The error message "Print Unable 46" is an indication that the machines ink absorbers are almost full. The ink absorbers hold liquid and dried ink after it has been purged from the print head. These absorbers can control enough ink for the expected life of the machine. 


Below are the explanations of how ink is processed into the ink absorber box.


The Brother machine will automatically clean the print head when the conditions listed below occur:

• Initial installation of the ink cartridges: The Brother machine will perform an initial purge to fill up the ink tubes during the initial installation of the ink cartridges.
  
  
• While the machine is not being used, the machine will default to a sleep mode, which consumes very little energy.  When the machine is powered off, it cannot keep time of how long the power is off.  If you turn the machine off while it's not being used, when the power is turned back on, the machine will complete a cleaning cycle.   
  
  
• The first print job after a paper jam has been cleared: The Brother machine will automatically clean the print head to remove paper dust which can damage the print head if not cleaned.
  
  
• If the print head is not capped properly during the stand by mode:   The print head will move to the right side and the purge unit will cap the print head to prevent air from drying out the nozzles.  If the head is not capped, the Brother machine will automatically clean the print head to clear out any dried ink from inside the print head.
  
  
• If the empty ink cartridge is replaced when the machine is powered off: The Brother machine will automatically clean the print head when the cartridge is installed and the machine is powered back on.
  
  
• If the machine is powered on, with no use for 45 day: The Brother machine will automatically clean the print head if to help prevent ink from drying and damaging the print head.

There is a possibility that this message may have occurred in error.  Upgrading the firmware of the Brother machine may resolve the issue.  Follow the procedure below to determine if a firmware update is required:

1. If the display screen is displaying an error message, press the STOP/EXIT key to change the LCD to the main screen.
   
   
   
2. Press the # and * key at the same time.  The first 2 characters on the top row will determine the ROM version.
   
   
   
   • If the ROM version is OE or greater (example: OF, OG, OH, etc), the firmware does NOT need to be upgraded.  Refer to WARRANTY AND SERVICE OPTIONS listed below.
     
     
   • If the ROM version is OA, OB, OC or OD, follow the procedure below to upgrade the firmware.

A utility is available that will allow you to update your Brother machine with the most recent version firmware, by downloading updates over the Internet.

1. Go to Downloads section of this website.
   
   
2. Under Notes/Information select the option - Click here to view firmware version history.
   
   
3. Close the window to continue with the firmware update.
   
   
4. To update the firmware please follow the instructions listed below:
   
   
   

   The upgrade utility requires that you have the JVM (Java Virtual Machine) plugin installed on your machine. The utility may not work or give an error if this plugin is not present. If you do not have the plugin or are not sure if it installed on your machine, visit http://www.oracle.com/us/sun/index.html to obtain the plugin.

   
   This procedure will erase any stored faxes that you may have in memory, so be sure to print them or back them up BEFORE starting the upgrade procedure.
   
   
   Also DO NOT interrupt the process or turn off the machine once it has begun. Doing so may corrupt the memory on the machine and may require the machine be serviced in order to correct the problem.
   
   
   
5. Select your OS and language in Steps 1 and 2 on the website.  Then click on Search.
   
   
6. In the Next Window, scroll down to the bottom to locate "Firmware Update Tool".
   
   
7. Click on "Information & Download".
   
   
8. Scroll down to the bottom of the next page and click the "Download" button.
   
   
9. Accept the license agreement.
   
   
10. A dialog box appears with options for "Run", "Save" or "Cancel". Choose "Run". You may also download the utility for later use by choosing "Save".
    
    
    

    If a message stating "the publisher cannot be verified" appears when attempting to download the utility, choose "Run". The message is simply a reminder to the web user to exercise caution when downloading files from different sites. The file is safe for download from our website. Always exercise caution when downloading material from websites in which you are not familiar or are uncomfortable to avoid downloading virus or other potentially damaging content.

    
    
11. A dialog box appears informing you that some information from the machine will be collected and stored.  Click "I Accept".
    
    
12. A dialog box appears informing you what will be deleted during the firmware upgrade.  Click "Next".
    
    
13. The program will now begin to upgrade the firmware.

If the message "Print Unable 46" continues to appear on the display the Brother machine after completing the firmware upgrade refer to WARRANTY AND SERVICE OPTIONS listed below.





WARRANTY AND SERVICE OPTIONS:

If your machine is within warranty, you can locate a Brother Authorized Service Center (ASC) in your area by clicking on the link below:

http://www.brother-usa.com/service/default.aspx  or contact Brother Customer Service by calling 1-877-Brother (1-877-276-8437) Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. 

If your machine is out of warranty, you can locate a Brother Authorized Service Center using the information listed above.