What this means

Error 5B00 means your printer internal ink counter has hit its limit. Every cleaning cycle and borderless print sends excess ink into the absorber pads at the bottom of the chassis. The printer calculates these pads are full and locks itself to stop you from printing.

This is not a physical sensor detecting liquid. It is strictly a software limit. Unplugging the machine does nothing because the lock lives in the internal memory counter.

The printer estimates usage rather than measuring actual liquid. If you bypass the reset and force prints, ink will eventually leak out the bottom of the printer.

Common causes

  • Excessive use of automatic printhead cleaning cycles
  • High volume of borderless photo printing
  • Internal waste ink counter reaching the manufacturer threshold
  • Saturated physical ink absorber pads
  • Interrupted cleaning cycles causing multiple re-cleans
  • Extended periods of idle time causing automatic maintenance flushes
  • Using non-genuine ink cartridges that trigger frequent head cleanings

What to check first

  1. 1Check if the printer model is a Canon PIXMA series known for this code
  2. 2Verify that the error code is specifically 5B00 and not another code
  3. 3Check if the printer is connected via USB for potential software resets

Step-by-step fix

  1. 1

    Unplug the printer

    Disconnect the power cord from the wall outlet to ensure safety while inspecting.

    Do not open the printer while connected to power.

  2. 2

    Check for physical ink leaks

    Inspect the bottom of the printer and the surface it sits on for pooling ink to see if pads are truly overflowing.

  3. 3

    Enter service mode

    Hold the stop button, press and hold the power button, release the stop button while holding power, press the stop button five times, and release the power button.

    Incorrect button sequences can put the printer into unknown states.

  4. 4

    Connect to a Windows computer

    Connect the printer to a Windows computer using a USB cable for service tool communication.

  5. 5

    Run the service tool

    Open the designated Canon service tool software on the PC and locate the waste ink counter clear function.

  6. 6

    Reset the counter

    Click the main set button in the service tool to reset the absorber counter to zero.

  7. 7

    Inspect and clean physical pads

    Open the printer case to clean or replace the physical felt absorber pads if they are soaked with ink.

    Opening the chassis risks breaking plastic clips and exposing internal mechanics.

  8. 8

    Restart the printer

    Power the printer off and back on to verify the error code has cleared and normal operation has resumed.

When to contact a professional

Call a professional service center if you are uncomfortable using third-party tools, your printer fails to enter service mode, or ink is leaking onto the electronic boards. If you do the work yourself, unplug the printer before opening the chassis. Never touch the internal power supplies. Keep the ink away from your skin and eyes.