The printer doesn't respond any more, and the computer, when asked any task, answers: the used ink tank is full, contact maintenance center in order to replace the used ink tank. But it would not don anything else

Canon printers have a waste recepticle bin that catches the overflow ink which is used to lubricate the print heads. The print heads need to be primed to stay wet for the printer to work on command. When the overflow tank is full, you get the warning notice that you mentioned in your question on Fixya. It means the tank needs to be removed & a new empty one should be installed in its place in order for printing to continue.

To solve this issue, you need to contact Canon's customer service department. You can request service on the printer & have them replace the waste recepticle, or you can order the part with replacement instructions and complete the task yourself. Their are disposal instructions that need to be followed for the used ink in the tank and Canon can provide them when you contact them.

Good luck!

Hi there,
Error "Waste Ink Near Full"
Cause : The waste ink tank (which holds the ink used for print head cleaning) is nearly full.
Action : Contact the Canon Customer Care - Center.

Have a good day.

Canon has a decent trouble shooting guide for this model:

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/contro...

Click on the Step-by-Step Troubleshooting link under Tech Support

Unfortunately it does not give any possible solutions for blinking lights.

The user guide on the other hand does.
You can download this under Downloads -> Product / Software Manuals

Here is a summary of what the flashing lights could mean:

Two flashes: Out of paper or paper feed error

Reload the paper correctly and press the RESUME/CANCEL button.

Three flashes: Paper jam

If paper has jammed in the printer, clear the jam, reload the paper in the printer correctly and press the RESUME/CANCEL button.

See Paper Jams

Six flashes: No print head installed

Install a print head.

Seven flashes: Print head is defective

Contact the Customer Care Center.

Eight flashes: Waste ink tank almost full

Ink used for cleaning is absorbed in the waste ink absorber placed in the printer. Eight flashes indicate that the waste ink absorber is nearly full. Press the RESUME/CANCEL button to cancel the error so that you can continue printing.

Important
If this error occurs, replacement of the waste ink absorber and maintenance of the printer are required. Canon recommends to contact the Customer Care Center as soon as possible. Once the waste ink absorber becomes completely full, printing will no longer be possible.


Nine flashes: Ink tank is not installed properly

Open the print head cover and press the button of the ink tank and reinstall the ink tank properly.

Ten flashes: Battery level is low

Charge the battery. For details on how to charge the battery, refer to the manual supplied with the battery.

Eleven flashes: A specified period of time has lapsed without receiving a response from the digital camera or digital video camcorder / The digital camera or digital video camcorder connected is not compatible with this printer

Disconnect the camera cable, press the printer's RESUME/CANCEL button and reconnect the cable.
If the error is still unresolved, there is a possibility that you are using a digital camera or digital video camcorder that is not supported by this printer. Use digital cameras or digital video camcorders that are compatible with this printer.

POWER lamp flashes alternate green and orange:

An error that requires contacting the Customer Care Center may have occurred.

Disconnect the printer cable from the printer, and then turn the printer off and unplug the printer from the power supply. Plug the printer back in and turn the printer back on after leaving it about 10 minutes.

If the problem remains, contact the Customer Care Center.

An error has occurred in the printer. The number of flashes indicates the type of error, as outlined below. Check the cause and take the appropriate action.
Two flashes: Out of paper or paper feed error
Replace the paper correctly and press the RESUME/CANCEL button.
Three flashes: Paper jam
If paper has jammed in the printer, clear the jam, replace the paper in the printer correctly and press the RESUME/CANCEL button.
See Paper Jams
Four flashes: Empty ink tank
If you press the RESUME/CANCEL button, it will continue printing with an empty ink tank. However, when printing is finished, replace the ink tank immediately. If you continue printing with an empty ink tank, it will be a cause of trouble.
See Replacing an Ink Tank
Six flashes: No print head installed
Install a print head.
Seven flashes: Defective print head
Contact a Canon service representative.
Eight flashes: Waste ink tank almost full
The printer has a built-in waste ink tank for the ink used during print head cleaning. Eight flashes indicates that the waste ink tank is nearly full. Press the RESUME/CANCEL button to cancel the error so you can continue printing. Before the waste ink tank becomes completely full, contact a Canon service representative.
Note
Canon recommends to call for service as soon as this error occurs. Once the waste ink tank becomes completely full, printing will no longer be possible.
POWER lamp flashes alternate green and orange:
An error that requires contacting a Canon service representative may have occurred.
Turn the printer off and unplug the printer from the power supply. Plug the printer back in and turn the printer back on.
If the problem remains, contact a Canon service representative.

Here are all the flashing explanations:

Two flashes: Out of paper or paper feed error

Reload the paper correctly and press the RESUME/CANCEL button.

Three flashes: Paper jam

If paper has jammed in the printer, clear the jam, reload the paper in the printer correctly and press the RESUME/CANCEL button.

See Paper Jams

Four flashes: Empty ink tank

If you press the RESUME/CANCEL button, it will continue printing with an empty ink tank. After printing is finished, replace the ink tank immediately. If you continue printing with an empty ink tank, it may cause damage to your printer.

Refer to your Quick Start Guide for instructions on how to replace an ink tank.

Five flashes: No print head installed/Defective print head

Install the print head. Also, ensure that the protective tape has been removed.

If reinstalling the print head does not solve the problem, replace it with a new one. Contact the Customer Care Center.

Eight flashes: Waste ink tank almost full

The printer has a built-in waste ink tank for the ink used during print head cleaning. Eight flashes indicates that the waste ink tank is nearly full. Press the RESUME/CANCEL button to cancel the error so you can continue printing. Before the waste ink tank becomes completely full, contact the Customer Care Center.

the maintenance
cartridge is where the waste ink goes, and can be replaced by ordering
the MC-01 from the dealer you buy your ink tanks. The maintenance
cartridge is located on the front bottom of your printer, when you
remove it, be careful not to tilt the cartridge, as it is full of ink

the maintenance
cartridge is where the waste ink goes, and can be replaced by ordering
the MC-01 from the dealer you buy your ink tanks. The maintenance
cartridge is located on the front bottom of your printer, when you
remove it, be careful not to tilt the cartridge, as it is full of ink

the maintenance
cartridge is where the waste ink goes, and can be replaced by ordering
the MC-01 from the dealer you buy your ink tanks. The maintenance
cartridge is located on the front bottom of your printer, when you
remove it, be careful not to tilt the cartridge, as it is full of ink

the maintenance
cartridge is where the waste ink goes, and can be replaced by ordering
the MC-01 from the dealer you buy your ink tanks. The maintenance
cartridge is located on the front bottom of your printer, when you
remove it, be careful not to tilt the cartridge, as it is full of ink

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