Is it possible to manually clean the ink absorber pad on a Canon MX497 to resolve the 5B04 error?

While it might be technically possible to manually clean the ink absorber pad, it is generally not recommended as a permanent solution for the 5B04 error on a Canon MX497. The pads are designed to absorb ink and can become saturated and degrade. Cleaning may offer a very temporary fix, but replacement is usually necessary for a lasting resolution, and improper cleaning could cause further damage.