machine if one or more of the ink cartridges are near the end of their life. Please order a new ink cartridge for the colour indicated in the message. You can continue printing until the LCD displays "Cannot Print".

For the order number (Order No.) of the ink cartridge, please click here to see the Consumables & Options page.

 

 

If "Ink Low" is still displayed after you just installed or replaced the ink cartridge, follow the steps below:

Check that you are using "Genuine" Brother replacement ink cartridges.

  • If you are using non-Brother ink cartridges or refilled ink cartridges, we recommend you replace the ink cartridges with genuine Brother ink cartridges.
  • If you are using genuine Brother ink cartridges continue to follow the instructions below.

 

Brother strongly recommends that customers use only genuine Brother ink for best results. Using non-Brother supplies may affect the hardware performance, print quality and machine reliability since the ink formulation in genuine Brother ink cartridges prevent smearing and clogging of the print head. The Brother limited warranty does not apply to any problem that was caused by the use of third party ink and/or cartridges.
> Click here for more information about Genuine Brother Supplies.

 

 

The message INK LOW [colour name] may appear on the Brother machine's display after replacing ink cartridge(s) for several reasons:

  1. Another colour ink cartridge is low in addition to the one you just replaced. Verify the message displayed on the LCD.

     

    • If the message INK LOW [colour name] is for a different colour than the one you just replaced, you can continue to use the machine until Cannot Print is displayed.
       
    • If message displayed is for the ink cartridge you just replaced, continue to STEP 2.

     

     

     

  2. The ink cartridge(s) are not installed correctly.

    Please reinstall the ink cartridges following the steps below:


    NOTE: Illustrations shown below are from a representative product and may differ from your Brother machine.
     

     

    1. Open the ink cartridge cover located on the front right-hand side of the machine.
      Push the coloured lock release lever down and remove the ink cartridge(s) that the LCD indicates is low.

       
      image

       

       

       

    2. Reinstall the ink cartridge(s) in the machine. Each colour has its own correct position. Insert the ink cartridge in the direction of the arrow on the label until it clicks into place.

       
      image

       

      image

       

       

    3. Close the ink cartridge cover.

     

     

    • If the message has been cleared, then the problem has been solved.
       
    • If the message INK LOW [colour name] continues to appear on the display, go to STEP 3.

     

     

     

  3. Ink cartridges have air pockets.

    Removing the yellow protective cap from the ink cartridge with the cartridge upside down could cause air pockets in the cartridge. You must hold the cartridge with the yellow cap to the side, then twist the green knob.
    Removing the yellow cap without twisting the green knob to pressurise the cartridge could also cause air pockets in the ink cartridge.


    Cleaning the print head and ink cartridges may assist in removing air pockets from the ink cartridge:

     

    1. Press Ink or Ink Management key.

      --or--

      Press Menu and choose Ink.

       
    2. Use the Up or Down arrow key to choose CLEANING.

       
    3. Press OK.
       
    4. Do one of the following:

       

      • If the message displayed on the LCD was INK LOW BLACK press the Up or Down arrow key to choose BLACK.

         
      • If the message display on the LCD was INK LOW CYAN, INK LOW MAGENTA, or INK LOW YELLOW press the Up or Down arrow key to choose COLOUR.
    5. Press OK.
       
    6. The Brother machine will clean and remove the air pockets from the ink cartridge. When cleaning is finished, the machine will automatically go back to standby mode.

If the message INK LOW [colour name] continues to appear on the display, repeat STEP 3 up to 4 more times.

If the problem still continues, please contact Brother Customer Service from "Contact Us".

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

DCP-195C, DCP-197C, DCP-365CN, DCP-375CW, DCP-377CW, DCP-395CN, DCP-J125, DCP-J140W, DCP-J315W, DCP-J515W, DCP-J715W, MFC-255CW, MFC-295CN, MFC-795CW, MFC-J265W, MFC-J410, MFC-J415W, MFC-J615W

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.