The “Ink Absorber Full” / service required message on Canon MG3170 is common after many cleaning cycles. In most cases, a counter reset restores printing.

Inside Canon printers, absorber pads collect excess ink from cleaning and maintenance cycles. The printer uses an internal counter to estimate pad saturation.

This page is prepared for Canon MG3170. Service mode instructions are shown only when a matching series procedure is known.

What You May Notice

• ‘Ink Absorber Full’ / ‘Service Required’ message
• Support/service code (varies by series)
• Printing blocked after cleaning cycles
• Reset required to continue printing

How to Enter Service Mode on Canon MG3170

If your Canon MG3170 supports service mode reset, follow the steps below before performing the counter reset.

1. Turn the printer OFF.
2. Press and hold Stop/Reset.
3. While holding Stop/Reset, press and hold Power.
4. Release Stop/Reset (keep holding Power).
5. Press Stop/Reset 6 times.
6. Release Power — the printer should enter service mode.

If it doesn’t work, repeat the sequence carefully. The press count depends on the series.

Clear the Ink Absorber / Waste Ink Counter

Completing the reset clears the internal ink absorber counter stored in printer memory and restores normal operation.

Important Notes

Treat the reset as a maintenance step. If your printer has extremely high usage, consider cleaning/replacing absorber pads to avoid overflow.

Need a reset solution?

For best results, avoid rushing button presses—consistent timing matters.

Troubleshooting

• Try a different USB cable/port if using PC software.
• Repeat the service mode steps carefully (timing matters).
• Close other Canon printer utilities while resetting.
• Use the correct Stop/Reset press count for your series.
• Power-cycle the printer and try again.

FAQ