Troubleshooting Guide: How to Fix a Brother Printer That Won’t Print Black

Printing a document only to realize it’s missing black ink can be incredibly frustrating. If you’re facing this issue with your Brother printer, don’t despair! This guide will walk you through troubleshooting steps to get your printer back in black and white (or full color) mode.

The Usual Suspects: Causes of Black Ink Problems

Before diving into fixes, let’s understand why your Brother printer might be refusing to print black ink. The most common culprits include:

• Empty or Low Black Ink Cartridge: This is the most obvious reason. Check your ink levels to see if the black cartridge is depleted.
• Clogged Print Head: Over time, the print head nozzles can get clogged with dried ink, preventing black ink from flowing.
• Incorrect Ink Cartridge Installation: A misaligned or improperly installed cartridge can disrupt the flow of ink.
• Driver Issues: Outdated or corrupted printer drivers can interfere with ink delivery.
• Print Settings: Sometimes, your print settings might be configured to print in grayscale or with a reduced amount of black ink.

Step 1: Check Ink Levels and Replace Cartridges

The first step is to check the ink levels in your printer. You can usually do this through the printer’s control panel or by using the Brother software on your computer.

• If the black ink cartridge is empty or low, replace it with a new one. Ensure you’re using genuine Brother ink cartridges for optimal performance.
• If the ink levels are sufficient, proceed to the next troubleshooting step.

Step 2: Clean the Print Head

A clogged print head is a common culprit for black ink printing problems. Cleaning the print head can often resolve the issue.

• Use the printer’s built-in cleaning function: Most Brother printers have a “Clean Print Head” option in their settings menu. Follow the instructions provided by your printer model.
• Manually clean the print head: If the built-in cleaning function doesn’t work, you can try manually cleaning the print head. This requires removing the cartridges and carefully cleaning the nozzles with a damp cotton swab. Be sure to use distilled water and avoid touching the electrical contacts on the print head.

Step 3: Check Cartridge Installation

Even if the ink cartridge appears to be installed correctly, a slight misalignment can cause printing issues.

• Remove and re-install the black ink cartridge: Carefully remove the cartridge, making sure it’s properly seated and aligned. Reinstall it firmly, ensuring it clicks into place.
• Check the cartridge contacts: Inspect the contacts on both the cartridge and the printer for any debris or corrosion. Clean them gently with a dry cotton swab.

Step 4: Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers

Outdated or corrupted printer drivers can lead to various printing problems, including black ink issues.

• Update your printer drivers: Visit the Brother website and download the latest drivers for your printer model. Install the updated drivers and restart your computer.
• Reinstall the printer drivers: If updating the drivers doesn’t resolve the problem, try reinstalling them. Uninstall the current drivers, restart your computer, and then reinstall the latest version.

Step 5: Adjust Print Settings

Your printer’s print settings can affect the amount of black ink used.

• Check the print quality settings: Go to your printer settings and ensure the print quality is set to “High” or “Best.” Lower quality settings might use less black ink, resulting in a faded output.
• Disable grayscale printing: If your printer settings are configured for grayscale printing, change them to “Color” to ensure black ink is used.

Step 6: Reset the Printer

If the above steps haven‘t fixed the problem, resetting your Brother printer can sometimes resolve software glitches or configuration issues.

• Consult your printer manual: The specific reset procedure varies depending on your printer model. Refer to your user manual for detailed instructions.
• Power cycle the printer: Turn off your printer, unplug it from the power outlet, wait for a few minutes, plug it back in, and turn it on again.

Time to Call for Help: When to Contact Brother Support

If you’ve exhausted all of the above troubleshooting steps and your Brother printer still isn’t printing black ink, it’s time to contact Brother support. They can help you diagnose the problem and provide further guidance.

Beyond Black Ink: A Word on Brother Printer Maintenance

Keeping your Brother printer well-maintained can prevent many common problems, including black ink issues. Here are some tips:

• Use genuine Brother ink cartridges: Using non-genuine cartridges can lead to clogging, poor print quality, and even damage to your printer.
• Clean the print head regularly: Even if you don’t experience black ink problems, cleaning the print head every few months can help prevent clogs.
• Don’t leave cartridges out for too long: When not in use, store ink cartridges in a cool, dry place to prevent them from drying out.
• Use the printer regularly: Regular use helps keep the print head lubricated and prevents ink from drying out.

Answers to Your Questions

Q: My printer is printing black, but it’s very faint. What could be the problem?
A: A faint black print can indicate a partially clogged print head or a low ink level in the black cartridge. Try cleaning the print head and check the ink levels. If the problem persists, consider replacing the black cartridge.
Q: I’m using genuine Brother ink cartridges, but my printer still won’t print black. What should I do?
A: If you’re using genuine cartridges, the problem might lie with the print head, printer drivers, or print settings. Try cleaning the print head, updating or reinstalling the drivers, and adjusting the print settings. If the issue persists, contact Brother support.
Q: How often should I clean the print head?
A: It’s a good practice to clean the print head every few months, even if you don’t experience any printing problems. The frequency might vary depending on how often you use your printer.
Q: My printer is printing black, but it’s streaky. What’s wrong?
A: Streaky black printing can be caused by a partially clogged print head, a damaged cartridge, or misaligned print head. Try cleaning the print head, inspecting the cartridge for damage, and ensuring the print head is properly aligned.
Q: I’ve tried everything, and my Brother printer still won’t print black. What should I do?
A: If you’ve exhausted all troubleshooting steps, it’s best to contact Brother support. They can help you diagnose the problem and determine if your printer needs repair.