Model discontinued. This page is no longer updated.

MFC-3100C

FAQs & Troubleshooting

FAQs & Troubleshooting

My FAX/MFC will not Dial. Why?


  1. Verify 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 extension phone.

    3. If the LCD is blank, first 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 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 telephone 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 if your Brother machine has a dial tone. For more information, please refer to "How can I verify if my Brother machine has a dial tone?".

    If there is a 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 handset of the external telephone and dial the fax number. Wait to hear fax receiving tones before pressing Black (Mono) Fax Start or Color (Colour) Fax Start.

  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 an external telephone (connected to the EXT jack on the FAX/MFC for USA) and verify that the number answers with fax tones.

  7. (Only for users in Canada, Europe and Asia/Oceania)
    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 GENERAL 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

MFC-3100C, MFC-5100C

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