I have the Canon Pixma ip1500 and a while ago the power light started flashing. I went to their web page and it shows an option for when it flashes numerous times. Mine just happens to flash 8 times and the web page tells me to either reset it or that it needs repair. Well resetting does nothing to change it, and I am wondering what kind of repair this printer may need.

Here is what it looks like on the web page for the type of error I am seeing:

Issue: Alarm / Power light flashes orange 8 times consecutively (Waste Ink Nearly Full Error)

1. Reset the printer
2. The iP1500 may require repair

I wrote to Canon and got the following reply:

Dear Sylvia Hayes:


Thank you for writing to us. We value you as a Canon customer and
appreciate the opportunity to assist you. I am sorry to hear that the
iP1500 is giving an 8 flash error.


The 8 flash error is a waste ink tank full error. Regrettably the waste
ink tank is not a user replaceable part and it would require service in
order to repair. Because of the relatively low cost of the iP1500, it
has been deemed that it is beyond economical repair since any repairs on
the unit would likely exceed the cost of the unit itself. For customers
in this situation, Canon offers the Canon Loyalty Program. You are
eligible for Canon's Loyalty Program. This is for out of warranty units
which have been diagnosed to require service, or for some reason are
incompatible with a new or upgraded system. This option allows you a
one-time opportunity to purchase a new product of the same type,
discounted from the list price.


To help you get up and running quickly, we also offer free next business
day shipping (if the order is completed by 12:30PM ET). If you would
like to take part in this second option, please reply back to us within
the next 14 days and provide or confirm the following information:


Product Type: PIXMA iP1500
Product Serial Number:
Date of Purchase:
First Name: Sylvia
Last Name: Hayes
Address:
City:
State:
Zip: 48239
Phone Number:


Once we receive this information you will be registered for the Canon
Loyalty Program and provided with a Discount Code. The Discount Code
will be emailed to you separately along with further instructions on how
to use the Canon Loyalty program.


Please let us know if we can be of any further assistance with your
iP1500.


Thank you for choosing Canon.


Sincerely,


Karl
Technical Support Representative
======================

I have resolved this issue mostly by a post on another forum and since I see others are looking here I want to pass on what I did.
My first link is the forum where I was given help in tracking down a resolution and the second link is a step by step instructional page I found that took care of a reset I needed to do, but it gives a good description on how to take care of the cleaning of the pads.

http://discussions.hardwarecentral.com/sho...729#post1020729

http://www.wikihow.com/Clean-the-Canon-Pix...te-Ink-Absorber

Thank you for sharing, Sylvia. I have often wondered about the spongie thing that absorbs the ink flow from warm-ups and head cleanings, and how much ink it can absorb and what happens if it gets saturated. Now I know. I'm glad you got it sorted.