Resetting the Canon MX860, MX868, MX870, MX876 error code [5B00] or [5B01]

Problem Description

The full ink absorber error occurs in two stages. The first stage is called "Operator Call Error". When the ink absorber reaches 95% capacity (almost full), the message "Warning: The ink absorber becomes almost full" appears. This warning is called an Operator Call Error. The second stage is called "Service Call Error". When the ink absorber reaches 100% (full) capacity, the message "Ink absorber full. Service required" will appear. This message is called a Service Call Error.

Operator Call Errors

• Error: Warning: The ink absorber becomes almost full.
• Error code: [1700]
• Message on the LCD: Contact the support center or service center for ink absorber replacement. Press [OK] to continue printing.
• Solution: Replace the ink absorber, and reset its counter. Pressing the OK button will exit the error, and enable printing without replacing the ink absorber. However, when the ink absorber becomes full, no further printing can be performed unless the applicable ink absorber is replaced.

Service Call Errors

• Cycles of blinking of Alarm and Power LEDs: 7 times
• Error: Ink absorber full
• Error code: [5B00] [5B01]
• Conditions: The ink absorber is supposed to be full.
• Message on the LCD: Ink absorber full. Service required.
• 5B00: Main ink absorber is full (overseas).
• 5B01: Main ink absorber is full (Japan).

Solution

1.  Replace the ink absorber kit

2.  Reset the waste ink counter to zero

1.  Replace the ink absorber kit

1).  Remove the side cover R unit, side cover L unit, scanner unit, and the emblem.

2).  Remove the front door unit, holder, speaker assembly, rear guide unit, main case unit, paper support unit.

3).  Lift the printer unit, then the ink absorber kit will be visible.

4).  Remove all parts of the ink absorber kit, then replace it with a new one.

5).  Ink absorber kit PN.QY5-0257-000 for Canon MX860, MX868, MX870, MX876

6).  After replacing the ink absorber kit, assemble the printer again properly, to avoid new, unwanted damage.

2. Reset the waste ink counter to zero

Reset can be done if the printer is in Service Mode. Follow the procedure below, how to enter Service Mode.

STEP 1 - Enter Service Mode

Service mode operation procedures:

1)   Turn off a printer
2)   Press and hold the STOP button

3)   Press and hold the ON button (DO NOT release both buttons)

4)   Release the STOP button (DO NOT release the ON button)
5)   While holding the ON button, press the STOP button xxx times and then release the ON button.

xxx times

For Canon MX860, MX868

• 5)  While holding the ON button, press the STOP button 2 times and then release the ON button. If the LCD printer appears "Service Mode Idle" means the printer is in Service Mode, if the LCD printer does not appear "Service Mode Idle", turn off the printer, repeat the procedure to enter Service Mode, and in step 5), press the STOP button 3 times.

For Canon MX870, MX876

• 5)  While holding the ON button, press the STOP button 5 times and then release the ON button. If the LCD printer appears "Service Mode Idle or The LCD screen is just black with the backlight on" means the printer is in Service Mode, if the LCD printer does not appear "Service Mode Idle or The LCD screen is just black with the backlight on", turn off the printer, repeat the procedure to enter Service Mode, and in step 5), press the STOP button 6 times.

After the printer is in Service Mode, the next step is to reset the printer.

STEP 2 - Reset Printer

To reset the printer, a portable software called "Service Tool" is used. Download the Service Tool that matches your printer.

• For Canon MX860, MX868 = Service Tool v.1030
• For Canon MX870, MX876 = Service Tool v.1074

Because the use of these two tools is the same, below we will discuss at the same time how to reset Canon MX860, MX868, MX870, MX876.

• Extract file and open Service Tool.
• Load paper A4 or Letter.(3 sheets or more)
• For your reference in servicing, click EEPROM (1) information print before resetting. Pay attention to the value of D. If the value of D=100.0 means that the main waste ink counter has reached its maximum. The next step is to reset the D value to zero.

• Clear Ink Counter, click MAIN (2). Wait for the printer to finish printing D=000.0. D is a Main waste ink amount. D=000.0 means "The main ink absorber counter has been reset to zero".

• Click EEPROM (1) information print once again after resetting. Compare the value of D before reset and after reset.
• If all goes well, close Service Tool.
• Turn off the printer (wait 10 seconds).
• Turn on the printer and printer ready to use. Done.

Questions and Answers

Q: The printer printout is bad, is the print head clogged/damaged, should I replace the cartridge?

A: A complete discussion regarding this issue, please read Troubleshooting Canon printer poor printouts

Q: If the ink absorber kit with PN.QY5-0257-000 is not available in the market, is the old ink absorber kit reusable?

A: If the new ink absorber kit is not available, and you have to reuse the old ink absorber, then the ink absorber must be washed. The way to clean an ink absorber is:

- Soak the ink absorber in a container filled with water.

- If the water turns cloudy, replace the water with a new one.

- Repeat soaking, until it feels clean enough.

- Dry the ink absorber by drying it in the sun, or airing it out.

Q: If the printer has only been reset, and the ink absorber kit has not been replaced or cleaned. Will the printer return to normal?

A: Because the waste ink counter has been reset to zero, the printer will return to normal and can be used again. However, in the near future, waste ink will overflow out of the printer. This happens because the ink absorber is full and cannot accommodate the waste ink anymore. To avoid waste ink overflowing from the bottom of the printer, it is highly recommended that the ink absorber kit be replaced or cleaned before resetting.

Q: Where can I get other Canon Service Tools?
A: For complete information regarding Canon Service Tool collection, please open Canon Service Tool Version

Q: I don't know which Service Tool supports my printer, where can I get information about it?
A: For complete information regarding Canon printers and the Service Tools used, please open the Canon Service Tools and Supported Printers

Q: Error code: 002, 005, 006, 007, 009 when using the Service Tool. What should I do?

A: Discussion and solutions to this problem, please read the following post Canon Service Tool Error Code Mean (Error code: 002, 005, 006, 007, 009, etc)