Model discontinued. This page is no longer updated.

MFC-3100C

FAQs & Troubleshooting

FAQs & Troubleshooting

Why doesn't the machine answer when receiving a call?

If you are having problems receiving calls or faxes, follow the instructions below:

 


  1. Verify that the date and time are displayed 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 displays the date and time, continue to STEP 2.

    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.
  1. Check for splitters, commshare devices, voicemail, custom phone features, etc. Remove any of these devices from the phone line. The machine is to be plugged directly into the wall jack.
  1. 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, test on another phone jack.
    If there is still no dial tone, you have a problem with the wall jack or line. You need to contact your local telephone company for service.
  1. If the wall jack has a dial tone, disconnect the telephone line from the telephone and connect it to the jack on the FAX/MFC labeled LINE. Make sure the line cord is connected from the jack on the FAX/MFC labeled LINE directly to the wall jack. 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 still no dial tone, your machine may require service.

  1. Verify that the answer mode is set correctly on the FAX/MFC.
    This is determined according to other devices/services on the same line as the FAX/MFC.

    • FAX ONLY
      In this setting, the FAX/MFC automatically answers every call as a fax call. You cannot receive an incoming voice call, but you can make an outgoing voice call.

       

    • EXT.TEL/TAD
      This setting is the only one that can be used with an external answering machine or an external telephone. In case your telephone answering device is connected to your FAX/MFC, it answers every call (unless you answer first). Once the TAD answers, the FAX/MFC is in the background silently listening for fax tones. If it detects fax tones, it will go into the receive mode. If it does not hear fax tones, it remains silent and allows the caller to leave a voice message on the answering device. In case your external telephone is connected to your FAX/MFC, you control the phone line and must answer every call yourself.

    • MANUAL
      In this setting, the FAX/MFC will not answer incoming calls automatically (unless using Distinctive Ringing feature).

  1. If the unit is on a rollover system, connect the unit to the last line of the rollover pattern. You do not want your fax machine rolling over to another line.
  1. Test the print operation of the unit by printing the Help List. To print the Help List, follow the instructions below:

    1. Press the Reports key.
    2. Press the up or down navigation key until HELP LIST appears and press Menu/Set.


    The Help List should begin printing. If the print option works, continue to STEP 8. If the print option does not work, please contact Brother Customer Service from "Contact Us".
  1. Complete a test fax to your unit.

    1. First, adjust your ring delay setting. If the answer mode is set to MANUAL, do NOT adjust the ring delay setting and continue to Step b. If the answer mode is set to FAX only, reduce the ring delay to 1 ring. If the answer mode is set to EXT.TEL/TAD, reduce the number of rings programmed on your answering machine to 2. This is to ensure the test fax is answered as fast as possible. The ring delay setting determines the number of times the unit rings before it answers.
      To check the ring delay setting for the Brother machine,

      1. Press the Menu/Set key. Then, press the up or down navigation key on the control panel until FAX appears.
      2. Press Menu/Set.
      3. Press the up or down navigation key until SETUP RECEIVE appears and press Menu/Set.
      4. Press the up or down navigation key until RING DELAY appears and press Menu/Set.
      5. Press the up or down navigation key until 01 appears and press Menu/Set.

      To adjust the number of rings programmed on your answering machine, use the owner's manual for the device.

    2. (Only for USA)
      Next, you can contact a person and have them send you a fax or you can utilizeour automated Fax Test Sheet and Product Registration system. If you have not completed and faxed your Fax Test Sheet provided with your productdocumentation, fill out the warranty registration information and fax it to 1-877-268-9575. Please make sure your station ID is programmed into your unit prior to sending the Test Sheet. Shortly after your Test Sheet is received by the system, the system will automatically fax a confirmation sheet to the number programmed as the station ID. If you have already registered your warranty, fax a blank piece of paper with the word "Test" printed on it and a confirmation sheet will still be sent to you. By utilizing the Fax Test Sheet and Product Registration system, it eliminates the need to contact an outside source to send you a test fax.

    3. If you receive the test fax successfully, your unit is operating properly. Remember to reset your ring delay or answering machine setting. If receiving problems recur after the setting is reset, then something (i.e. a person or device answering the line) at your location is interfering with the fax reception before the machine has a chance to answer the fax.
  1. Verify that senders are dialing the correct number and you are providing the sender with the correct fax number for your unit. If you have a second telephone number at your location or cell phone, you can test the number yourself. Dial your fax number from the second telephone number or cell phone as if you are sending a fax. If you hear ringing on the phone you are dialing from, verify if your Brother machine has a dial tone. If you hear a dial tone, this indicates there is a problem with the line or the telephone number and you will need to contact your local telephone company for assistance.

If you continue to experience problems with receiving faxes, 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

MFC-3100C, MFC-5100C, MFC-6800

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