PIXMA MG5520 "ink absorber is nearly full"

[lin619]

I love my printer and I have had zero problems with it for years. It is still working perfectly and I just started a new package of ink cartridges for it-- but now I'm getting a message that says the ink absorber is nearly full. I see from other inquiries on this site that this is not a user serviceable part and I will be forced to replace the printer. I would appreciate any assistance Canon can provide.

[crystals]

I am having the same issue.  Hopefully someone has some insight

[Patrick]

Hi lin619,

The waste ink absorber is a part inside of your printer that absorbs excess ink used in the cleaning and printing operations. Printing can be performed until the waste ink absorber becomes full. Unplug the printer for 24 hours to see if the message clears.  If the message changes to indicate that the waste ink absorber is full, printing cannot be performed and the printer may need to be serviced.

Canon recommends having the printer serviced before the absorber becomes full. We are aware that there are many "do-it-yourself" Web sites that offer instructions for making this repair. Replacing the ink absorber is a complicated and potentially messy procedure. Even if the ink absorber is successfully changed, the ink absorber counter must be reset.

Please keep in mind that the costs associated with having this service performed may exceed the cost of a brand new printer.

You are eligible for Canon's Upgrade Program. This is for out of warranty units which have been diagnosed to require service, or for some reason are incompatible with a new or upgraded system. This option allows you a one-time opportunity to purchase a replacement product, discounted from the list price.

If you would like to take part in this option, please call our Sales Department at (866) 443-8002 Monday through Saturday, 9am to 9pm. Let them know you have been working with technical support and the Canon Upgrade Program was offered.

Did this answer your question? If so, please click the Accept as Solution button below so that others may find the answer as well.

[crystals]

I don't mind buying a new printer but it is not broken and I hate to throw more good equipment in the landfills because Cannon has decided it is time for us to buy a new one.  My Epson printers have this ink absorber that is easily changed. I have successfully gotten to the ink absorber pads and cleaned them.  Now I am waiting for them to dry before I put it back together.  If it works, I'll send you my process.

[crystals]

We successfully cleaned the ink absorber pads. 

FYI, the message the pads were almost full came on for about 6 months before the printer stopped working (and we use this printer a lot).

Here is a link on how to take your printer apart.  At minute 18 on this video, the guy finally gets to the ink absorber pads but you do not have to take the entire thing apart to get to the ink absorber pads.  Just take off what is needed to get to the left side of the printer.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCZ7YVhWGrU

We washed out the pads and let them dry overnight.  After you put everything back together you will have to reset the printer the directions below.

To reset the Canon MG5520 ink waste counter, turn off the printer, then press and hold the "Power" button while simultaneously pressing the "Resume" button (the triangle inside a circle) until the light turns green; release the "Resume" button, then press it four times quickly, followed by pressing the "Power" button to confirm the reset; this should clear the waste ink counter. 

Good luck.  Hope you don't have to throw away your perfectly good printer.