Reset Canon MX496 Waste Ink Counter Easily

Canon MX496 Ink Absorber Full Reset

If your Canon MX496 suddenly refuses to print and shows a maintenance or service warning, the ink absorber counter may have reached its limit.

During head cleaning, surplus ink is routed to internal absorber pads. Canon MX496 monitors this via a counter and can lock printing at a threshold.

This page is prepared for Canon MX496. Service mode instructions are shown only when a matching series procedure is known.

Typical Signs

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

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

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

How long does it take?

Usually a few minutes once the correct steps are followed.

Does every Canon model need service mode?

No. The generator shows service mode steps only when the series procedure is known.

How many times should I press Stop/Reset?

It depends on the series. Many use 5 presses; PRO/imagePROGRAF/MG use 6 in this generator.

Does reset clean the absorber pads?

No. It resets the counter (software). Pads may still require physical maintenance in high-usage cases.

Guide prepared for Canon MX496 – Ink Absorber / Waste Ink Counter Reset using Wic Reset Connect.