Brother 'Machine Error AF' / 'Scan Unable AF' — Scanner position error

What this error means

The scanner unit can't find its home position — commonly a scanner ribbon cable jarred loose (after moving the machine) or a scanner board fault. Brother's official fix is the power reset; printing usually still works while scanning is down.

Symptoms

• Scanning dead, printing fine
• Appeared after transporting the machine

Try this first (safe DIY steps)

1. Unplug, wait 2 minutes, reconnect (Brother's official remedy)
2. If comfortable: check the scanner flat cable seating under the scanner cover
3. Keep printing in the meantime — the functions are independent

Safety: power off before any physical intervention. Never bypass covers or interlocks — fuser areas run hot enough to burn.

When to call a technician

Persistent AF = scanner cable/board service.