Canon error P07 (ink absorber full)
P07 means the waste ink absorber is full and the printer has locked itself. It is the segment-display version of the 5B00 error. The printer will not print, copy or scan until the absorber counter is reset, which Canon intends to be done alongside replacing the absorber pads.
What causes it
- Accumulated waste ink from years of cleaning cycles
- Heavy use of deep cleaning
- Printer often turned off at the wall, causing frequent cleaning at start-up
How to fix it, in order
Work down the list and stop when the printer recovers. The steps are ordered from most likely and least invasive to last resort.
Confirm the code
P07 on the display with the alarm lamp flashing confirms the absorber is full. The printer does nothing else until it is reset.
Decide on repair versus replacement
These MP and MX models are old. Canon service is unlikely to be worthwhile, so the options are a DIY pad replacement and counter reset, or a new printer.
Replace or wash the absorber pads
Unplug the printer, remove the screws on the base or rear cover, and pull out the felt pads. Wash them thoroughly and dry for at least a day, or fit new pads. Reassemble.
Enter service mode
With the printer off, hold Stop/Reset, press and hold Power, release Stop/Reset, press Stop/Reset twice (four times on some MP models), then release Power. The display shows 0 when service mode is active.
Reset the counter
Connect the printer by USB to a Windows PC and run the Canon service tool for its generation. Choose Main under Clear Ink Counter and click Set. Turn the printer off and on.
Verify
Print a nozzle check. If P07 returns right away, the reset did not take and you should try another service tool version.
Stopping it happening again
When it is not worth fixing yourself
If you would rather not work through this alone, a printer specialist can take a look with you on a screen-share and tell you honestly whether the machine is worth saving.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep printing with P07?
No. The printer is locked until the counter is reset.
Is P07 the same as 5B00?
Yes, it is the same full-absorber condition shown on printers with a segment display.
Can I reset P07 without a computer?
Older MP models could be reset with button sequences alone, but most require the USB service tool. Check the procedure for your specific model.
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