Brother MFC-253CW Manual

The Brother MFC-253CW is a multifunction color inkjet printer featuring print, copy, scan, and fax capabilities. It supports wireless connectivity, PC-Fax, and has a built-in color scanner. It includes a flatbed scanner, automatic document feeder (ADF), color LCD, and supports various paper sizes. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Color inkjet print engine, Flatbed scanner, Automatic Document Feeder (ADF), Color LCD control panel, Wireless network interface, USB port, Telephone line jack.

Feature	Description
Print Resolution	Up to 6000 x 1200 dpi
Copy Resolution	Up to 1200 x 1200 dpi
Scan Resolution	Up to 1200 x 2400 dpi
Fax Modem Speed	33.6 kbps
Paper Handling	150-sheet input tray, 20-sheet ADF
Connectivity	Wireless 802.11b/g, USB 2.0
LCD Display	2.5-inch color LCD
Ink Cartridges	4 individual color cartridges (CMYK)
Supported Media	Plain paper, photo paper, envelopes, labels
Power Requirements	120V AC, 60Hz

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable, level surface near power outlet.

1. Install ink cartridges: Open front cover, remove protective tape from cartridges, insert into correct slots.
2. Load paper: Adjust paper guides in input tray, load plain paper.
3. Connect power: Plug power cord into printer and wall outlet.
4. Connect telephone line: For fax function, connect phone line to LINE jack.
5. Install software: Insert CD or download drivers from Brother website.

WARNING! Do not touch print head or ink cartridge contacts. Keep printer away from heat sources.

First-Time Setup

Power on printer; follow on-screen prompts on LCD.

1. Align print head: Printer will automatically align after ink installation.
2. Connect to network: Use wireless setup wizard or USB cable for initial configuration.
3. Install drivers: Run installation software on computer.
4. Test print: Print configuration page to verify installation.
5. Register product: Optional online registration for support.

CAUTION! Do not unplug printer during initial setup. Ensure proper ventilation.

Specifications

• Print Technology: Inkjet (4-color individual cartridges)
• Print Speed: Up to 33 ppm black, 27 ppm color
• Copy Speed: Up to 33 cpm black, 27 cpm color
• Fax Memory: Up to 200 pages
• Scanner Type: Color flatbed with ADF
• Interface: Wireless 802.11b/g, USB 2.0 High Speed
• Display: 2.5-inch color LCD with navigation buttons
• Dimensions: 17.7" W x 14.6" D x 10.2" H
• Weight: 18.7 lbs
• Power Consumption: Approx. 30W operating, 2W standby

Controls and Settings

Control Panel: Power button, LCD display, Navigation arrows, OK button, Copy, Scan, Fax dedicated buttons, Stop/Exit, Black/Color start buttons.

Menu System: Access via Menu button on control panel. Settings include: Network configuration, Fax settings, Print quality adjustments, Copy settings, Scan preferences, Maintenance functions.

Print Settings: Quality (Draft, Normal, Fine), Paper type, Color adjustment, Duplex printing. Copy Settings: Number of copies, Darkness, Reduce/Enlarge, Quality. Fax Settings: Resolution, Contrast, Redial settings, Station ID. Network: Wireless setup, Security settings, IP configuration.

Connecting Devices

Wireless: Connect to existing WiFi network. USB: Direct connection to computer. Network: Ethernet via optional adapter. Telephone: Connect phone line for fax.

1. Turn on printer and computer.
2. For wireless: Use WPS button or manual setup via control panel.
3. For USB: Connect USB cable before installing software.
4. For network: Configure TCP/IP settings if needed.

Tip: Keep printer within range of wireless router. Use WPA2 security for wireless connection.

Printing & Copying

Supports various paper types and sizes.

1. Printing: Select document, choose Brother printer, adjust settings as needed.
2. Copying: Place original on scanner glass or in ADF, press Copy button, select settings on LCD.
3. Multiple copies: Use numeric keypad on LCD or increase count with arrows.
4. Photo printing: Use photo paper, select photo print mode for best quality.
5. Envelope printing: Adjust paper guides for envelope size.
6. Duplex printing: Enable in print driver for two-sided printing.

WARNING! Do not touch scanner glass with fingers. Use ADF for multiple pages only.

Scanning & Faxing

Scan to computer, email, or memory device. Send and receive faxes.

1. Scanning: Place document, press Scan button, select destination (PC, Email, USB).
2. Faxing: Enter number using keypad, press Start button. Receive faxes automatically.
3. PC-Fax: Send fax directly from computer using installed software.
4. Fax memory: Stores received faxes if paper runs out.
5. Speed dial: Program frequently used numbers for quick dialing.

Note: For scanning to email, configure email settings first. Keep telephone line connected for fax reception.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

1. Clean print head: Use printer software utility or control panel menu.
2. Clean scanner glass: Use soft, lint-free cloth slightly dampened with water.
3. Replace ink cartridges: When ink low message appears, replace individual colors as needed.
4. Clean exterior: Use dry cloth; avoid chemicals or abrasives.
5. Update firmware: Check Brother website periodically for updates.

CAUTION! Unplug printer before cleaning. Do not use alcohol or solvents on scanner glass.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits. ICES-003: Complies with Canadian EMI regulations. ENERGY STAR®: Qualified product. Copyright © Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit support.brother.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-276-8437.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Printer not responding	Connection issues	Check wireless/USB connection; restart printer and computer.
Poor print quality	Clogged print head/low ink	Run print head cleaning utility; replace ink cartridges.
Paper jams	Incorrect paper loading	Turn off printer, remove jammed paper carefully, reload paper correctly.
Scanner not working	Driver issues	Reinstall scanner drivers; check USB connection.
Fax transmission fails	Phone line issues	Check telephone line connection; verify recipient number.
Wireless connection lost	Router issues/distance	Move printer closer to router; restart router; re-run wireless setup.

Reset: Menu > Initial Setup > Reset Settings to restore defaults.

Service: 1-877-276-8437; support.brother.com