Brother MFC-490CW Manual

The Brother MFC-490CW is a multifunction color inkjet printer featuring print, copy, scan, and fax capabilities with wireless connectivity. It supports various media types, offers automatic document feeding, and includes a color LCD display. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting Devices 7. Printing and Copying 8. Scanning and Faxing 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Color inkjet print engine, Automatic Document Feeder (ADF), Color LCD display, Control Panel, Paper trays, Wireless network interface.

FeatureDescription
Print ResolutionUp to 6000 x 1200 dpi
Print SpeedUp to 31 ppm black, 25 ppm color
Paper Handling150-sheet input capacity, ADF for up to 35 sheets
ConnectivityUSB 2.0, Ethernet, Wi-Fi 802.11b/g
Display2.5-inch color LCD
Fax Capability33.6 Kbps modem, 100-speed dialing
Copy FeaturesReduce/Enlarge, ID Copy, 2-in-1
Scan ResolutionUp to 1200 x 2400 dpi
Ink CartridgesIndividual LC-51 series (Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow)
Power Source120V 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 tray, load plain paper face down.
  3. Connect power: Plug power cord into printer and wall outlet.
  4. Connect to computer: Use USB cable or set up wireless connection.

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 display.

  1. Align print head: Printer will prompt for alignment after ink installation.
  2. Install software: Insert CD or download drivers from Brother website.
  3. Configure network: Use LCD menu to select wireless network and enter password.
  4. Test print: Print a test page to verify installation.

CAUTION! Ensure protective materials are removed from all components before use.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Access functions via control panel buttons and LCD menu.

Control Panel: POWER, COPY, SCAN, FAX, MENU, Navigation arrows, OK, STOP/EXIT.

LCD Menu Options: Setup (Network, Fax, System), Reports (Print, Network), Maintenance (Clean Head, Align Head).

Print Settings: Quality (Draft, Normal, Best), Paper Type, Color Adjustment. Copy Settings: Copies (1-99), Darkness, Reduce/Enlarge (25%-400%). Fax Settings: Resolution, Contrast, Redial. Network: Wireless setup, IP address, security protocols.

Connecting Devices

USB: Direct connection to computer. Network: Ethernet or wireless setup.

  1. Turn off printer before connecting cables.
  2. For USB: Connect USB cable to computer and printer.
  3. For Ethernet: Connect network cable to router and printer.
  4. For Wireless: Use LCD menu to select network and enter security key.

Tip: Ensure wireless router is within range for stable connection.

Printing and Copying

Supports various document types and media.

  1. Print from computer: Select Brother printer in print dialog, adjust settings as needed.
  2. Copy documents: Place original in ADF or on glass, press COPY, select options on LCD.
  3. Multiple copies: Use numeric keypad to enter quantity.
  4. Enlarge/Reduce: Select percentage in copy menu.
  5. Photo printing: Use photo paper in tray, select photo paper type in print settings.

WARNING! Do not open covers during printing. Use recommended paper types.

Scanning and Faxing

Scan to computer or memory device. Send/receive faxes.

Scanning: Place document, press SCAN, select destination (PC, USB). Adjust resolution and format (PDF, JPEG).

Faxing: Enter number using keypad, press FAX START. Program speed dial numbers for frequent contacts. Set fax resolution (Standard, Fine, Super Fine).

Care & Maintenance

Unplug before cleaning. Clean exterior with dry cloth. Clean scanner glass with soft, lint-free cloth.

Ink Maintenance: Run head cleaning utility from maintenance menu if print quality declines. Replace cartridges when low.

CAUTION! Do not use alcohol or solvents. Keep paper path clear of debris.

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 1-877-267-8437.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Printer not respondingConnection/powerCheck cables; restart printer and computer; verify power.
Poor print qualityInk/alignmentRun head cleaning; align print head; replace low cartridges.
Paper jamsPaper loadingOpen covers, remove jammed paper carefully; reload paper correctly.
Wireless not workingNetwork settingsCheck router; re-run wireless setup; verify security key.
Scanner not detectedDriver/connectionReinstall software; check USB cable; restart devices.

Reset: Menu > Initial Setup > Reset Settings if needed.

Service: 1-877-267-8437; support.brother.com

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