Brother MFC-5890CN Manual

The Brother MFC-5890CN is a versatile All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer featuring printing, scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities. It supports USB and network connectivity, has a color flatbed scanner, automatic document feeder (ADF), 2.5-inch color LCD display, and uses individual ink cartridges (LC-970 series). Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation & Setup 3. Specifications 4. Control Panel & Settings 5. Printing Documents 6. Scanning & Copying 7. Fax Functions 8. Maintenance & Ink Replacement 9. Network Setup 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: All-in-One printer, Control Panel with LCD, Paper Tray, Scanner Unit, ADF, USB/Network ports, Ink Cartridge slots.

FeatureDescription
Print TechnologyColor Inkjet (4-color individual cartridges)
Print SpeedUp to 33 ppm black, 27 ppm color
Scanner TypeColor Flatbed + ADF (30 sheets)
Display2.5-inch Color LCD
ConnectivityUSB 2.0, Ethernet 10/100 Base-TX
Paper Handling250-sheet input tray, 50-sheet output
FaxSuper G3, 33.6 kbps, 100-speed dial memory
CopyReduce/Enlarge 25-400%, multiple copies up to 99
Supported MediaPlain, Photo, Envelopes, Labels, Cardstock
Ink CartridgesLC-970 (Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow)

Installation & Setup

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 up to 250 sheets.
  3. Connect power: Plug power cord into printer and wall outlet.
  4. Connect to computer: Use USB cable or connect Ethernet cable for network.
  5. Install software: Insert CD or download drivers from Brother website, follow on-screen instructions.

WARNING! Do not touch print head or ink contacts. Keep printer upright during installation.

Specifications

Control Panel & Settings

Access functions via control panel buttons and LCD menu.

Control Panel: POWER, COPY, SCAN, FAX, MENU, Navigation arrows, OK, STOP/EXIT, # (Dial), Black/Color Start.

LCD Menu: Setup (Date/Time, Language, Network), Report (Print Configuration, Fax Journal), Maintenance (Clean Print Head, Align Cartridges), Default Settings (Copy, Fax).

Settings: Language (ENGLISH default), Paper Size, Print Quality (Draft, Normal, Fine), Fax Header, Ring Delay, Redial Settings.

Printing Documents

From computer or directly via USB flash drive (if supported).

  1. Ensure printer is on and paper loaded.
  2. From software: Select File > Print, choose Brother MFC-5890CN.
  3. Adjust settings: Paper size, orientation, quality, color/black.
  4. Click Print.
  5. For multiple copies: Use control panel COPY function or software settings.

Tip: For best quality, use Brother genuine ink and appropriate paper type setting.

Scanning & Copying

Scanning: Place document on glass or in ADF.

  1. Press SCAN button.
  2. Select scan type (File, OCR, Email, Image).
  3. Adjust settings (Resolution, Color mode).
  4. Press Black or Color Start.

Copying: Place original, press COPY.

  1. Set number of copies (1-99).
  2. Adjust zoom, darkness, quality.
  3. Press Black or Color Start.

WARNING! Do not force ADF; remove staples before scanning/copying.

Fax Functions

Connect telephone line to LINE port.

  1. Send fax: Place document, dial number using keypad or speed dial, press Black Start.
  2. Receive fax: Set mode (Auto, Manual, Fax/Tel).
  3. Speed dial: Store up to 100 numbers in memory.
  4. Fax reports: Print transmission confirmation, activity report.

Note: Ensure correct phone line connection; disable call waiting if needed.

Maintenance & Ink Replacement

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

  1. Replace ink: When LCD shows low/empty, open cover, press cartridge latch, replace with LC-970.
  2. Clean print head: MENU > Maintenance > Clean Print Head.
  3. Align cartridges: MENU > Maintenance > Align Cartridges after ink change.
  4. Clean scanner glass: Use soft, lint-free cloth; no liquids.

CAUTION! Use only Brother genuine ink cartridges. Do not refill.

Network Setup

For Ethernet connection to multiple computers.

  1. Connect Ethernet cable to router and printer.
  2. On control panel: MENU > Network > TCP/IP > Auto (DHCP) or Manual.
  3. Print network configuration report to verify IP address.
  4. Install software on each computer, select network connection during setup.

Tip: Assign static IP for consistent network access.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. Copyright © Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit support.brother.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-276-8437. Energy Star® qualified.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Printer not respondingConnection/powerCheck USB/Ethernet cable; restart printer and computer.
Poor print qualityClogged head/low inkRun head cleaning utility; replace ink cartridges.
Paper jamsMisloaded paperTurn off, remove paper carefully; reload correctly.
Scanner not workingDriver/connectionReinstall scanner driver; check USB connection.
Fax transmission failsPhone line/numbersVerify line connection; check dialing mode (tone/pulse).
LCD shows errorVariousRefer to error code in manual; restart printer.

Reset: MENU > General Setup > Reset Settings if needed.

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

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