Canon “Support Code 5B02 / 5B04” — waste ink absorber full (reset & service steps)

Joe B.

Reviewed for technical accuracy

Specialities: Windows 11/10, Printers, Networking, Group Policy, Print Servers

Clear Canon 5B02 / 5B04 — waste ink absorber full, ink counter reset, service mode for PIXMA MG/TS/TR/G series

Technician

Hi! We’ll remove the Canon Support Code 5B02 / 5B04 error (aka waste ink absorber full). A couple of details help pick the right reset path: What model (e.g., PIXMA TS, TR, MG, G-series MegaTank)? Did the fault appear after heavy cleaning cycles or a long print run? And do you see “Support Code 5B00/1700” variants as well?

Customer

It’s a PIXMA TS5120. After several head cleanings it stopped with 5B02 — waste ink absorber full. I can’t print anything now.

Technician

Understood. Canon stores a waste ink counter that estimates how much ink the printer dumps into the absorber pads during cleaning. When the counter reaches a limit, it throws 5B02/5B04 (sometimes 5B00/1700) to prevent overflow. We’ll: 1) enter service mode, 2) run an ink absorber counter reset (EEPROM/Ink Absorber), and 3) check if pads need replacement or cleaning of the purge unit to avoid future leaks.

Customer

How do I get into service mode on this TS series? I only have the power and stop buttons.

Technician

Enter service mode (typical TS/MG/TR)
1) Power off the printer (leave it plugged in).
2) Hold Stop, press Power and keep both held 2–3 s.
3) Release Stop (keep holding Power), then press Stop five times. Release Power. The display should go blank/“0” and the printer enumerates as a service device on USB.
If the five-press pattern doesn’t work on your exact model, try four or six presses — Canon varies it slightly by series.

Customer

I’m in. Do I need a special program to reset the waste ink counter?

Technician

You have two paths:
• Service tool (PC): Connect via USB → run a Canon-compatible service tool for your generation → choose “Ink Absorber Counter” → Set or execute “Main”/“Platen” reset → power-cycle.
• Panel-only (where supported): Some PIXMA models allow “EEPROM init” or “Ink absorber” from the hidden menu after service entry. Execute, then restart.
After the reset, print an EEPROM/Nozzle test to confirm the counter cleared and the Support Code 5B02/5B04 is gone.

Customer

Do I actually need to replace the absorber pads, or can I just reset?

Technician

The safe approach is: inspect or replace the pads if the printer has high page count or visible ink pooling. A reset alone clears the counter but doesn’t remove ink already in the waste tank. For light users, removing the rear/bottom cover and washing/drying the pads (or swapping the maintenance cartridge on models that use one) is enough. Always place absorbent towels under the printer during service to avoid spills.

Customer

After the reset it starts, but I still see smudges at the edge of pages. Anything else to clean?

Technician

Yes — clean the purge unit and wiper blade area. With power off, move the carriage to center; dab the capping station and surrounding pads with lint-free swabs and isopropyl. Run a single nozzle check and, if needed, one cleaning. Avoid repeated deep cleans — they refill the absorber and can bring back 5B02/5B04 sooner.

Customer

What about G-series MegaTank? I’ve seen similar waste ink errors there too.

Technician

On Canon G-series (MegaTank) the procedure is similar: enter service mode, reset the ink absorber counter, and inspect the rear sponge assembly. Some G models use a replaceable maintenance box — swap if saturated. Keep firmware current; if you service often, schedule periodic absorber cleaning to avoid Support Code 5B02/5B04 returning.

Customer

If the reset doesn’t take, could it be a different error?

Technician

If service mode/absorber reset fails to clear, check for 5B00/1700, 5100/6000 (carriage/feed), or B200 (printhead) — those require different steps. For absorber specifically, ensure you used a service tool compatible with your model generation and that USB is direct (no hubs). We can remote-guide the correct utility in chat.

Customer

Got it. I’d like a concise list to follow next time.

Technician

Summary: For Canon Support Code 5B02/5B04 — waste ink absorber full: enter service mode → run ink absorber counter reset (service tool/panel) → optionally clean or replace pads and check the purge unit → avoid repeated deep cleans. Need the exact tool for your TS5120? Open the chat.

Quick answer: the accepted fix

Accepted fix for Canon 5B02 / 5B04 (waste ink absorber full): enter service mode, run the ink absorber counter reset (service tool or panel menu), power-cycle, and print an EEPROM/Nozzle check. If pads are saturated, clean/replace the waste ink pads or maintenance box to prevent leaks.

FAQ

Step-by-step (Canon PIXMA)

1. Power off. Enter service mode (Power + Stop; release/press Stop 5× while holding Power).
2. Run Ink Absorber Counter Reset via service tool or panel option (EEPROM/Ink Absorber).
3. Power-cycle. Print EEPROM/Nozzle check to confirm the counter cleared.
4. Inspect and clean waste ink pads and purge unit; replace pads/maintenance box if saturated.
5. Avoid multiple deep cleans; use standard cleaning only when the nozzle check shows gaps.

Notes for macOS/Windows users

1. Use a direct USB cable for service mode — hubs can block the service device.
2. If your Mac can’t run the utility, perform the entry/exit sequences on the printer and use a Windows PC for the service tool.

Sources

• Canon Support — PIXMA error codes & maintenance
• Canon Online Manuals — Service/EEPROM functions (model dependent)

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