Printer error unable to print AF - Brother Ink for Dcp-6690cw and Lc-1100

The is a lot of help and videos in the bottom link, but this post appears to fix the issue according to Brother, and the link below that from iFixit gives an alternative solution but way more complicated..

"Unable to Init. AF"

Brother-USA https://help.brother-usa.com > answers > detail > a_id
The message "Unable to Init. AF" will appear on the display for one of the following reasons: i. A foreign object, such as a paper clip or ripped piece of ... Videos
https://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View/332612/Brother+MFC-J825DW+Printer+%22Unable+to+Init+AF%22+Error+Code

https://www.google.com/search?q=Unable+to+Init.+AF

..

Hi Jacinth,

The most common cause of this issue is simply having a small object like a paperclip, staple or torn piece of paper fall into the inside of the case. Opening the entire scanner lid will allow you to take a look inside. Remove any foreign objects that you find. If the error persists and either nothing is inside or you have already removed the object, the next step is to reset the device, simply unplug for 5 minutes, the plug it back in and power up.

You can save time by unplugging before you go looking for a physical blockage. If there is no blockage and resetting the device fails you may need to contact Brother directly to see if the mechanical portion can be repaired/replaced under warranty.

Any stored faxes are safe while unplugged for more than 12 hours so just remember not to leave it unplugged for too long. If you do need to send it away or exchange it you can back up all of your current faxes that are waiting to print by following the procedure on page 139 of the user guide, link below.

Hope this helps,

Chris
http://download.brother.com/welcome/doc002117/Mini3_MfcLcdW_UsaEngUsr_D.pdf

Scanner or Main PCB Faulty

Brother DCP J125 unable to init.af help me please.

Yup. I suspect the head has been removed from the unit. There are adjustments on some printers. It was assembled wrong. The grating noise is likely the auto cleaner. If it cannot go 'home' the unit will not initialize. Possibly the head detect sensor is broken or covered. If the head will not home (moves out and back more than once or slams home hard), 'Init Unable AF'. You may be able to order a service manual from Brother for this. A repair shop can order the manual as well. (I suspect you need a new print head as well. You might want to replace the printer) see tips on bubblejet printers.

Unplug the printer from power cord.Press and hold the "menu" button, then plug the device.You'll see on the LCD screen a "machine error" code.If this code is 40,41 or 4F the print head is defective.If the error is 50 or 51 there is error in Purge unit and printer require service.If the error is 46 the waste ink tank is full.Follow this:
Enter 80, then scroll down with thearrow down (round) key. You'll find an entry listed as purge count.If number is over 6000, enter 2 7 8 3.
This will reset thepurge count value. Then the printer will restart, hopefully withoutthe annoying cannot clean message.

this error means the encoder strip is out of position. The strip is the foil which runs parallel to ph direction (and gives the ph the position info).

You have to open the printer and set it back into the ph carrier.Its a bit difficult

the problem might be the connection from the mother board of the printer to the scanner maybe due to lost contact and the ribbon was broken you might just have to reconnect it or it might be broken and need replacement

Open the small cover that hides the scanner flat cable. It has to be reconnected to the main pcb.

You have to fix the scanner flatcable on the pcb. Its disconnected :-)