What Is Canon Error Code 5B00 and How Can You Reset It?

If you own a Canon printer and suddenly see Error Code 5B00 on the screen or your printer stops working with flashing lights, it can be frustrating. Many Canon printer users face this issue after extended use, and it can appear unexpectedly. Fortunately, this is not a fatal error and can usually be fixed with the proper steps. This blog will explain what Canon Error 5B00 means, why it happens, and how you can safely reset it and get your printer back to normal.

Understanding Canon Error Code 5B00

Canon Error Code 5B00 refers to a problem related to the printer's waste ink absorber. Inside every Canon printer, there is a component known as the waste ink pad or absorber. During printing and maintenance operations, such as print head cleaning, a small amount of excess ink is flushed out to maintain print quality. This ink is collected in a sponge-like pad located at the base of the printer. Over time, the pad becomes saturated.

When the printer's internal system detects that the ink absorber is nearly full or believes it has reached its maximum capacity, it triggers Error Code 5B00. This is a built-in safety mechanism that prevents ink from leaking inside the printer, which could damage the internal electronics.

Why This Error Occurs

This error occurs mainly due to prolonged printer use without servicing or resetting the internal waste ink counter. Every time you perform a cleaning cycle or cancel a print, some ink is sent to the absorber. Over time, this ink accumulates, and the printer logs this information in its memory. When the counter reaches a predefined limit, the system turns off the printer to avoid further use until maintenance is performed.

Even if the ink absorber is not physically full, the counter may reach its limit due to years of operation. This is why some users might see the error despite no visible signs of ink overflow. It's the printer's way of indicating it's time for maintenance or a counter reset.
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