Brother Printer Error Code 41 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Error 41 means the print head in your Brother printer is too cold to operate safely. Ink does not flow properly when the print head is below a minimum temperature. This usually happens after the printer has been in a cold environment.

Affected Models

Brother MFC-J Series
Brother DCP-J Series
Brother MFC-J6945DW
Brother MFC-J5945DW
Brother INKvestment Tank Series

Common Causes

The printer was stored in a cold garage, basement, or shed and has not had time to warm up to room temperature
The printer was transported in a cold vehicle and was started too soon after arriving indoors
The room temperature is below the minimum operating temperature for the printer (typically 50°F / 10°C)
The print head temperature sensor is faulty and is incorrectly reporting a low temperature reading
The printer was left near an air conditioning vent that is blowing cold air directly onto the machine

How to Fix It

Move the printer to a warm indoor room if it is currently in a cold environment.

The ideal operating temperature for most Brother inkjet printers is 50°F to 95°F (10°C to 35°C).
Allow the printer to sit powered off in the warm room for at least 30 to 60 minutes to let the print head warm up to room temperature.

Do not try to warm the printer with a hair dryer or place it near a space heater — this can cause condensation and damage internal components.
Power the printer on after the warm-up period. The printer will perform its startup routine, which includes warming the print head.

The startup warm-up cycle on a cold printer may take a minute or two longer than normal.
Print a test page from the printer's menu to confirm the error has cleared and print quality is normal.

If the first few lines look streaky after a cold start, run one nozzle check or cleaning cycle to restore ink flow.
If error 41 appears in a warm room where the printer has been running for 30 minutes or more, the temperature sensor may be faulty.

In this case, contact Brother support. Do not attempt to override the temperature error — it is a safety protection.

When to Call a Professional

Error 41 is almost always a temperature issue you can fix simply by warming up the printer. If the error persists in a warm room (above 65°F / 18°C) and the printer has been on for 30 minutes, the temperature sensor may be faulty. Contact Brother support or an authorized service center for sensor diagnosis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Brother printer in a cold garage?

Most Brother inkjet printers require a minimum room temperature of 50°F (10°C) to function properly. Below that temperature, the ink becomes too thick to flow reliably through the print head. If you need to use the printer in a cold space, bring it indoors to warm up first.

How long does it take for a cold printer to warm up?

In a room around 65°F (18°C), allow 30 to 60 minutes for the printer body and print head to reach operating temperature. If the room is warmer, 20 to 30 minutes is usually enough. The printer itself also heats the print head slightly during its startup cycle.

Could a cold printer damage the ink cartridges?

Prolonged storage in very cold temperatures (below freezing) can cause ink to thicken or the cartridge seals to contract. If the printer was stored below 32°F (0°C), allow it to warm up slowly at room temperature for several hours before using it. Inspect the cartridges for any leaking or cracked seals after a freeze event.