The Brother MFC-L8690CDW is a popular choice for small to medium-sized businesses needing a reliable, multifunction colour laser printer. Known for its balance of performance, features and affordability, it serves as an efficient tool for printing, scanning, copying and faxing.
However, like any office machine, it can encounter technical issues over time. Many of these are routine problems that can be addressed without professional intervention, provided users know what to look for and how to respond.
This article is written for office administrators, IT staff and users who rely on the MFC-L8690CDW in daily business operations. It covers common problems associated with this device, explains why they occur, and provides clear guidance on how to resolve them effectively.
Understanding how to troubleshoot your device not only saves time but also reduces the need for costly service calls and minimises disruption to office workflows.
Print Quality Issues
A frequent concern with the MFC-L8690CDW involves print quality. Users may notice faded text, streaks across the page, or uneven colour distribution.
Faded prints are usually caused by low toner levels or uneven toner distribution within the cartridge. Gently removing the toner and shaking it from side to side can help redistribute remaining toner. If the issue persists, replacing the cartridge is recommended.
Streaks or marks on printed documents often indicate debris or toner build-up on the drum unit. Running a cleaning cycle from the printer menu or manually inspecting the drum for visible contamination can often resolve the problem.
If colour reproduction seems off, performing a colour calibration via the settings menu helps realign toner output. This process ensures consistent quality across colour prints.
Users should also verify that they are using the correct type and weight of paper, as using unsupported media can contribute to poor results.
Paper Jams
Paper jams are a common problem in any printer, and the MFC-L8690CDW is no exception. Most jams occur due to misaligned paper in the tray, overfilled trays or unsuitable paper types.
Begin by powering off the machine and opening the appropriate covers. Remove jammed sheets gently and follow any on-screen instructions for clearing specific areas. The touchscreen often indicates exactly where the jam has occurred, such as the fuser, tray, or rear exit.
Check that the paper guides in the tray are aligned correctly to match the paper size. If guides are too tight or too loose, the paper may skew during feeding.
Avoid overloading the tray and ensure the paper stack is straight before insertion. It is also important to fan the paper before loading, as this reduces the chance of sheets sticking together.
Regular cleaning of the rollers using a lint-free cloth and recommended cleaning fluid can help reduce the frequency of jams over time.
Slow Printing
If the printer is running more slowly than expected, particularly on larger print jobs or colour documents, there may be several causes.
High-resolution settings increase processing time. Reducing the print resolution in the printer preferences can lead to faster output, particularly for internal or draft documents.
The connection type also plays a role. Wireless connections may introduce delays due to network traffic or signal interference. Connecting via Ethernet can provide more consistent speeds, especially in multi-user environments.
Large files with high graphic content or embedded fonts can take longer to process. Converting documents to PDF format before printing may streamline the job and reduce lag.
Firmware updates may also improve performance. Visit the Brother website to check for the latest version and apply any updates using the device’s web interface or connected PC.
Scanner Not Responding
The scanner function occasionally becomes unresponsive, either due to driver issues or network connectivity problems.
Ensure the scanner drivers are correctly installed on all connected devices. If using Brother ControlCenter software, check that the correct device is selected in the software interface.
If scanning to a shared network folder or email address, verify that destination paths are still valid and credentials have not expired. In some cases, firewall or antivirus software may block the scan communication, so review any security settings that could interfere with network scanning.
Rebooting both the printer and the PC often resolves basic scanning issues. If problems persist, reconfiguring scan destinations via the printer’s web interface can help restore proper functionality.
Wireless Connection Drops
Occasional disconnection from the Wi-Fi network can affect printing and scanning reliability.
Verify that the printer is within range of the wireless router and that no physical obstructions or sources of interference are nearby. Devices such as microwaves or cordless phones can disrupt wireless signals.
Assigning a static IP address to the printer via your router’s settings can help maintain a stable connection, especially in busy office networks.
Ensure the firmware is up to date, as wireless stability improvements are often included in updates. You may also consider disabling power-saving features on the printer that place the network adapter into sleep mode too aggressively.
In environments where wireless interference is common, switching to a wired Ethernet connection can offer a more dependable solution.
Toner Not Recognised
After installing a new toner cartridge, users may encounter an error message stating that the cartridge is not recognised.
This is often due to incorrect installation. Remove the cartridge and reinstall it, making sure it clicks firmly into place. Also check that any protective packaging or tape has been fully removed from the cartridge before use.
Using third-party toner can sometimes result in compatibility issues. The printer may reject non-genuine cartridges following firmware updates. While some users find success with high-quality compatible cartridges, Brother recommends genuine supplies for best results and to maintain warranty coverage.
If the cartridge is genuine and still not recognised, a factory reset of the toner counter may be needed. This should be done with caution, and only if supported by the product’s documentation or official support.
Touchscreen or Interface Lag
The MFC-L8690CDW uses a colour touchscreen for navigation, which can occasionally become sluggish or unresponsive.
Ensure the screen is clean and free of dust or fingerprints. Use a dry, lint-free cloth to wipe the surface gently. Avoid using sharp objects on the screen, which may damage sensitivity.
Lag in the interface can be related to heavy usage or internal memory limitations. Power cycling the machine can help clear temporary memory issues. If the problem persists, check whether the device firmware is current and apply updates if available.
If input remains unresponsive, a soft reset through the settings menu or a full factory reset may be required, though the latter will erase saved settings.
Fax Issues
Though used less frequently today, some offices still rely on fax functionality. Common issues include failure to send or receive faxes.
Check that the phone line is securely connected to the proper port on the back of the machine. It should be inserted into the line socket, not the extension socket.
Ensure that the line is active by testing it with a basic telephone. Fax settings such as dial tone detection or ECM (error correction mode) may need adjustment based on your line type.
For receiving faxes, ensure the printer is in the correct receive mode. In shared lines, fax receive settings should match your office setup, such as TAD or fax only.
Error Codes and Maintenance Messages
The MFC-L8690CDW displays error codes for a wide range of issues, from paper jams and toner levels to mechanical faults.
Refer to the user manual or the printer’s on-screen help for specific guidance when an error code appears. Most codes can be resolved by following step-by-step instructions provided on the screen.
Maintenance messages may remind users to replace the drum, clean the corona wire or perform calibration. These are part of the regular upkeep and should not be ignored, as skipping maintenance can affect print quality and machine reliability.
Conclusion
While the Brother MFC-L8690CDW is generally a dependable and efficient office printer, occasional problems may arise. Understanding how to identify and resolve common issues such as print quality degradation, connection errors or toner recognition problems can significantly reduce downtime and frustration.
With regular maintenance, proper setup and basic troubleshooting knowledge, most problems can be resolved without needing external support. For persistent or critical issues, Brother support and authorised service providers are available to assist.
By staying proactive with care and updates, your MFC-L8690CDW can continue to perform reliably and efficiently for years to come.