When Canon MG5240 triggers an ink absorber full condition, the printer may block printing as a protective measure. The solution is typically a waste ink counter reset.

During head cleaning, surplus ink is routed to internal absorber pads. Canon MG5240 monitors this via a counter and can lock printing at a threshold.

This page is prepared for Canon MG5240. Service mode instructions are shown only when a matching series procedure is known.

Common Symptoms

• Service / maintenance warning on the screen or driver
• Printer refuses to print even with ink available
• Blinking lights and queued jobs fail
• Error reappears after restart

How to Enter Service Mode on Canon MG5240

Some Canon series require entering service mode before the ink absorber counter can be reset.

1. Turn the printer OFF.
2. Press and hold Stop/Reset.
3. While holding Stop/Reset, press and hold Power.
4. Release Stop/Reset (keep holding Power).
5. Press Stop/Reset 6 times.
6. Release Power — the printer should enter service mode.

If it doesn’t work, repeat the sequence carefully. The press count depends on the series.

Clear the Ink Absorber / Waste Ink Counter

Completing the reset clears the internal ink absorber counter stored in printer memory and restores normal operation.

Warnings

If absorber pads are truly saturated, ignoring maintenance can lead to ink leakage inside the printer. The counter reset only removes the software lock.

Need a reset solution?

If your model does not show a service mode section, it means no matching procedure was found for its series.

Common Fixes

• Use the correct Stop/Reset press count for your series.
• Try a different USB cable/port if using PC software.
• Close other Canon printer utilities while resetting.
• Repeat the service mode steps carefully (timing matters).
• Power-cycle the printer and try again.

FAQ