MFC-8440
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FAQs & Troubleshooting |
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MFC-8440
Date: 17/09/2014 ID: faq00000342_000
I am experiencing problems receiving faxes. What can I do?
If you are experiencing problems receiving faxes, please follow the instructions below:
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Check the message displayed on the LCD:
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If the LCD displays the date and time or status information (example: Toner Empty, Fax in Memory, etc), continue to Step 2.
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If the LCD displays an error message, check in "FAQ's & Troubleshooting" to resolve this error first.
- If the LCD is blank, verify 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 date and time now appears, there is a problem with your surge protector or power switch. If the display is still blank, try a different outlet. If date and time appears after connecting to another outlet, there is a problem with your outlet. If the display still remains blank, your unit may require service.
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If the LCD displays the date and time or status information (example: Toner Empty, Fax in Memory, etc), continue to Step 2.
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Press the Hook, Hook/Hold, Speaker Phone or Tel/R key, and listen for a dial tone.
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If there is a dial tone, continue to STEP 4.
- If there is no dial tone, verify the telephone line cord is connected from the jack (socket) on the Brother machine (labelled LINE for USA) directly to the WALL jack (socket). If there are splitters, commshare devices, power strips or surge protectors between the WALL jack (socket) and the Brother machine, please remove them. We do not recommend having these devices connected between the WALL jack (socket) and Brother machine. The machine should be connected directly into the WALL jack (socket). If the line connection does not require any changes, continue to STEP 3. If the line connection required a correction, press the Hook, Hook/Hold, Speaker Phone or Tel/R key after connecting the line cord correctly and listen for dial tone. If there is a dial tone, continue to STEP 4. If there is still no dial tone, continue to STEP 3.
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If there is a dial tone, continue to STEP 4.
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Remove the telephone line cord from the WALL jack (socket) and connect a known working extension telephone with a known working telephone line cord to the same WALL jack (socket). Lift the handset of the telephone and listen for a dial tone.
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If the telephone does not have dial tone, the issue is related to the phone tine or WALL jack (socket). Contact the local telephone company for assistance.
- If the telephone has a dial tone, disconnect the telephone line cord from the telephone and connect it to the jack (socket) on the Brother machine (labelled LINE for USA). Press the Hook, Hook/Hold, Speaker Phone or Tel/R key on the Brother machine, and listen for a dial tone. If there is a dial tone continue to STEP 4. If you do not hear a dial tone your machine may require service.
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If the telephone does not have dial tone, the issue is related to the phone tine or WALL jack (socket). Contact the local telephone company for assistance.
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Verify 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.
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Fax Only
Dedicated fax line
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Fax/Tel
FAX/MFC controls the line and automatically answers every call
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External TAD
Telephone answering machine (TAD) on the same line
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Manual
Distinctive ring service on line
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Fax Only
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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.
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Complete a test fax to your unit.
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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 or FAX/TEL, reduce the ring delay to 1 (or 2 or 3 for Europe, Asia/Oceania regions) ring. If the answer mode is set to EXTERNAL TAD, reduce the number of rings programmed on your answering machine to 2 (or 3 or 4 for Europe, Asia/Oceania regions). 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.
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Next, you can contact a person and have them send you a fax.
--OR--
*only available in USA:
You can utilise our automated Fax Test Sheet and Product Registration system. If you have not completed and faxed your Fax Test Sheet provided with your product documentation, 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, it 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 utilising the Fax Test Sheet and Product Registration system, it alleviates the need to contact an outside source to send you a test fax.
- 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.
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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 or FAX/TEL, reduce the ring delay to 1 (or 2 or 3 for Europe, Asia/Oceania regions) ring. If the answer mode is set to EXTERNAL TAD, reduce the number of rings programmed on your answering machine to 2 (or 3 or 4 for Europe, Asia/Oceania regions). 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.
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Make a copy to test the print operation.
Press the copy mode key to illuminate it in green. Take a piece of paper with writing and place it face up for units with a flatbed or face down for units without a flatbed on the Automatic Document Feeder (ADF). Press the Start button. Press the Stop/Exit button to release the original.
If the print option does not work, your unit may require service.
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Verify senders are dialling 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 a 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. Then, pick up the external telephone handset and/or press the Hook, Hook/Hold, Speaker Phone or Tel/R key on your machine. Determine if what you are hearing on the phone you dialled from is consistent with what you are hearing on the FAX/MFC. For example, if you hear ringing on the dialling phone, but don't hear a dial tone on the FAX/MFC, then there is a problem with the line or the number you are dialling. In this case, you will need to contact your local telephone company for assistance.
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Test the unit on another phone jack (socket) with a different telephone number to verify there is no problem with the current phone line. If the unit receives when connected to another line, you will need to contact your local telephone company to service the line.
If you continue to have problems receiving faxes after following the steps listed above, your unit may require service.
FAX-2820, FAX-2920, MFC-7225N, MFC-7420, MFC-7820N, MFC-8220, MFC-8420, MFC-8440, MFC-8820D, MFC-8840D, MFC-8840DN
If you need further assistance, please contact Brother customer service:
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