How to Fix a Full Reservoir on a Canon Inkjet Printer

By Matthias Hess

Once its waste-ink reservoir is full, an inkjet will no longer print until it is reset.
i paper feed image by Glenn Jenkinson from Fotolia.com

A full waste ink reservoir can be frustrating. During self-cleaning, a printer discards excess ink in the reservoir and registers an error message when it is almost full. The printer will lock until the issue has been remedied, potentially leaving you with no way to print. While replacement of the reservoir requires disassembly of the printer by a qualified technician, it is possible to reset the printer using one of a few common methods so that you can finish printing those last few pages.

Reset Method 1

Make sure that all printer doors are closed and the printer is off and disconnected from the computer.

Unplug the printer.

Hold the "Power" button and plug in the printer. Count to 10.

Release the power button.

Turn the printer off, turn it back on and try printing again. Have the printer serviced as soon as possible.

Reset Method 2

Make sure that all printer doors are closed and the printer is off and disconnected from the computer.

Hold "Resume" and press "Power." Hold both buttons until you see a green light.

Release "Resume," but keep holding the "Power" button.

Press "Resume" twice, still holding the "Power" button, and then release both.

Press "Resume" four times.

Press "Power." The printer will reset.

Turn the printer off, turn it back on and try printing again. Have the printer serviced as soon as possible.

Reset Method 3

Make sure that all printer doors are closed and the printer is off and disconnected from the computer.

Hold "Resume/Cancel" and press "Power." Hold both buttons until you see a green light.

Release "Resume/Cancel," but keep holding the "Power" button.

Press "Resume/Cancel" three times, while still holding the "Power" button.

Press "Resume/Cancel" four times.

Press "Power." The printer will reset.

Turn the printer off, turn it back on and try printing again. Have the printer serviced as soon as possible.

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