Brother “Replace PF Kit 1” — reset won’t clear (Tray 1 feed kit)

Joe B.

Reviewed for technical accuracy

Specialities: Brother lasers/MFCs, Feed/pickup systems, Service mode resets, Windows/macOS print

Brother PF Kit 1 reset — clear “Replace PF Kit 1” alert for Tray 1 pickup roller & separation pad

Technician

Hey! We’ll get rid of the “Replace PF Kit 1” message that won’t clear. On Brother devices, PF Kit 1 = the Tray 1 paper feed kit (pickup roller + separation pad, sometimes a feed roller).
Quick details to tailor the fix: model (e.g., MFC-L2710/L2750, HL-L6200/MFC-L5900DW), page count, and whether you’ve already replaced the pickup roller/separation pad or only tried a PF Kit 1 reset from the panel?

Customer

It’s an MFC-L5900DW. We replaced the PF kit (roller + pad) but the Replace PF Kit 1 alert keeps coming back. The reset won’t clear from the menu.

Technician

Got it. The message is tied to a maintenance counter. If the counter isn’t reset correctly, or if the printer thinks Tray 1 isn’t present, the warning persists. Dust on the paper feed sensor flag can also retrigger it.
Plan: 1) Use the correct Maintenance Mode code to reset PFK1. 2) Hard power cycle to commit the counter. 3) Inspect/clean the pickup roller, separation pad and paper dust. 4) If still stuck, update firmware and reseat Tray 1 to ensure the tray sensor reads properly.

Customer

Where do I find the proper reset? The normal menu only shows parts life but tapping reset doesn’t work.

Technician

Step 1 — Reset PF Kit 1 in Maintenance Mode
1) Leave the printer ON. Press Menu → quickly dial * 2 8 6 4 (some models: Menu → *2864) to enter Maintenance Mode (screen shows “Maintenance”).
2) Use the keypad to select code 80 or 88 (varies by model) → go to PFK1 / PF KIT 1.
3) Set value to Reset/OK so the PF Kit 1 counter goes to 100%.
4) Press Stop to exit, then power the machine off with the switch, wait 30 seconds, power back on. This writes the reset to NVRAM.

Customer

After the reset it cleared on boot, but the alert returned once I tried to print. Paper sometimes double-feeds from Tray 1.

Technician

Step 2 — Inspect the physical PF kit (Tray 1)
• Pull Tray 1, remove paper. Clean the pickup roller and feed rollers with isopropyl alcohol (90%+).
• Check the separation pad: if glazed/slick, replace. Ensure the spring pushes firmly against the paper stack.
• Fan the paper, load to the guides; overfilled trays or glossy stock increase slips and trigger the PF kit life logic.
• Spin the roller by hand: it should have grip; if it freewheels or is cracked, install a new paper feed kit.

Customer

We used an aftermarket kit. Could that cause the message to return? Also, how do I check the tray sensor?

Technician

Aftermarket is fine if spec’d right, but low-grip rubber can cause misfeeds and the firmware will keep prompting. For the tray-present sensor:
• With the tray out, locate the small black plastic flag above the pickup area; make sure it moves freely and springs back.
• Blow out paper dust; a stuck flag makes the device think Tray 1 isn’t engaged, which can re-post the Replace PF Kit 1 notice.
• Reinsert the tray firmly; listen for the click. If the flag or sensor is damaged, the counter can’t validate the PF Kit 1 reset.

Customer

If the counter keeps reverting, is there a firmware option or a different code I should try?

Technician

Step 3 — Commit the reset & update
• Re-enter Maintenance Mode and confirm PFK1 = 100%. On some models use Counter → Parts Life → PFK1 → Reset or code 088.
• Update the printer’s firmware from Brother’s support page; older firmware had sticky counters for PF kit and fuser life.
• Perform a full power cycle: switch off → unplug 60s → plug in → power on. Test with plain 20-24 lb paper.

Customer

After cleaning and the firmware update, the alert is gone and parts life shows 100%. Any proactive tips so it doesn’t return early?

Technician

Tips to extend PF Kit 1 life:
• Keep paper sealed; humidity glazes rollers and causes double-feed jams.
• Don’t overfill Tray 1; keep guides snug to avoid skew and slippage.
• Every toner change, wipe the pickup roller and separation pad with alcohol; vacuum paper dust from the pickup cavity.
• When the message returns for real, replace the kit, then perform the PF Kit 1 counter reset the same day to avoid nuisance prompts.

Customer

Thanks! If it pops up again we’ll jump into Maintenance Mode and check Tray 1 hardware first.

Technician

Summary: To fix Brother “Replace PF Kit 1” — reset won’t clear, reset PFK1 in Maintenance Mode, power-cycle to commit, clean/inspect the pickup roller and separation pad, verify the tray sensor, and update firmware. Need help with the service codes? Open the chat.

Quick answer: the accepted fix

Accepted fix when “Replace PF Kit 1” won’t clear: enter Maintenance Mode and reset PFK1 (PF Kit 1 counter) → power cycle → clean/verify pickup roller, separation pad, and Tray 1 sensor → update firmware. This clears the PF Kit 1 reset issue on most Brother models.

FAQ

Step-by-step (most Brother laser/MFC models)

1. Enter Maintenance Mode (*2864) → code 80/88 → reset PFK1.
2. Power the printer off, wait 30–60s, then power on.
3. Clean or replace the pickup roller & separation pad; check Tray 1 sensor flag.
4. Update firmware; print 10–20 test pages from Tray 1 to confirm.

Note for mixed environments (macOS/Windows)

1. The PF Kit message is device-side; OS doesn’t control it. Perform the on-printer reset.
2. If AirPrint status shows supplies warnings, they’ll clear after the printer resets its own PFK1 counter.

Sources

• Brother — Official support & firmware
• Brother — Parts life & maintenance counters
• Brother — Paper feed/pickup troubleshooting

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