Reported Burning Smell Issue Service Update:

Series: All Printer Models

Models: All Printer Models P1351

SYMPTOM:
• Burning Smell

POSSIBLE CAUSE:
• Age of product
• Misuse of product
• Use of incorrect media or generic supplies
• Condition of machine, i.e. dust, insects, etc.
• Malfunction of machine

NOTE:
• Refer to the Service Manual for all disassembly and reassembly instructions.
• Be sure to observe and follow all the precautions below for safety reasons and to prevent introducing any
secondary problems from happening during troubleshooting.

1. Always turn off the power and unplug the power cable before troubleshooting.
2. When connecting or disconnecting cable connectors, make sure that you hold the connector body and not the
cable. This will prevent putting any unnecessary strain on the cable.
3. Electronic devices are sensitive to static. Make sure that you observe ESD (Electrostatic Discharge)
procedures while handling any static sensitive components.
4. Laser and LED printing devices are equipped with a heat fusing unit. The fuser unit becomes extremely hot
during operation. Wait until it has cooled down sufficiently before replacing consumable items. DO NOT
remove or damage the caution label located on or around the fuser.

PROCEDURE:
If a customer contacts Brother to report a burning smell, we will troubleshoot with them to determine if it is a
mechanical issue or a normal mechanical odor. If we determine the odor to be from normal operations, but the
customer feels strongly there is an issue, we will provide them the option to visit a Brother ASC as a one-time
customer accommodation to have the machine thoroughly inspected at Brother's expense. You should receive a
Service Request from Brother that contains the customer information, a brief description of the issue and approved
body of work.

Version 2 Release Date: 10/22/2018 Page 1

 Reported Burning Smell Issue Service Update:
Series: All Printer Models
Models: All Printer Models P1351

INSPECTION PROCEDURE:
Follow these basic steps when inspecting a machine under a Brother Burning Smell Work Order. Take careful
notes and use a digital camera to record anything unusual.
1. Visually inspect the outside of the unit, including the power plug and cord if available.
a. Carefully check the machines rating plate and serial number. Ensure they match the information
provided on the Work Order.
b. Inspect the front, back, right side, left side, top and bottom of the machine (in order to inspect the bottom
of the machine, remove the paper tray and duplex tray if the machine has one).
c. Inspect the outside of the unit for any damage due to heat damage.
i. Inspect for discolored areas, melted areas, burn or smoke marks, and any odor or smell of
burning.
d. Inspect the power plug and cord for any damage.
i. Inspect for burns, melted marks, discolored contacts or plastics.
2. Open and/or remove the following accessories:
a. Remove side covers to inspect and examine for any issue.
b. Remove any paper or duplex trays.
c. Remove any consumable items. (Ink Cartridges, Drum and Toner, Printing Ribbons, etc…)
3. Once the accessories are removed, use a flashlight to inspect open areas of the machine interior including the
front cavity and fuser unit area.
a. Inspect for discoloration, melted areas, burn or smoke marks, odor or burning smell.
b. Inspect the inside of the unit for any damage due to heat damage.
4. Determine findings of inspection performed in Steps 1, 2, and 3.
• If any issues are identified, go to STEP 10.
• If NO issues are identified in Steps 1, 2, or 3, perform the following steps.
a. Reinstall the accessories that were removed.
b. Plug the power cord into the machine and power source.
c. Power the unit on.
d. Check for sparks, smoke, or any burning, acrid, sharp or metallic smells when the machine is powered
up.
NOTE: Laser and LED machines emit an ozone odor during initialization and printing that is commonly
mistaken by customers as burning smell.
− If the machine powers on, remains on, and does not spark or have a ‘burning’ smell, go to STEP 5.
− If any of the above issues are identified, go to STEP 10.
− If the machine does NOT power on, unplug the machine and inspect the Main PCB and Low Voltage
Power Supply PCB to check for any burnt components. Test for continuity across the fuses on the
Power Supply (LVPS on laser or LED machines) to ensure they have not opened.

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 Reported Burning Smell Issue Service Update:
Series: All Printer Models
Models: All Printer Models P1351

5. Conduct a functional test of the machine:

a. Run your hands over the machine surfaces. Take note of any areas that feel warm.
b. Print or record any internal machine data:
i. Print the Maintenance Report using Maintenance Mode 77 for models with an LCD.
ii. For models without an LCD, refer to instructions in the appropriate service manual for "Printing
for Maintenance" in the "Service Support Software" chapter or "Maintenance printing" in the
"Service Functions" chapter.
c. Perform a 30-page print test of the machine.
i. During the print test, inspect for any burning smell or burned marks on the page.
ii. Run your hands over the machine surfaces. Take note of any areas that feel hot.
− If any non-print quality issues are identified, go to STEP 10.
6. If the machine is a laser or LED model:
a. Power off the machine and remove the fuser unit.
b. Inspect the fuser unit for any discoloration, melted areas, or smoke marks.
c. Check the continuity of the fuser unit heater harness and halogen bulb with your meter.
d. With the fuser unit removed, inspect the interior rear of the machine.
− If any issues are identified, go to STEP 10.
− If no issues are identified, reinstall the fuser unit and power up the machine.
7. Perform a 2-hour power burn-in test.
a. Keep the machine powered on for 2 hours.
b. Perform a test print at the end of the 2 hours.
− If any issues are identified, go to STEP 10.
− If no issues are identified, go to STEP 8.
8. Unplug the machine and reassemble all removed covers and parts.
9. Power up the machine and perform a test print.
− If any issues are identified, go to STEP 10.
− If no issues are identified, call the customer and advise them that no problem was found with their
machine, that it is functioning properly, and that it is available for pick-up.

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 Reported Burning Smell Issue Service Update:
Series: All Printer Models
Models: All Printer Models P1351

10. Determine whether any of the following is observed:

• Sparks
• Flames
• Smoke
• Melted or Burnt Covers
• Unusually Hot Surfaces
• Electric Shock
• Other Potential Hazards
− If any of the above events are observed, please contact Technical Support for additional instruction
on the matter via the Technical Support Chat and Email buttons located at the top of the Brother
Support web site.
Chat Support Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00AM – 6:00PM Eastern Time, excluding holidays.
− If none of the above events described are observed, then determine if the machine requires repair
and whether or not the identified issue with the machine is covered under a Brother Limited
Warranty.
o If the machine is covered by a Brother Limited Warranty, then repair the machine, ordering
parts as needed.
o If the machine is NOT covered by a Brother Limited Warranty, then advise the customer
that no safety issue was identified and explain any repair(s), and expense for such repair
that may be needed.

Version 2 Release Date: 10/22/2018 Page 4