The Quick Answer
Canon Support Codes 1700 and 5B00 indicate the state of the internal waste ink absorber pads. Code 1700 is an early warning that the absorber is almost full, which you can bypass by tapping OK. Code 5B00 is a hard lockout error triggered when the absorber is completely saturated, requiring authorized Canon service or a motherboard counter reset.
Understanding Canon Ink Absorber Architecture
During printhead priming, borderless overspray, and nozzle cleaning cycles, Canon inkjet printers pump waste ink through internal tubing into porous felt pads located in the bottom chassis. For troubleshooting related components, consult Canon 'Ink Absorber Full'. A dedicated digital counter on the printer's main logic board (EEPROM) tracks the cumulative volume of ink deposited into these pads.
Support Code 1700 vs. 5B00: Technical Breakdown
| Support Code | Official Canon Message | Operational State | What to Do |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1700 / 1701 | Ink absorber is almost full. | Advisory warning; printer remains operational. | Tap OK on the touchscreen or press the Start/Resume button to continue printing. Prepare for service. |
| 5B00 / 5B01 / 5B02 | Printer error has occurred. (Ink absorber is full.) | Critical lockout; all printing and scanning disabled. | Turn off the printer, disconnect power, and contact Canon authorized service to replace pads and reset EEPROM counter. |
Which Canon Models Show These Codes?
Canon documents Support Codes 1700 and 5B00 across consumer and small-office PIXMA printers:
- Consumer PIXMA TS, TR, and MG Series: Models such as TS3522, TR4720, MG3620, and TS6420 use internal felt pads that cannot be swapped by the user.
- First and Second Generation MegaTank Models: Early G-series units (such as G1200, G2200, G3200, G3000, and G4210) use internal non-serviceable absorber pads and trigger 5B00 when full.
- Commercial MegaTank & MAXIFY GX Series: Newer high-volume business inkjets (such as GX6020, GX7020, and G6020) do not show 5B00. Instead, they feature modular, user-replaceable maintenance boxes that trigger Support Codes 1725 (almost full) and 1726 (full).
Official Canon Resolution vs. Service Options
Canon's official policy for Support Code 5B00 states that the printer must be repaired by an authorized Canon service facility. Technicians disassemble the base chassis, replace the saturated felt absorption sponges, and use specialized proprietary service software to clear the EEPROM counter.
For older out-of-warranty printers, replacing internal pads through Canon service may exceed the market value of the hardware. In such cases, users must decide whether to seek independent repair tools or upgrade to a printer featuring modular maintenance cartridges.
For further maintenance details, read our guide on how to reset the Canon waste ink counter, or evaluate whether Canon ink absorber replacement is worth repairing.
