Canon MX394 can lock printing when the waste ink (ink absorber) counter hits a predefined threshold. This guide explains how to reset it.

Ink absorber pads store waste ink during normal operation. Canon firmware tracks this using a software counter and may stop printing when it reaches the limit.

This page is prepared for Canon MX394. Service mode instructions are shown only when a matching series procedure is known.

Common Symptoms

• Service / maintenance warning on the screen or driver
• Printer refuses to print even with ink available
• Blinking lights and queued jobs fail
• Error reappears after restart

Finalize the Reset and Restore Printing

After service mode is enabled (if required), the waste ink counter can be reset using a supported reset procedure/software.

Warnings

Resetting the counter does not physically clean the absorber pads. For heavy usage, pads may eventually need cleaning or replacement.

Download & get started

If your model does not show a service mode section, it means no matching procedure was found for its series.

If It Doesn’t Work

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

Frequently Asked Questions