If your Brother printer displays Brother Printer Error 35, it usually indicates a problem with the printer’s internal mechanical components, such as the print head, carriage assembly, or drive mechanism. This error can prevent the printer from printing, copying, or scanning until the underlying issue is resolved. While Error 35 may seem serious, many cases can be fixed with a few troubleshooting steps before considering professional repair.

In this guide, you’ll learn what Brother Printer Error 35 means, its common causes, proven troubleshooting methods, preventive maintenance tips, and when it’s time to contact Brother support.

What Is Brother Printer Error 35?

Brother Printer Error 35 is a hardware-related error that generally appears when the printer detects a mechanical malfunction during startup or while printing. The printer’s internal sensors stop operation to prevent further damage.

Depending on your Brother printer model, the error may appear as the following:

• Error 35
• Machine Error 35
• Unable to Print 35
• Unable to Initialize 35

The exact wording may vary, but the troubleshooting process remains similar.

What Causes Brother Printer Error 35?

Several hardware and mechanical issues can trigger Brother Printer Error 35.

The most common causes include:

• Paper scraps stuck inside the printer
• Carriage assembly obstruction
• Foreign objects inside the printer
• Damaged encoder strip
• Print head unable to move freely
• Faulty carriage motor
• Worn drive belt
• Internal gear malfunction
• Recent power interruption
• Hardware failure on the printer’s mainboard

Identifying the root cause helps determine whether the issue can be fixed at home or requires professional servicing.

Signs That Your Brother Printer Has Error 35

Before the error appears, you may notice several warning signs.

Common symptoms include:

• Printer stops during startup
• Loud grinding or clicking noises
• Print head freezes
• LCD displays Error 35
• Printer refuses to print
• Copy and scan functions stop working
• Paper feeds halfway before stopping

If these symptoms appear together, the printer likely has a mechanical issue.

How to Fix Brother Printer Error 35

Follow these troubleshooting steps in order. After each step, restart the printer to check whether the error has cleared.

Restart the printer.

A simple restart can clear temporary hardware communication issues.

Steps:

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Unplug the power cable.
3. Wait for at least 60 seconds.
4. Plug the printer back in.
5. Turn it on again.

If Error 35 returns immediately, continue with the next solution.

Inspect the Printer for Paper Jams

Even a tiny piece of torn paper can block the carriage movement.

Carefully inspect:

• Paper tray
• Rear access cover
• Output tray
• Print head path
• Roller assembly

Remove any paper fragments gently without forcing the components.

Check for Foreign Objects

Small objects often fall inside printers without being noticed.

Look for:

• Staples
• Paper clips
• Pen caps
• Labels
• Sticky notes
• Dust buildup

Use a flashlight to inspect the entire carriage path.

Verify That the Print Head Moves Freely

Open the printer cover after powering off the printer.

Gently move the print head from side to side.

It should move smoothly without resistance.

If movement is restricted, inspect for:

• Jammed paper
• Broken plastic pieces
• Ink buildup
• Obstructions along the rail

Never force the print head.

Clean the encoder strip.

The encoder strip is a thin transparent plastic strip behind the print head.

If it becomes dirty, the printer may incorrectly detect carriage movement.

To clean it:

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Use a lint-free cloth.
3. Lightly wipe the strip.
4. Avoid excessive pressure.
5. Let it dry before restarting.

Do not use harsh chemicals.

Inspect the drive belt.

The carriage moves using a rubber drive belt.

Check whether the belt is:

• Loose
• Broken
• Twisted
• Slipping

A damaged belt usually requires replacement by an authorized technician.

Update the printer firmware.

Some Brother models receive firmware updates that improve printer stability.

If the printer still responds to software:

• Install the latest firmware.
• Update printer drivers.
• Restart both the printer and computer.

Although firmware rarely fixes mechanical failures, it can resolve communication-related issues.

Perform a Factory Reset (If Available)

Some Brother printers allow you to restore factory settings.

The reset process varies by model.

Generally:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Initial Setup.
3. Choose Reset.
4. Confirm the reset.
5. Restart the printer.

Keep in mind that network settings and custom preferences may be erased.

When Brother Printer Error 35 Requires Professional Repair

If none of the troubleshooting steps work, the problem may involve internal hardware.

Professional service is recommended if:

• Carriage motor has failed.
• Mainboard is defective.
• Drive gears are damaged.
• Encoder sensor is faulty.
• Internal wiring is damaged.
• Print head assembly is broken.

Attempting to disassemble these components without proper tools can cause further damage.

How to Prevent Brother Printer Error 35

Routine maintenance significantly reduces the risk of mechanical errors.

Follow these best practices:

• Use high-quality paper.
• Keep the printer dust-free.
• Remove paper jams carefully.
• Avoid overloading the paper tray.
• Keep liquids away from the printer.
• Update firmware regularly.
• Clean the printer every few months.
• Turn off the printer properly instead of unplugging it during operation.

Preventive maintenance can help extend the printer’s lifespan and reduce repair costs.

Brother Printer Error 35 vs Similar Brother Errors

Error	Meaning	Primary Cause
Error 35	Mechanical problem	Carriage or internal hardware
Error 46	Ink absorber full	Waste ink counter
Error 48	Print head issue	Print head failure
Error 50	Fuser or motor problem	Mechanical malfunction
Error 5A	Purge unit issue	Cleaning mechanism

Understanding the difference between these errors helps identify the correct solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Brother printer error 35 mean?

It usually indicates a mechanical malfunction involving the carriage assembly, print head, drive mechanism, or another internal component.

Can I fix Brother Printer Error 35 myself?

Yes. If the problem is caused by paper jams, obstructions, or minor carriage issues, you can often resolve it using the troubleshooting steps in this guide.

Does restarting the printer fix Error 35?

A restart may resolve temporary hardware communication issues, but persistent Error 35 messages usually indicate a mechanical problem.

Can outdated firmware cause Brother printer error 35?

Firmware issues are uncommon, but updating your printer can improve stability and eliminate software-related conflicts.

Should I replace my Brother printer if Error 35 appears?

Not necessarily. Many Error 35 cases are caused by removable obstructions or minor mechanical issues. Consider replacement only if professional repair costs exceed the printer’s value.

Conclusion

Brother Printer Error 35 is typically caused by a mechanical issue inside the printer, but it doesn’t always mean the printer is beyond repair. By checking for paper jams, removing obstructions, cleaning the encoder strip, inspecting the carriage movement, and updating the printer’s firmware, many users can restore normal operation without professional assistance. If the error persists after completing these troubleshooting steps, contacting an authorized Brother service center is the safest solution to prevent further damage.