As far as i can see this is what the solid red light means,

Front Cover Open:
Close the front cover of the printer.

Jam Clear Cover Open:
Close the jam clear cover of the printer.

Face up Open (For HL-5150D and HL-5170DN: When you use the duplex printing function):

Close the face-up output tray of the printer.

When I first read that it made no sense. Now that I Googled "jam clear cover" I see that is part of the printer. The tech gal didn't have me try that so I'll try that tomorrow.

If I can locate the other parts they talk about, and understand what they are saying to do, I'll try it.

I gather you are saying there might be hope yet?

Is 4 years a normal life expectancy for inexpensive printers ($99) like this?

Thanks

Ginny

Yes, I think it's a lose cover somewhere these covers have a micro switch in them so the printer knows when the cover is closed so check all covers...lids....you know things like that.

try holding down on the cover/lid of the printer and see if the light goes out and if it will work, it could be sprung which does happen, sometimes you have to just hold down on the lid when using it or set a brick on it LOL

Tried opening and closing all the drawers and doors, tried pushing down on whatever area I could - no change. I also do not hear any sound from the unit when turned on - I think I should hear something shouldn't I?

I see a sticker saying this is a "refurbished unit." I do remember them sending me a replacement when the first died.

I think I need to dump this and try again with a new one.

Ginny

did you take out the cartridge to see if it's seated properly or could there be a piece of paper jammed inside. I have one like this and it has been very reliable except when I got a leaky toner cartridge. Does your computer tell you what the problem might be? For the price, this is a good printer. My previous brother laser printers have always been very longlasting and reliable. Mine makes no sound when I have a printing problem, just a red light.

I'll take another look at it tomorrow to see if there could be a paper inside. The tech dept did have me take out the cartridge etc.

I'd really like to be able to get this one running again as I went out last night and spent $160 on a replacement Brother. The $160 was for the same style and size. They had a much smaller one but at first glance I didn't like it. I will study the differences and maybe exchange the new one for the $100 variety. BUT, best scenario is for one of the suggestions offered above to work for me!!

Terracotta, I gather your Brother printers last longer than 3 years? This current one was a rebuilt when they sent it to me 3 years ago.

Ginny

Called Brother tech dept again with your ideas, but got nowhere. The gal had me open and close the door and when I said no the "status" light didn't change, no change in any lights and I hear nothing from the unit at all, she said only option is taking it in for repair. She seemed to feel because of the lack of changes I just mentioned, nothing can be done at my end.

In looking back I see I've had two Brother laser printers, each lasting 4 years. I'm guessing this isn't a fabulous record.

I'll probably stick with them for my 3rd printer in part because I assume they are still highly rated and because I am familiar with this type of printer.

My question now is should I get the model that has the automatic duplex feature (print on both sides) or not? The price is the same- $150. Sometimes I think the more features you get the more that can go wrong.

The two models I'm looking at are the HL 5240 and HL 5340.

Of course I'd love anymore feedback if you have thoughts on this.

Thanks!!

Ginny

Here is a link that might be useful: Brother laser printers

I think our Canon Pixma($ 80 or so) is in the light use category..Its about 3 to 5 years of age, without any problems.
I would not expect an inexpensive unit to last more than several years, particularly under heavy use...
The manufacturers can make their goods more repairable, or serviceable(at a feasible price) than they do, and this may also increase the price...and labor prices ($100 a hour flat rate) are so high that "professional" service is uneconomical...

I did go ahead and install the Brother HL 5340D. I'll try not to use the duplicating feature much as I'm sure that won't help the longevity factor.

Thanks for all the information.

Ginny