Troubleshooting Brother DCP-T710W: Resolving Error 48 and Automatic Shutdown

Welcome to our tech overview, where we dive into a recent printer issue shared by a community member. If you're dealing with a Brother DCP-T710W that shuts down after a strange noise from the print head, you're in the right place. Let's break down the problem and work towards a solution.

Initial Diagnosis and Power Supply Board Replacement

The journey began with a dead Brother DCP-T710W, and our community member replaced the power supply board and performed output cleaning. The printer worked initially, only to return with a new set of challenges – persistent paper jam errors and a series of error codes such as "Error 44," "Error 48 Unable to print," and "Busy, try again."

Error 48 and Unwanted Shutdowns

The plot thickens as attempts to reset the printer result in it being stuck on error screens, specifically "Error 48." Strangely, a weird noise from the immobile print head precedes an automatic shutdown. To complicate matters further, the shutdown occurs consistently when the print head moves towards the right corner after being freed from the encoder strip misalignment.

Encoder Strip Realignment

Our community member took matters into their own hands and managed to fix the abnormal print head movement by realigning the encoder strip. This step successfully restored normal movement but left the stubborn "Error 48" and the automatic shutdown issue unresolved.

Further Encoder Strip Cleaning

An additional attempt to fix the persistent "Error 48" involved cleaning the encoder strip once more. While this resolved the error, a new problem emerged – when the print head reached its resting place on the right side, the rollers produced a gripping noise, leading to an immediate machine shutdown.

Suggested Solutions and Next Steps

Now that we've dissected the problem, here are some suggested solutions to address the lingering issues:

1. Encoder Strip Inspection:

  • Carefully inspect the encoder strip for any dirt, debris, or misalignment. Ensure it is properly seated and free from any obstructions.

2. Print Head Movement Check:

  • Examine the print head's movement manually. Ensure it moves smoothly across its path without any hindrance.

3. Roller Examination:

  • Investigate the rollers for any signs of damage or obstruction. Clean them thoroughly and ensure they rotate freely.

4. Firmware Update:

  • Check if there's a firmware update available for the Brother DCP-T710W. Upgrading the firmware can often resolve compatibility issues and improve overall performance.

Final Thoughts

Printer troubleshooting can be a meticulous process, but by systematically addressing each component, you increase the chances of a successful resolution. If the problem persists, reaching out to professional printer repair services may be the next step.

For more in-depth guides and tech insights, be sure to check out our YouTube channel BCH Technologies and follow our tech blog for regular updates. If you're in the Greensboro, North Carolina area, feel free to visit us locally.

We hope these suggestions guide you toward resolving the Brother DCP-T710W issues. Happy printing!