Lexmark fax machine gets a short dialtone before quitting

[JoeKrepps]

We have a Lexmark 4437 multi-function fax/copier/printer/scanner. After multiple attempts on different days, we can't get the fax to connect.

If you push the "dialtone" button on the unit, you will hear the dialtone but only for 1-2 seconds. If I listen to a handset tied into the same phone line, I get a constant dialtone. I've listened to the fax machine, on the handset and it just drops the line after that 1-2 seconds. Then, I'll get a "Phone line error" message displayed on the fax unit. I get the same error message if I do not listen in on the line with the handset.

This unit DID work on a Comcast phone line.

Are there makes of multi-function units that do NOT work with Verizon? I read another post on this forum where the person had an HP multi-function unit, didn't work with Verizon. Bought an Epson unit and no problems with faxing.

Thanks!

[acraftylady]

We used an HP all in one with fax for 10yrs. on plain old verizon service and never had trouble with the fax.  Can't say about digital or all that other stuff as we don't have that but old fashioned phone service does work.  Mary

[jumpin68ny]

I use an HP muti-unit on a Vonage Fax line without issue.

What you describe is weird.  Do you have Plain old phone service or digital phone?  Have you tried plugging a phone directly into the fax line bypassing the fax machine?  Need to verify the phone line coming into the fax line is working fine.

[lasagna]

Since an HP was mentioned ... I did notice that there are several people out there on other forums that said their problems were fixed when they rep;laced the phone cord from the adapter to the fax machine with a "two wire" cable instead of the standard "four wire" (look at the jack on the end of the cable -- you want one which only has the center two pins with metal connectors in it).

Seems strange to me, but the commentary indicates that there is a back-current being generated on the outside pair by the HP devices which is confusing the digital voice adapter.

Doesn't make a lot of sense to me, but judging by how easy it should be to find a two-wire cable to test -- probably worth a shot.

[jumpin68ny]

Interesting note about that.  I use the HP with a four wire connected directly into my Vonage service.  But your issue is with the Verizon service.  Worth a shot.

Be interested to know the outcome.

[lasagna]

Yes ... the reference was specifically about the terminal adapter that Verizon uses ... I likewise had a Vonage Linksys and Motorola VT2142 adapter (and now a Grand Junction adapter with PhonePower) and none of these had the issue.

[acraftylady]

Make sure you have everything plugged into the fax in the right phone jack spots.  Mine has 2 or 3 phone jacks on the back  for various ways to set it up.   Also try a different phone cord.  I had mine go bad once causing a problem.  Also if you are using a splitter on the phone jack in the wall make sure it's functioning good, I had one of those go bad too.  The splitter was so I could run the cord from the fax to the jack and a cord from a telephone to the same jack.  I am betting they are not using old fashioned service.  Most people I know around here that have old fashioned dial up have faxes and no issues with any of the brands.  Mary

[prisaz]

If you have the line plugged into the phone jack, and a phone plugged into line jack, you will see this. The fax will drop or disconnect the phone port when starting to dial. Thus you lose you dial tone because the line is plugged into the phone port. Make sure the line is connected to the line jack and not the phone jack on the machine. If they are not marked, try switching them. This prevents someone from picking up a connected phone when the fax is in progress. Rather useless since most locations have more the one phone jack on the same line.