Brother printer dcp 3550 cdw cartridges failure

This notice should never be visible on a live page.

If this notice regularly appears, I will have to consider using data-* attributes, which might be character limited by MediaWiki. This is embedded JSON metadata that a browser extension may easily read. Currently, this is explicitly for testing and should not be copied (yet!) as the format will change. Please do not remove until I am done testing. -Kyli

     
         {
            "Organization" : "Brother",
            "Organization_Category_URL" : "*/Category:Brother/",
		    "Product_Name" : "Brother DCP-L3550CDW Printer Scanner",
		    "Product_Category_URL" : "*/Category:Brother_DCP-L3550CDW/"
         }
      

Brother DCP-L3550CDW Printer Scanner

Basic Information
Release Year	2018
Product Type	Hardware Printer/Scanner
In Production	No
Official Website	https://store.brother.co.uk/catalogs/brotheruk/devices/laser/dcp/dcpl3550cdw

The Brother DCP-L3550CDW printer experiences cartridge failures related to the 1.5V batteries that power the toner chip. If the printer is turned off for a prolonged period, these batteries can deplete, which results in the printer not recognizing the cartridge despite still being able to read its toner capacity.

Issue Description

When the battery depletes, the printer displays an error message that misleadingly tells users to replace the cartridge rather than identifying the actual battery issue. This occurs even when the toner level screen shows plenty of remaining toner, creating an artificial need to purchase new cartridges. The battery is not easy to access and is not designed to be replaced by users.

Toner life despite error screen

Battery is usually hidden behind the chip (removed for this photo)	The toner chip that contains the battery

Error display of the issue

Location where the chip is installed on the cartridge	Close-up of the battery on the chip

Another angle showing how the battery is soldered to the chip	Front side of the toner cartridge

User-Discovered Solutions

Users have found several workarounds for this issue:

• Taking out the cartridges before turning off the printer for an extended period
• Replacing the chip of the affected cartridge with the chip from an older cartridge that still has battery power (the chip is attached with screws)
• Replacing the 1.5V battery yourself if you have the necessary tools (requires soldering skills)
• Keeping the printer perpetually turned on to avoid battery depletion

According to users on Reddit, removing all toner cartridges before restarting the printer & then reinserting them sometimes fixes the issue temporarily. As one user who provides managed print services noted:

I have confirmed 100% the printers themselves often short out the chips on toners. Aftermarket or OEM, when printer is rebooted or loses power. Remove all toners when restarting, then put them back in.

Battery Replacement Process

As documented on the Ambor blog for the similar Brother MFC-L3770CDW model:

1. Take out the toner cartridge

2. Locate the chip contacts and slide the chip out by gently pressing to one side

3. Identify the small watch battery (marked as LR521/AG0, a 1.5V battery)

4. Using a paperclip, carefully push out the old battery

5. Replace with a new battery, keeping track of which side is positive (+ side down in most cases)

6. Reinsert the chip into the cartridge

7. Power cycle the printer after reinstalling the cartridge

Users report voltage readings below 1.1V on failing batteries, while working ones should measure closer to 1.5V.

Consumer Impact Summary

This design flaw forces consumers to purchase expensive replacement cartridges when their existing ones still work. The issue is not disclosed by the manufacturer, and the error message misleadingly suggests replacing the entire cartridge rather than indicating the actual battery problem. The 1.5V battery is not in a compartment designed for user replacement, requiring technical skills to access and replace.

This design represents a form of planned obsolescence that artificially shortens the usable life of toner cartridges, creating unnecessary electronic waste & forcing unnecessary additional expenses on consumers of Brother printers.

Related Incidents

This issue affects multiple Brother printer models with a similar design:

• Brother MFC-L3770CDW experiences identical battery-related toner recognition failures
• Users of Brother printers with TN-760 cartridges have reported similar issues
• The issue affects both OEM and aftermarket cartridges, though aftermarket ones may be more susceptible

One user on Reddit summarized the frustration:

"I am very close to trashing my Brother printer and getting something else. Are there any laser printers that DO NOT HAVE BATTERIES in their toner cartridges and have after market cartridge sources?"

See Also

• Printer cartridge DRM
• Planned obsolescence
• Right to repair