50MFC-T920DWHas video

Fixing Error Code 50 on Brother MFC-T920DW Printer

The 'Print Unable 50' error signals a positioning issue with the printhead carriage. This is typically triggered by a dirty optical encoder strip or physical debris blocking the carriage assembly path.

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Common causes

  • 1Contamination on the clear encoder strip (ink splatter or dust).
  • 2Mechanical obstacle preventing the print carriage from locking into its home station position.

Solutions

Technical Troubleshooting for Error 50

These steps will guide you in clearing carriage obstructions and cleaning critical optical tracking parts.

Step 1: Clean the Transparent Encoder Strip

  1. Turn off the printer and disconnect it from the electrical socket.
  2. Open the main scanner unit cover to access the inner mechanics.
  3. Locate the thin, transparent plastic strip running across the width of the printer frame, behind the printhead track.
  4. Take a clean, lint-free cloth moistened with isopropyl alcohol (or distilled water).
  5. Gently pinch the strip and slide the cloth along its length to wipe away ink spatters or dust. Warning: Do not apply heavy pull force, or you might snap the spring-loaded mounting pegs.

Step 2: Clear Purge Station Obstruccions

  1. Look at the far right corner inside the printer (the printhead rest/purge zone).
  2. Use non-static light to check for buildup of thick, dried ink or small foreign debris.
  3. If found, carefully clear the area with a foam swab to ensure the printhead sits properly when docking.

Steps to follow

  1. 1

    Power Down and Open Lid

    Turn off the printer, unplug the power source, and lift open the scanner cover entirely.

  2. 2

    Locate the Encoder Band

    Look for the narrow, transparent plastic guide ribbon stretched across the horizontal frame of the print carriage track.

  3. 3

    Gently Wipe Clean

    Using a microfiber cloth barely dampened with isopropyl alcohol, clean the strip without pulling too hard.

  4. 4

    Close and Restart

    Fold down the cover unit, reconnect the main power supply, and check if the error is resolved.

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Frequently asked questions

It's best to use pure isopropyl alcohol or distilled water. Industrial denatured alcohols can dissolve the critical tracking grid lines printed on the strip.

If the strip is damaged, the printer will be unable to track the position of the carriage and will require replacement of the encoder assembly.