If you are a heavy user of Canon inkjet printers—specifically models like the PIXMA MG2520, MG2920, MG3000 series, or the TS series—you have likely encountered the dreaded error code 5B00 , 5B01 , or 1700 . These errors indicate that your printer’s internal waste ink pad is nearing or has reached its capacity. The solution often recommended in forums is the Canon Service Tool 4905 .
But what exactly is this tool? Is it safe? How does it work? In this 2,000+ word guide, we will leave no stone unturned. We will cover what the Canon Service Tool 4905 is, how it differs from other versions, step-by-step instructions for use, legal and ethical considerations, and troubleshooting tips. Before diving into the tool itself, it is critical to understand why you need it. The Absorbent Pad Mechanic Every Canon inkjet printer performs regular cleaning cycles to prevent nozzle clogs. During these cycles, a small amount of ink is purged from the printhead into a sponge-like absorbent pad at the bottom of the printer. Over months or years, this pad fills up. The Counter, Not the Sensor Crucially, your printer does not have a physical sensor to detect when the pad is full. Instead, it uses a software counter . Every time the printer purges ink, it increments an internal log. Once this counter hits a pre-programmed limit (e.g., 5,000 or 10,000 purge cycles), the printer locks up with an error code. canon service tool 4905
By following this guide—matching the tool to your model, carefully entering service mode, resetting only the waste ink counters, and physically maintaining the pads—you can extend the life of your Canon PIXMA printer by years. Last updated: October 2025. No affiliation with Canon Inc. Use at your own risk. If you are a heavy user of Canon
The memory addresses have changed. And conversely, v3400 cannot communicate with a TS3300 – you will get a “Device not found” error. Part 7: Ethical and Practical Considerations Is It Legal? In the United States, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) includes an exemption for “repair of consumer devices.” However, Canon’s EULA (End User License Agreement) prohibits reverse engineering. Practically speaking, thousands of users reset counters daily without legal issue – but reselling a reset printer as “new” is fraud. The Physical Reality Resetting the counter without changing the pad is a temporary fix . Each time the pad saturates further, ink can leak inside the printer, ruining the electronics or staining your desk. But what exactly is this tool