BROTHER MFC 7400C Black Ink lock out

protron · 08-06-2007, 06:09 PM

Dear Listers,

The Brother MultiFunction Center is a combo FAX and color printer - copier that I have attached to my computer. I just checked the BLACK due to the fact that I have a long run to print.

I removed the black and looked at it and put it back in.

NOW AND FOREVER I keep getting "BLACK INK OUT"

I have removed and replaced this Black 20 times BUT still will not accept it. I got a new Black and it too is not accepted.

Any ideas? I am stuck. Needed it yesterday.

HELP!!!!

BILL NEILL.

**BCCOMP** · 08-06-2007, 09:09 PM

Hi Bill,
Here is a link that may resolve your issue:

http://www.brother-usa.com/FAQs/Solu...word=Ink%20Out

Hope this helps.
Thanks
Bill

protron · 08-06-2007, 10:22 PM

Dear Bill,

Your link is from the instruction book and is IS exactly what I have been doing and it DOES NOT WORK!!!!!

I note that they say the black has a sensor - where exactly is it located?

Bill Neill.

**BCCOMP** · 08-07-2007, 12:09 AM

The sensor is located in your PCB Carriage housing (Ink cartridge housing). It may be dirty. You may be able to clean the sensor using a ink cleaning solution and a "Q" Tip. It should be where the Black Ink cartridge is inserted (on the lower side). Do not use an alcohol base solution it may damage the sensor. You can also use Simple Green (slightly diluted) if you do not have an ink cleaning solution. If this does not work it may be a faulty or damaged sensor and the sensor will have to be replaced.
Hope this helps. Let us know how you make out.
Thanks,
Bill

protron · 08-07-2007, 09:51 AM

Dear Bill,

I have already done that at number 9 insertion, but it made no difference. Keep in mind that it did work and print just fine prior to my removing to look at it, how does the sensor work - can I fool it?

Thanks,

Bill Neill.

**BCCOMP** · 08-07-2007, 05:42 PM

The sensor works like an X-ray. It can sense that a Ink cartridge is Full or somewhat used depending on the input you state when it is removed and reinserted. They are very sensitive (dirt, ink spillage, scratches on the cartride, even a piece of hair can cause error).Try cleaning again.
Being it is part of the Ink carriage and cleaning it does not resolve the problem. It would be (IMO) to take it to a repair facility. It may be cheaper to just buy a knew AIO. Have you used an original cartridge (Black) or did you refill the old? Refills (or after Market) and not original Brothers may also cause this problem. You stated that you replaced this with a new one. Was it a New Brother ink cartridge. If it was , it sounds like the sensor bit the dust.
I know of no way to Bypass or fool it.
Sorry,
Bill
Sorry I could not be of more help.

joepag · 08-16-2007, 02:43 PM

Don't know about the MFC7400C .....but, after researching for my MFC210C...I found that my problem of a "Black near empty" signal and the printer locking up was due to its internal memory and a reset, try the following: 1)open the printer, 2) remove the offending cartridge. 3) pull the a/c plug of the printer while leaving the printer lid open. 4) reinstall the ink cartridge. reinsert the a/c plug of the printer. 5)shut the cover and when prompted on the display, input the code number for "yes, cartridge replaced". The ink level will be reset to full and the printer will self clean and become operative again. Prior to this I tried the black tape on the back of the cartridge bit to fool the sensor to no avail.

NCinFL · 06-13-2008, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joepag

1)open the printer, 2) remove the offending cartridge. 3) pull the a/c plug of the printer while leaving the printer lid open. 4) reinstall the ink cartridge. reinsert the a/c plug of the printer. 5)shut the cover and when prompted on the display, input the code number for "yes, cartridge replaced". The ink level will be reset to full and the printer will self clean and become operative again. Prior to this I tried the black tape on the back of the cartridge bit to fool the sensor to no avail.

Wow. Thanks so much.

My MFC-440CN kept saying no black ink after replacing the cartridge. I tried a 2nd new cartridge to no avail. Unplugged it, cleaned it (with alcohol which I now know is bad), still didn't work. I was contemplating having it serviced or just replacing it.
I followed joepags instructions and worked like a charm. I also had the top of the printer as well as the ink door open in step 1. I don't know if this was necessary, but that's the only thing I did differently.
I am using generic inks.
Thanks again for posting.
-NC

kouse51 · 06-26-2008, 12:08 PM

I have a Brother MC 440 CN with the same problem that you cite. No cartridge or ink out shows up on lcd. None of the proceures of unplugging, opening this and that door worked. This message showed up only with the black ink comparment. The sensor which is in the shape of a horseshoe, an open square, at the back of the compartment is the problem. So I disabled the sensor by breaking off the plastic horseshoe and pushing the wire sensor to the side. Now I can print but I know that the computer is giving a false reading of how much ink is in the black cartridge.

It would be advisable to try the unplug-cartridge removal procedure first.

BIGNICK 01 · 07-07-2008, 05:45 PM

Can Someone Help Me !!!!!!!!!!
I Have A Brother Mfc 665cw Printer Copyer.

I Have No Black I Got New Cartridge And Still Does Not Work.
Colors Are All Ok

Thanx
Big Nick

rhh · 10-11-2008, 10:02 AM

My Brother MFC 440CN completely locked up when it came time to change the black ink cartridge. Been using compatiable since I bought the machine a year ago. Of course, craps out 5 days out of warrenty.

Like may of you, I tried multiple "new" ink cartriges with no success. I cleaned the U shaped sensors, tried blocking with tape as suggested, no success. At the end of my rope, I decided it was time for surgery as explained by kouse 51's June 26, 2008 post. Grabbed my pliers and pulled off the U Shaped sensor for all 4 ink colors which exposes the two light sensors. Pulled them off and clipped the remaining wires back and guess what, the damn thing works again! Lost the ability to see ink level (always reads full), but I am printing as before with my ink that costs 5 times less than from Brother.

When I see the printing colors fade, I'll know it is time to change a color cartridge.

cano14 · 11-02-2009, 03:35 PM

My solution to fool ink sensors on Brother MFC all-in-one printers.
This worked on my MFC-240C, others might be similar if not the same.
See attached images
1.Remove the control panel (just 3 screws under top lid)
2.Locate and unplug the connector with 9 wires (labeled "cartridges" on the circuit card)
3.Disconnect only the center wire (5th cable from either end)
4.Reconnect the the 9 wire connector
5.Close the lids and restart the printer
All ink levels show full...
FREEDOM AT LAST!

randy070 · 11-24-2009, 09:34 AM

Cano14....I don't know how you figured out that cutting wire#5 bypasses the ink sensors but it works perfectly. I've tried the well publicized tape-over-the-cartridge-window trick which worked initially but eventually I was stymied by a permanent "no cartridge" error. In 3 minutes your incredibly easy procedure has restored my MFC-240 to complete functionality although I will have to keep a watchful eye on ink levels. I take my hat off!

08-06-2007, 06:09 PM	#1 (permalink)
protron Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 3 OS: OS 9	BROTHER MFC 7400C Black Ink lock out Dear Listers, The Brother MultiFunction Center is a combo FAX and color printer - copier that I have attached to my computer. I just checked the BLACK due to the fact that I have a long run to print. I removed the black and looked at it and put it back in. NOW AND FOREVER I keep getting "BLACK INK OUT" I have removed and replaced this Black 20 times BUT still will not accept it. I got a new Black and it too is not accepted. Any ideas? I am stuck. Needed it yesterday. HELP!!!! BILL NEILL.

08-06-2007, 09:09 PM	#2 (permalink)
BCCOMP Mod Hardware Team Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: New York Posts: 7,054 OS: Win XP SP3 / Windows 7 Beta / Open Suse My System	Re: BROTHER MFC 7400C Black Ink lock out Hi Bill, Here is a link that may resolve your issue: http://www.brother-usa.com/FAQs/Solu...word=Ink%20Out Hope this helps. Thanks Bill __________________ PC Wizard \| Everest \| Power supply info \| Memtest86+ PC Running Slow Speedfan

08-06-2007, 10:22 PM	#3 (permalink)
protron Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 3 OS: OS 9	Re: BROTHER MFC 7400C Black Ink lock out Dear Bill, Your link is from the instruction book and is IS exactly what I have been doing and it DOES NOT WORK!!!!! I note that they say the black has a sensor - where exactly is it located? Bill Neill.

08-07-2007, 12:09 AM	#4 (permalink)
BCCOMP Mod Hardware Team Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: New York Posts: 7,054 OS: Win XP SP3 / Windows 7 Beta / Open Suse My System	Re: BROTHER MFC 7400C Black Ink lock out The sensor is located in your PCB Carriage housing (Ink cartridge housing). It may be dirty. You may be able to clean the sensor using a ink cleaning solution and a "Q" Tip. It should be where the Black Ink cartridge is inserted (on the lower side). Do not use an alcohol base solution it may damage the sensor. You can also use Simple Green (slightly diluted) if you do not have an ink cleaning solution. If this does not work it may be a faulty or damaged sensor and the sensor will have to be replaced. Hope this helps. Let us know how you make out. Thanks, Bill __________________ PC Wizard \| Everest \| Power supply info \| Memtest86+ PC Running Slow Speedfan Last edited by BCCOMP; 08-07-2007 at 12:14 AM.

08-07-2007, 09:51 AM	#5 (permalink)
protron Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 3 OS: OS 9	Re: BROTHER MFC 7400C Black Ink lock out Dear Bill, I have already done that at number 9 insertion, but it made no difference. Keep in mind that it did work and print just fine prior to my removing to look at it, how does the sensor work - can I fool it? Thanks, Bill Neill. Last edited by protron; 08-07-2007 at 09:52 AM.

08-07-2007, 05:42 PM	#6 (permalink)
BCCOMP Mod Hardware Team Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: New York Posts: 7,054 OS: Win XP SP3 / Windows 7 Beta / Open Suse My System	Re: BROTHER MFC 7400C Black Ink lock out The sensor works like an X-ray. It can sense that a Ink cartridge is Full or somewhat used depending on the input you state when it is removed and reinserted. They are very sensitive (dirt, ink spillage, scratches on the cartride, even a piece of hair can cause error).Try cleaning again. Being it is part of the Ink carriage and cleaning it does not resolve the problem. It would be (IMO) to take it to a repair facility. It may be cheaper to just buy a knew AIO. Have you used an original cartridge (Black) or did you refill the old? Refills (or after Market) and not original Brothers may also cause this problem. You stated that you replaced this with a new one. Was it a New Brother ink cartridge. If it was , it sounds like the sensor bit the dust. I know of no way to Bypass or fool it. Sorry, Bill Sorry I could not be of more help. __________________ PC Wizard \| Everest \| Power supply info \| Memtest86+ PC Running Slow Speedfan

08-16-2007, 02:43 PM	#7 (permalink)
joepag Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 2 OS: xp	Re: BROTHER MFC 7400C Black Ink lock out Don't know about the MFC7400C .....but, after researching for my MFC210C...I found that my problem of a "Black near empty" signal and the printer locking up was due to its internal memory and a reset, try the following: 1)open the printer, 2) remove the offending cartridge. 3) pull the a/c plug of the printer while leaving the printer lid open. 4) reinstall the ink cartridge. reinsert the a/c plug of the printer. 5)shut the cover and when prompted on the display, input the code number for "yes, cartridge replaced". The ink level will be reset to full and the printer will self clean and become operative again. Prior to this I tried the black tape on the back of the cartridge bit to fool the sensor to no avail.

06-26-2008, 12:08 PM	#9 (permalink)
kouse51 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 1 OS: win 2000	Re: BROTHER MFC 7400C Black Ink lock out I have a Brother MC 440 CN with the same problem that you cite. No cartridge or ink out shows up on lcd. None of the proceures of unplugging, opening this and that door worked. This message showed up only with the black ink comparment. The sensor which is in the shape of a horseshoe, an open square, at the back of the compartment is the problem. So I disabled the sensor by breaking off the plastic horseshoe and pushing the wire sensor to the side. Now I can print but I know that the computer is giving a false reading of how much ink is in the black cartridge. It would be advisable to try the unplug-cartridge removal procedure first. Last edited by kouse51; 06-26-2008 at 12:10 PM.

07-07-2008, 05:45 PM	#10 (permalink)
BIGNICK 01 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 2 OS: WIN XP	Re: BROTHER MFC 7400C Black Ink lock out Can Someone Help Me !!!!!!!!!! I Have A Brother Mfc 665cw Printer Copyer. I Have No Black I Got New Cartridge And Still Does Not Work. Colors Are All Ok Thanx Big Nick

10-11-2008, 10:02 AM	#11 (permalink)
rhh Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 1 OS: vista home premium	Re: BROTHER MFC 7400C Black Ink lock out My Brother MFC 440CN completely locked up when it came time to change the black ink cartridge. Been using compatiable since I bought the machine a year ago. Of course, craps out 5 days out of warrenty. Like may of you, I tried multiple "new" ink cartriges with no success. I cleaned the U shaped sensors, tried blocking with tape as suggested, no success. At the end of my rope, I decided it was time for surgery as explained by kouse 51's June 26, 2008 post. Grabbed my pliers and pulled off the U Shaped sensor for all 4 ink colors which exposes the two light sensors. Pulled them off and clipped the remaining wires back and guess what, the damn thing works again! Lost the ability to see ink level (always reads full), but I am printing as before with my ink that costs 5 times less than from Brother. When I see the printing colors fade, I'll know it is time to change a color cartridge.

11-24-2009, 09:34 AM	#13 (permalink)
randy070 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 1 OS: XP	Re: BROTHER MFC 7400C Black Ink lock out Cano14....I don't know how you figured out that cutting wire#5 bypasses the ink sensors but it works perfectly. I've tried the well publicized tape-over-the-cartridge-window trick which worked initially but eventually I was stymied by a permanent "no cartridge" error. In 3 minutes your incredibly easy procedure has restored my MFC-240 to complete functionality although I will have to keep a watchful eye on ink levels. I take my hat off!