Canon support code 1700 (ink absorber almost full)
Support codes 1700 and 1701 warn that the ink absorber, the pad that collects waste ink from cleaning cycles, is approaching its capacity. The printer still works, but when the counter reaches 100 percent it will stop with code 5B00 or 5B02 and require a service reset or pad replacement. 1700 is the warning stage so you have time to plan.
What causes it
- Many years of normal use, since every cleaning cycle dumps ink into the pad
- Frequent deep cleaning cycles to clear clogs
- Borderless photo printing, which sprays ink past the paper edges into the absorber
- Leaving the printer unplugged so it runs a cleaning cycle at every power-on
How to fix it, in order
Work down the list and stop when the printer recovers. The steps are ordered from most likely and least invasive to last resort.
Press OK and keep printing
At the 1700 stage press OK or Resume on the printer and printing resumes. The message will reappear at each power-on until the absorber is dealt with.
Reduce cleaning cycles
Only run deep cleaning when a nozzle check shows gaps. Leave the printer plugged in and powered so it does not run a full cleaning at every start-up.
Avoid borderless printing for now
Borderless jobs send a lot of ink into the absorber. Print with a margin until the absorber is replaced or the counter reset.
Plan for the 5B00 stage
The printer will stop completely when the counter hits 100 percent. Decide now whether you will have Canon replace the absorber pad, have a technician reset the counter, or replace the printer.
Replace or clean the absorber pads
On many PIXMA models the absorber pads are reachable by removing the bottom panel. They can be replaced with new pads or washed and dried, after which the counter must be reset using the service mode procedure for the model.
Reset the counter
Canon's service tool resets the absorber counter and is intended for technicians. Resetting without replacing pads risks ink leaking from the bottom of the printer, so only reset after replacing or cleaning the pads.
Stopping it happening again
When it is not worth fixing yourself
If you would rather not work through this alone, a printer specialist can take a look with you on a screen-share and tell you honestly whether the machine is worth saving.
Frequently asked questions
How long can I print after seeing 1700?
Typically weeks to months depending on use. The warning triggers at around 95 percent of absorber capacity.
What is the difference between 1700 and 1701?
Both are absorber near-full warnings. 1701 appears on some models for a second absorber or the platen absorber used during borderless printing.
Can I reset the counter myself?
On older PIXMA models a button-sequence service mode and the Canon service tool are widely documented. Replace or wash the pads first or ink will eventually leak.
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