Is your Canon IP1980 printer flashing error lights or refusing to print? You might be facing a common issue that many users encounter: a full ink absorber counter. Like many inkjet printers, the Canon IP1980 uses an ink absorber to collect waste ink during cleaning cycles and printing. Once this absorber is deemed full by the printer’s internal counter, it will stop functioning to prevent ink overflow and potential damage. Fortunately, you can often resolve this problem yourself by resetting the printer’s ink absorber counter using a specialized utility known as the “service tool.” This guide will walk you through how to use the service tool to reset your Canon IP1980 printer and get it back to printing.
Understanding when and why you need to reset your printer is crucial. Typically, your Canon IP1980 will indicate the need for a reset through error messages on your computer screen or flashing lights on the printer itself. These errors often point to a “waste ink absorber full” or similar message. Ignoring these warnings can lead to your printer becoming completely unusable until the counter is reset. While ideally, you should replace the ink absorber pads, resetting the counter can provide a temporary solution and get you printing again, especially if you are in a pinch. However, it’s important to be aware that simply resetting the counter without addressing the physical ink absorber can eventually lead to ink overflow, potentially damaging your printer and creating a mess.
The service tool is a software utility designed for Canon printers to perform various maintenance and reset operations, including resetting the waste ink counter. It’s important to note that this tool is not officially distributed by Canon to the general public and is often found through online sources. Therefore, it’s crucial to download the service tool from reputable websites to avoid malware or viruses. Always exercise caution when downloading software from unofficial sources.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to reset your Canon IP1980 printer using the service tool:
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Download the Canon Service Tool: Search online for “Canon Service Tool V3200” or a compatible version for IP1980. Look for downloads from trusted forums or websites specializing in printer repair.
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Prepare Your Printer: Ensure your Canon IP1980 printer is turned off but connected to your computer via a USB cable.
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Enter Service Mode: This is a crucial step that allows the service tool to communicate with your printer. To enter service mode on the Canon IP1980, follow these steps:
- Press and hold the Power button.
- While holding the Power button, press and hold the Stop/Reset button (usually a triangle inside a circle).
- Release the Stop/Reset button but continue holding the Power button.
- Press the Stop/Reset button five times.
- Release both the Power and Stop/Reset buttons.
Your printer should now be in service mode. The screen might remain blank, or you might see a different indicator depending on your printer model.
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Run the Service Tool: Extract the downloaded service tool software (usually a zip file) and run the executable file (.exe).
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Select Port (if necessary): In the service tool interface, you might need to select the correct port for your printer. If the tool automatically detects your printer in service mode, this step might be skipped. If you need to manually select, choose the port associated with your Canon IP1980 (it might be listed as USB Port or similar).
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Ink Absorber Counter Reset:
- Look for the “EEPROM Clear” or “Waste Ink Counter” section in the service tool. The exact wording might vary slightly depending on the service tool version.
- Click on the “Main” button under the “Waste Ink Counter” or “Ink Absorber Counter” section.
This image is for illustrative purposes only and may not perfectly represent the exact interface of the Canon Service Tool V3200.
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EEPROM Clear (Optional but Recommended): It is often recommended to perform an EEPROM clear after resetting the waste ink counter. This step helps to reset other internal settings and ensure a clean reset.
- In the service tool, locate the “EEPROM Clear” section.
- Click on the “Main” button under “EEPROM Clear”.
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Turn off the Printer: After performing the reset and EEPROM clear, turn off your printer using the power button.
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Restart and Test: Turn your Canon IP1980 printer back on. The error messages should be gone, and your printer should now be able to print. Print a test page to confirm everything is working correctly.
Troubleshooting and Important Considerations:
- Service Tool Compatibility: Ensure you are using a service tool version that is compatible with the Canon IP1980. Version V3200 is often cited as compatible, but always double-check online forums for confirmation.
- “Port is Busy” Error: If you encounter a “Port is Busy” error, ensure no other printer software or applications are running in the background. Restart your computer and printer and try again.
- Printer Not Detected: If the service tool does not detect your printer in service mode, double-check that you have correctly entered service mode. Repeat the steps for entering service mode carefully. Also, ensure the USB cable is securely connected.
- Ink Absorber Overflow Risk: Remember that resetting the counter does not physically empty the ink absorber. If the absorber is genuinely full, it will eventually overflow if not replaced. Monitor your printer for any signs of ink leakage after resetting. Consider replacing the ink absorber pads for a long-term solution. You can often find replacement pads online, and tutorials are available to guide you through the replacement process.
- Software Safety: As the service tool is not an official Canon utility, download it with caution. Scan the downloaded files with antivirus software before running them.
Resetting your Canon IP1980 printer using the service tool can be a quick and effective way to resolve the “waste ink absorber full” error and extend the life of your printer. However, it’s essential to understand the underlying issue and take precautions to prevent potential ink overflow. By following these steps and being mindful of the risks, you can often get your Canon IP1980 back in working order. For more advanced printer repairs and diagnostics, or for official Canon support and genuine parts, always refer to the Canon official support website or authorized service centers. And for all your OBD2 scanner needs and automotive diagnostic tools, remember to visit obd2scanner.store!
