Canon: Service Tool V3800

This guide is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Using third-party service tools may void your warranty and carries inherent risks, which are detailed in the "Warning: Proceed with Caution" section below.

While compatibility varies by version, V3800 is typically associated with older consumer-grade Pixma models and early G-series mega-tank printers.

Canon printers feature built-in waste ink pads that collect excess ink during head cleanings and printing cycles. Over time, these pads saturate. The printer counts these cycles using an internal counter. canon service tool v3800

Using this tool requires more than just clicking a button; you must first put your printer into . Follow these steps carefully: Step 1: Enter Service Mode Turn off the printer (but keep it plugged in). Press and hold the Stop/Reset button. While holding Stop/Reset, press and hold the Power button. Release the Stop/Reset button (while still holding Power).

Press and hold down the Stop/Reset button (usually represented by a red triangle inside a circle). This guide is intended for informational and educational

It generally supports models released between 2010 and 2015, including:

Every time a Canon printer initializes, cleans its printheads, or flushes ink lines, a small amount of ink is redirected away from the page. This excess ink drops into a series of absorbent foam pads located at the bottom of the printer chassis. Why Your Printer Locks Up Canon printers feature built-in waste ink pads that

Press the button 5 times (for G-series) or 2 times (for older iP/MG series). Release the Power button.

After resetting with V3800, always print an EEPROM information page (by clicking "EEPROM" in the tool). Check the "Dd" value (Absorber counter). It should read 0.0 to 0.3. If it says 0.0, you succeeded.

Over time, your printer uses a small amount of ink to clean its printhead. This waste ink is absorbed by sponges (pads) inside the printer. To prevent these pads from overflowing and causing damage, the printer tracks its cleaning and printing cycles. When this internal counter reaches a limit set by Canon, the printer will lock up and display error codes like or 1700/1701/1702/1703 . The Service Tool software can communicate directly with the printer's firmware to reset this counter back to zero.

The waste ink pads are still full of old liquid ink. If you reset the counter multiple times without addressing the physical pads, the ink will eventually overflow out of the bottom of the printer casing, ruining your furniture or flooring.