Canon Printer Error Code E08 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

The E08 error means the ink absorber inside your Canon printer is completely full. The printer will not print at all until the absorber pad is replaced. This is the critical version of the E07 warning — the absorber has reached maximum capacity.

Affected Models

Canon PIXMA TS3500 Series
Canon PIXMA MG2500 Series
Canon PIXMA TR4700 Series
Canon PIXMA G3000 Series
Canon PIXMA MG3600 Series

Common Causes

The ink absorber pad has been collecting waste ink for months or years and is now saturated
The E07 warning was dismissed repeatedly without getting the absorber replaced
Frequent print head cleaning cycles filled the absorber faster than normal usage would
Heavy use of borderless printing generated more waste ink than standard printing
The printer's internal waste ink counter has reached its maximum limit

How to Fix It

Understand that the E08 error cannot be cleared with a simple button press. The printer will not print until the absorber is serviced.

Unlike the E07 warning, there is no temporary workaround for E08.
Contact Canon support at 1-800-652-2666 or visit Canon's support website to find an authorized service center near you.

Have your printer model number ready. It is printed on a label on the back or bottom of the printer.
If the printer is still under warranty, Canon may repair or replace it at no charge. Check your purchase date and warranty terms.

Canon PIXMA printers typically come with a one-year limited warranty.
For advanced users willing to void the warranty, third-party guides exist for replacing the absorber pad yourself and resetting the waste ink counter.

This requires disassembling the printer and using a Canon service tool or reset utility. Not recommended for beginners.
Consider the age and value of the printer. If the printer is several years old and a budget model, replacing it may cost less than the repair.

A new Canon PIXMA starts at around $50 to $80. Compare that to the repair cost.

When to Call a Professional

The E08 error requires the ink absorber pad to be physically replaced. Canon recommends taking the printer to an authorized service center. The repair costs $40 to $80 including parts and labor. For older or budget printers, it may be more cost-effective to replace the printer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there any way to keep printing with the E08 error?

No. Once the E08 error appears, the printer locks out all printing. This is a safety measure to prevent ink from leaking inside the printer. The absorber pad must be replaced or the counter must be reset before printing can resume.

How much does it cost to fix the E08 error?

An authorized Canon service center typically charges $40 to $80 to replace the ink absorber. If you do it yourself with a third-party guide, the pad itself costs about $5 to $15. However, doing it yourself voids the warranty and requires some technical comfort.

How can I prevent the E08 error on my next printer?

Run print head cleaning cycles only when print quality is genuinely poor. Avoid excessive borderless printing if you do not need it. Print regularly rather than letting the printer sit idle — idle printers need more cleaning cycles.