Brother print-copy-scan model MFC4820C says machine error 41 when plugged in: what is it and how do I fix it?

Tim Burbridge, March 2008

I bought a new printhead but am unable to remove old one does anyone know how???

Jim_norcal, February 2009

Just a quick warning to folks who may have seen ads on this page, and on other web sites for software that is supposed to fix error 41 on Brother printers - I had this problem with a Brother MFC 4820C, and I downloaded software that promises to fix the error message and printer problem "100% guaranteed!" However, the software producers are not honest enough to tell you that software will NOT fix this problem, and I can assure you that it doesn't, because it is a hardware problem - not a software problem. Don't waste your money on software fixes - they DO NOT work!

VinceTwo, December 2008

I don't know if this is a real fix but here goes - unplug machine, open printer then take out ink. There is a small clip on each side of the printhead - push those back and out then lift out printhead. Wipe it with a soft cloth and reinstall it. Taking out the printhead seems to reset the error 41. Run clean cycle at least 5 times. Mine started working again after this.

Donna Bailey, May 2008

The error 41 is a problem with the print head.
You will find that the scanner still works fine, but you can't print or copy.
The solution is a new print head, but they are difficult to find. In practice the cost is more than a new printer. I have the same model and it seems to be a common fault. Sorry

James Webber, March 2008