Canon 5B00: Waste Ink Absorber Full — Fix
Canon support code 5B00 (and 5B01) means the printer’s internal waste-ink absorber is full, so the printer stops to prevent waste ink from overflowing.
- Applies to
- Canon printers
- Time to fix
- Varies (service)
What it means
5B00 isn’t a breakage — it’s a maintenance limit. Canon PIXMA printers flush ink into internal absorber pads during cleaning and setup and count how much has accumulated. When the counter reaches its limit, the printer blocks operation. Canon’s official position is that this requires service: the pads aren’t sold separately and DIY counter resets aren’t Canon-supported.
Symptoms
- Support code 5B00 or 5B01 appears and the printer won’t print
- On lightless models it may show as flashing alarm/power lights
- It happens after long use or heavy head-cleaning
How to fix it
- 1
Contact Canon service (the official route)
1. Canon recommends servicing for 5B00 because the waste-ink pads need physical replacement. 2. If the printer is in warranty, contact Canon before opening it. 3. A service centre replaces or cleans the pads and resets the counter.
- 2
Weigh repair against replacement
1. On low-cost PIXMA models, service can cost more than a new printer. 2. Using non-Canon ink can increase cleaning cycles and shorten pad life — factor that in. 3. Decide between professional service and replacement.
Frequently asked questions
Can I reset 5B00 myself?
Third-party reset tools exist, but Canon doesn’t support them, and a reset alone doesn’t empty the physical pads — sustained printing then risks waste-ink overflow. Canon’s official advice is service.
Did I break my printer?
No. 5B00 is a maintenance counter reaching its limit, not a fault you caused.
Sources
- Canon USA — official product support (support.usa.canon.com)
Last updated July 14, 2026
Guidance only — always consult a qualified professional or the official service manual before carrying out repairs.