Model discontinued. This page is no longer updated.

FAX-817/FAX-817S

FAQs & Troubleshooting

FAQs & Troubleshooting

I am experiencing problems sending a fax, what can I do?

If you are experiencing problems sending faxes, please follow the instructions below:


  1. Verify that the date and time are displayed on the LCD.

    1. If the LCD displays the date and time, continue to Step 2.

    2. If the LCD displays an error message, check "FAQ & Troubleshooting" for further information on that error.

    3. If the LCD shows Telephone, any key pressed will not respond. Please hang up the handset of the FAX and/or press the Hook key.
      If the LCD continues to show Telephone, lift the handset of 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 display does not change or the button remains down, contact information for the appropriate Brother Customer Service Center.

    4. 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 a wall switch controls the power outlet, verify the switch is in the ON position. If the display is still blank, try a different known working electrical outlet. If date and time now appear, there is a problem with your surge protector or power switch. If the display still remains blank, your machine may require service.
  1. Verify that the machine is connected directly from the wall jack to the jack labeled LINE on the unit.
  1. Verify that the machine has a dial tone. While your unit is connected directly to the wall jack, lift the handset of the machine and listen for dial tone. If there is dial tone, continue to Step 5. If there is no dial tone continue to Step 4.
  1. Verify that the wall jack has a dial tone. Disconnect the telephone line cord from the fax line jack and connect it to a regular working telephone directly to the wall jack. Lift the handset of the telephone and listen for a dial tone.

    1. If there is a dial tone from the wall jack, your unit may require service.

    2. If there is no dial tone from the wall jack, try a different telephone line cord from the wall jack to the regular telephone. If there is still no dial tone from the wall jack, there is a problem with your line and you need to contact your local telephone company for assistance. If you now have a dial tone with a different line cord, connect the working line cord to the LINE jack on the fax and check for a dial tone again. If there is now a dial tone, continue to Step 5.
  1. Verify that your document(s) are the correct size. The document(s) must be between 5.8 and 8.5 inches (148 and 216 mm) wide.
  1. Verify that you have inserted the document(s) face down into the ADF with the top edge first.
  1. When placing the document(s) in the Automatic Document Feeder (ADF), verify that the LCD changes to blank. After a brief delay, the LCD will display "Enter FAX No.".
  1. Be sure to adjust the paper guides on the sides of the ADF to fit the width of your document. This insures the document will feed straight and will prevent jams.
  1. Verify that you are not inserting more documents than the ADF can hold. The ADF can hold up to 10 pages of standard 20lb (75 g/m2) paper, feeding each one individually through the fax machine. If you are using paper heavier than 20lb (75 g/m2), you must feed each sheet individually to prevent jams.

DO NOT use curled, wrinkled, folded or ripped paper, or paper with staples, paper clips, paste or tape attached. DO NOT use cardboard, newspaper or fabric.


  1. If you are sending faxes Manually (picking up the handset on the fax or pressing the Hook key before dialing) be sure to wait to hear the fax tones of the receiving fax unit before pressing Fax Start or Start/Copy key.
  1. If you are having problems sending a fax to one number, verify that the number you are dialing is a working fax number and that you hear fax tones when the receiving machine answers.

If you continue to have problems sending faxes after following the steps listed above, your unit may require service.

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-727, FAX-737MC, FAX-817/FAX-817S, FAX-827/FAX-827S, FAX-837MC/FAX-837MCS, FAX-878

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