How to Fix Brother J870DW Ink Absorber Full Error

Table of Contents

• Understanding the Absorber Full Error
• What Causes the Ink Absorber Full Message
• How to Reset Brother J870DW Ink Absorber Counter
• Cleaning or Replacing the Ink Absorber Pad
• How to Prevent Future Absorber Errors
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

Understanding the Absorber Full Error

The Brother J870DW printer includes a small sponge-like part known as the ink absorber or waste ink pad. Its purpose is to collect and store excess ink during cleaning cycles or print head maintenance. Over time, the pad becomes saturated, and the printer stops functioning to prevent ink overflow and internal damage.

What Causes the Ink Absorber Full Message

Several factors can trigger the absorber full error, including:

• Extended usage without maintenance or resets.
• Frequent cleaning cycles triggered by long idle periods.
• Firmware counting waste ink usage even when not fully saturated.

When the waste ink counter reaches a predefined limit, the printer locks up and displays messages such as "Ink Absorber Full" or "Machine Error 46."

How to Reset Brother J870DW Ink Absorber Counter

Resetting the ink absorber counter is often the easiest and fastest solution. Follow these steps carefully to access maintenance mode and clear the error.

Step 1: Power Off the Printer

Ensure that your Brother J870DW is powered off completely. Unplug the power cable for at least 10 seconds.

Step 2: Enter Maintenance Mode

While holding down the Menu button, plug the printer back in. Keep holding until the LCD shows the word Maintenance.

Step 3: Navigate to the Reset Code

Use the keypad to enter 80 and press Mono Start or OK. The printer will show a list of maintenance items. Scroll to the entry labeled PURGE.

Step 4: Reset the Purge Counter

Once at the PURGE menu, enter 2783 using the keypad. This code resets the ink absorber counter to zero. When finished, press Stop/Exit and then 99 to leave maintenance mode.

Step 5: Restart and Test

Restart your printer. The absorber error message should now be cleared, and normal printing functions will resume.

Cleaning or Replacing the Ink Absorber Pad

While resetting clears the counter, the physical pad still holds ink. It is good practice to clean or replace it to avoid leakage.

Cleaning Steps:

• Open the printer's back cover carefully.
• Locate the white or gray ink pad area near the waste tray.
• Remove the pad using tweezers or small pliers.
• Rinse it gently under warm water until clean.
• Let it dry completely before reinstalling it.

If the pad is too worn or brittle, replace it with a compatible spare part. You can find replacement kits from Brother or third-party sellers online.

How to Prevent Future Absorber Errors

• Run printer maintenance only when necessary.
• Print regularly to prevent clogging and reduce cleaning cycles.
• Turn off the printer properly instead of unplugging it abruptly.
• Keep firmware updated for optimal performance.
• Perform a waste ink reset every 6–12 months depending on usage.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Brother J870DW Ink Absorber?

It is a small sponge pad inside the printer that absorbs excess ink during cleaning. Without it, ink would drip inside the device and cause damage.

2. Will resetting the counter alone fix the problem?

Resetting removes the error message temporarily, but you should also clean or replace the absorber pad to avoid ink overflow.

3. Is it safe to clean the absorber myself?

Yes, but take care not to damage internal parts. If unsure, contact a Brother service technician.

4. Where can I buy replacement pads?

You can purchase official absorber pads from Brother’s website or compatible versions from reputable online stores like Amazon or eBay.

5. How do I know if the pad is full again?

The printer will automatically show the error message when it calculates that the waste ink limit has been reached. This is based on cleaning cycles, not actual ink level.

Conclusion

The "Ink Absorber Full" error on Brother J870DW printers is common after extended use. By resetting the purge counter and cleaning the ink pad, you can restore your printer’s operation in minutes. Regular maintenance helps prevent future issues and extends printer life.

Call to Action: Bookmark this guide and share it with anyone facing the same issue. Regular cleaning and responsible maintenance can save costly service fees.