A: Likely your printer’s firmware was updated. You need a “bootloader” resetter or downgrade your firmware (advanced – requires special tools). Part 9: Final Verdict – Is the Maintenance Box Resetter for Epson L6170 Worth It? Absolutely – if you print more than 2,000 pages per year.
| Error Code | Message on Screen | Meaning | |------------|-------------------|---------| | | “Maintenance box is near the end of its service life.” | Warning only – you have ~15% life left. | | 0x9B | “Maintenance box is at the end of its service life. Replace with a new one.” | Printer is locked. Requires a new box AND a reset. | | 0x9C | “A printer’s internal component is at the end of its service life.” | Generic lockout – usually means waste ink counter full. |
Reset only after installing a fresh, dry maintenance box. Part 6: Where to Buy a Reliable Maintenance Box Resetter for Epson L6170 Avoid generic eBay resellers selling “universal” resetter dongles for $5. Many are pre-programmed for older models (L210, L355) and will brick your L6170. Trusted Sources: | Seller / Brand | Product Type | Price Range | Compatibility | |----------------|--------------|-------------|----------------| | ResetEpson.com | Hardware dongle | $25-35 | L6170, L6160, L6190 | | WICReset (Official) | Software key | $9.99 per reset | All EcoTank L-series | | AdjPro (Epson Adjustment Program) | Software | Free (but requires manual keygen – risk) | Advanced users only | | AliExpress (seller “PrinterPartWorld”) | Hardware resetter | $18-22 | Check for “L6170” in title |
If you own an Epson EcoTank L6170 , you already know it’s a workhorse. It’s an all-in-one printer designed for high-volume printing with ultra-low ink costs. However, like all modern inkjet printers, it comes with a built-in “planned obsolescence” feature: the Maintenance Box (also known as the waste ink pad or ink collector).
Many users are told they need to visit a service center or buy a brand-new printer. This is where the becomes a lifesaver.
Simply replacing the physical maintenance box with a new one (Epson original or generic) will NOT clear the error on the L6170. The printer’s internal counter must be manually reset using dedicated software or a hardware resetter tool. Part 3: What Is a Maintenance Box Resetter for Epson L6170? A Maintenance Box Resetter is a small hardware device (USB dongle or dedicated box with a screen) or a licensed software utility that communicates directly with your printer’s EEPROM (electronic memory) to reset the waste ink counter back to 0%.
