Brother printer message: "Machine Error 30, 33, 34 or 35"
Quick answer
The print head carriage is failing to return to its home position at the far right of the unit, often because carriage springs are misaligned or a cartridge cover is not fully locked. Check/reposition the carriage springs and ensure ink cartridge covers are securely locked; if the carriage still won't move, the unit needs service.
Caution: This step can be done wrong in a way that is costly or hard to undo, including voiding your warranty. Check your model's manual before proceeding.
Before you try the solution
- 1. Copy the complete message exactly as shown, including any code, letters, or punctuation the panel puts around it.
- 2. Find the printer's exact model number. The same-looking code can mean something different on another model family.
- 3. Let the current print, scan, or update operation stop before touching controls, paper paths, or covers.
Manufacturer-documented solution
The print head carriage is failing to return to its home position at the far right of the unit, often because carriage springs are misaligned or a cartridge cover is not fully locked. Check/reposition the carriage springs and ensure ink cartridge covers are securely locked; if the carriage still won't move, the unit needs service.
Model scope: Brother's support FAQ for your exact model
If the error is still there
- 1Return to the screen or job that produced the message and check whether the code has cleared.
- 2If "Machine Error 30, 33, 34 or 35" returns, do not repeat a risky procedure. Record when it appears and check the documentation for the exact model.
- 3Because this message involves opening the printer, service risk, or possible damage, stop and contact Brother support or a qualified printer technician if it persists.
Other Brother error codes
- Manual FeedThe driver is set to feed from the manual feed slot but no paper is loaded there. Place paper in the manual feed slot.
- Media ErrorThe inserted memory card is corrupted, incorrectly formatted, or defective. Reseat the card, or test with a known-working card.
- Media is FullThe connected memory card or USB drive already contains 999 or more files, so the machine cannot write new scans/photos to it. Delete unused files to free space.
- Media MismatchThe paper type selected in the print driver does not match the paper type configured on the machine. Load the correct paper type and adjust the machine's tray settings.
- 2-sided DisabledThe back cover is not fully closed, or the 2-sided (duplex) tray is not installed correctly, so duplex printing is disabled. Close the back cover completely and reseat the duplex tray.
- Authentication Error 01The four-digit PIN entered for a Web Connect service account doesn't match the registered account PIN. Re-enter the correct PIN.
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Manufacturer reference
The meaning and documented action above were taken from the manufacturer source below.
What is Machine Error 30, 33, 34 or 35 and how can I clear it?Verified against manufacturer documentation, last checked 2026-08-13. PrintDiag has no printers and no technician, so nothing here is claimed as tested on hardware.