MFC-5840CN

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 unit is not in the OFF mode. Press and hold the ON/OFF or POWER SAVE key located on the control panel until the date and time appear on the display. If the display remains blank, 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, 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.

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, 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.

4. 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.
   
   

5. 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.
     

   • FAX/TEL
     In this setting, the FAX/MFC automatically answers every call upon completion of the ring delay (unless you answer first). Ring delay is the number of times the unit and all extension phones will ring before the unit answers the call. If the call is a fax, it prints the fax. If the call is voice, it signals you with a double ring that is different from the phone company ring.
     

   • EXTERNAL TAD
     This setting is the only one that can be used with an external answering machine. Your telephone answering device is connected to your FAX/MFC and 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.
     

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

   • MC:Msg Ctr or TAD:Msg Mgr
     In this setting, the built-in digital Message Center answers voice calls and automatically receives faxes. The FAX/MFC records voice messages in the machine's memory.

6. 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.
   

7. Test the print operation of the unit by printing the Help List. To print the Help List, follow the instructions below:
   
   
   1. Press the Menu/Set key.
   2. Press the up or down navigation key until Print Reports appears and press Menu/Set.
   3. Press the up or down navigation key until Help List appears and press the Black(Mono) Start key.
      
      
   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".
   

8. 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, FAX/TEL, MC:Msg Ctr or TAD:Msg Mgr reduce the ring delay to 1 (2 or 3 for some countries) ring. If the answer mode is set to EXTERNAL TAD, reduce the number of rings programmed on your answering machine to 2 (3 for some countries). 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. If the FAX mode key is not illuminated in green, press it.
      2. Press the Menu/Set key. Then, press the up or down navigation key on the control panel until Fax appears.
      3. Press Menu/Set.
      4. Press the up or down navigation key until Setup Receive appears and press Menu/Set.
      5. Press the up or down navigation key until Ring Delay appears and press Menu/Set.
      6. Press the up or down navigation key until 01 (or 02 or 03 for some countries) 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. Next, you can contact a person and have them send you a fax.
      --OR--
      (Only for USA)
      You can utilize 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, 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.
      

9. 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".