How to Fix Canon G7020 Error 5B00: Waste Ink Pad Issues and Solutions

Q: I am a fan of your YouTube channel. Thank you for the great videos! I have a Canon G7020 printer showing Error 5B00, which I believe is related to the ink pad. Do you sell the replacement sponge? I checked Canon's website for a replacement ink pad but couldn't find any. Thank you in advance.

A: Thank you for reaching out to us at BCH Technologies and for being a dedicated fan of our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Your engagement and feedback are invaluable in helping us refine our technical expertise and continue producing helpful content.

Error 5B00 on your Canon G7020 indicates that the waste ink pad is "full." The printer keeps a counter of how many self-cleaning cycles it has performed, and when it believes the waste pad is full, it will render the printer non-functional. This error is a common issue with Canon printers and can be addressed with the right approach.

Steps to Resolve Error 5B00:

  1. Reset the Ink Counter:
    • To reset the counter, you can use a software tool known as the Canon Service Tool. This tool is typically reserved for Canon technicians, but it is available for purchase online, such as on eBay. While I cannot provide specific sources for professional reasons, you can find it by searching "Canon Service Tool" online. It's important to purchase the latest version of this tool as it covers more models and will ensure compatibility with your printer.
  2. Clean or Replace the Waste Ink Pad:
    • Locating the Ink Pad: Open the printer to find the waste ink pad. It is generally located at the bottom or side of the printer and resembles a sponge or felt pad.
    • Cleaning the Pad: If you choose to clean the pad, you can rinse it under running water to remove the excess ink. Once cleaned, let it air dry completely in the sun before reinserting it into the printer.
    • Machine Washing: Some users have found success by placing the pad in a pantyhose and washing it in a washing machine. Ensure it is thoroughly dried before reuse.
    • Replacement Options: Unfortunately, Canon does not officially sell replacement ink pads. However, you may find compatible pads or materials to create a substitute through online marketplaces or third-party sellers.

Addressing printer issues can be complex due to the hands-on nature of the problems. Therefore, we cannot provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We offer an in-person evaluation and repair service through our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Due to high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, which means it might take a few weeks before we can attend to your printer if you choose to drop it off or mail it to us. Our services are designed to repair either the entire printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on how to proceed if you opt for mail-in or local drop-off services.

We acknowledge that our rates aren't the most economical. Therefore, we highly recommend that you resort to self-help via online research. You can start by checking out YouTube or visiting our YouTube channel's homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Look for specific videos using the search icon next to "About" on the right-hand side of the menu bar. I receive dozens of queries daily about videos on specific topics. Having created videos over the past nine years, it's challenging to remember every single one. Therefore, using YouTube's search function would be most efficient. Plus, YouTube might suggest relevant videos from other channels that could assist you.

Thank you once again for your support and engagement with BCH Technologies. We look forward to assisting you further through our resources and hope you find success in resolving your printer issue!