M3 Sterilizer General System Error Codes: C321 to C385 Troubleshooting

Items Not Sterile message will be displayed if an error occurs in any of the following modes: Close mode, Heat Up Mode, or Sterilize Mode. Otherwise, message will not appear. This message is intended to indicate to the user that the items in the chamber may or may not be sterile, and must be reprocessed.

Display / Symptom Cause Check Action

C321: SELECT MODE DOOR CLOSED

PUSH STOP TO RESTART

Door Motor Open Switch is not sensed as being open when should be.

 Something outside of the unit is physically interfering with the movement of the door. Verify that there is nothing outside of the unit stopping movement of the door. Remove any external impediment to door movement.
The door motor cam is not making contact with the Door Open Switch. Remove top cover, put unit into Service Diagnostics, and verify that the door motor is not broken and physically attempts to operate. Replace door motor.
Door will not open because there is too much pressure in chamber. Check for obstruction in plastic tube connecting unit to external condensing tank. Unkink plastic tube, remove obstruction, or replace.
Check copper coil in external condensing tank for blockage or damage. Clear obstruction or replace copper coil.
Check vent port in chamber for blockage. Check filter for blockage. Clear obstruction in vent port. Clean or replace filter.
Check vent valve for blockage. Put unit into Service Diagnostics and check vent valve operation. Clean or replace vent valve.
Put unit into Service Diagnostics, and verify that the PC board is energizing vent valve when appropriate. Replace PC board, if necessary.
Pressure Interlock Assy. is stuck open. Verify that chamber pressure is zero and then check the state of the pressure interlock assy. Replace pressure interlock assy.
Door Open Switch is stuck in the closed state. Put unit into Service Diagnostics, and verify that the Door Open Switch is operating normally. Replace door switch / harness assy.
Something inside the chamber is physically interfering with the movement of the door. Verify that there is nothing jammed inside the chamber stopping movement of the door by manually opening the door. Turn power off, remove top cover, and purge chamber of pressure. Remove pivot pin from door motor connecting rod and pivot bracket, then manually open the door. Remove jammed instruments.
PC Board is not energizing door motor. Put unit into Service Diagnostics and verify that the PC board is energizing door motor when appropriate. Replace PC board, if necessary.
Display / Symptom Cause Check Action

C326: OPEN MODE DOOR CLOSED

PUSH STOP TO RESTART

Door Motor Open Switch is not sensed as being open when should be.

 Something outside of the unit is physically interfering with the movement of the door. Verify that there is nothing outside of the unit stopping movement of the door. Remove any external impediment to door movement.
The door motor cam is not making contact with the Door Open Switch. Remove top cover, put unit into Service Diagnostics, and verify that the door motor is not broken and physically attempts to operate. Replace door motor.
Door will not open because there is too much pressure in chamber. Check for obstruction in plastic tube connecting unit to external condensing tank. Unkink plastic tube, remove obstruction, or replace.
Check copper coil in external condensing tank for blockage or damage. Clear obstruction or replace copper coil.
Check vent port in chamber for blockage. Check filter for blockage. Clear obstruction in vent port. Clean or replace filter.
Check vent valve for blockage. Put unit into Service Diagnostics and check vent valve operation. Clean or replace vent valve.
Put unit into Service Diagnostics, and verify that the PC board is energizing vent valve when appropriate. Replace PC board, if necessary.
Pressure Interlock Assy. is stuck open. Verify that chamber pressure is zero and then check the state of the pressure interlock assy. Replace pressure interlock assy.
Door Open Switch is stuck in the closed state. Put unit into Service Diagnostics, and verify that the Door Open Switch is operating normally. Replace door switch / harness assy.
Something inside the chamber is physically interfering with the movement of the door. Verify that there is nothing jammed inside the chamber stopping movement of the door by manually opening the door. Turn power off, remove top cover, and purge chamber of pressure. Remove pivot pin from door motor connecting rod and pivot bracket, then manually open the door. Remove jammed instruments.
PC Board is not energizing door motor. Put unit into Service Diagnostics and verify that the PC board is energizing door motor when appropriate. Replace PC board, if necessary.
Display / Symptom Cause Check Action

C352: CLOSE MODE TRAY SWITCH OPEN

ITEMS NOT STERILE PUSH STOP TO RESTART

Tray Switch not sensed as fully closed when it should be.

 Tray not properly staged when inserted into chamber. Ask questions about the way the user loads the tray. Train user to fully stage the tray beforeattempting to start a cycle.
Tray handle's plastic key is broken off. Ensure that left lower side of plastic tray handle has a "key" that sticks out about an inch. Replace bottom door tray handle.
Tray switch is not positioned correctly, and is not sensing presence of tray. Use Service Diagnostics to verify that the tray switch actuates when the tray initially crests bump in the tusk. Adjust the tray switch bracket.
Tray switch is faulty. Use Service Diagnostics to ensure that the switch operates correctly. Replace door switch / harness assy.
Display / Symptom Cause Check Action

C353: HEATUP MODE TRAY SWITCH OPEN

ITEMS NOT STERILE PUSH STOP TO RESTART

Tray Switch not sensed as fully closed when it should be.

 Tray not properly staged when inserted into chamber. Ask questions about the way the user loads the tray. Train user to fully stage the tray beforeattempting to start a cycle.
Tray handle's plastic key is broken off. Ensure that left lower side of plastic tray handle has a "key" that sticks out about an inch. Replace bottom door tray handle.
Tray switch is not positioned correctly, and is not sensing presence of tray. Use Service Diagnostics to verify that the tray switch actuates when the tray initially crests bump in the tusk. Adjust the tray switch bracket.
Tray switch is faulty. Use Service Diagnostics to ensure that the switch operates correctly. Replace door switch / harness assy.
Display / Symptom Cause Check Action

C354: STERILIZE MODE TRAY SWITCH OPEN

ITEMS NOT STERILE PUSH STOP TO RESTART

Tray Switch not sensed as fully closed when it should be.

 Tray not properly staged when inserted into chamber. Ask questions about the way the user loads the tray. Train user to fully stage the tray beforeattempting to start a cycle.
Tray handle's plastic key is broken off. Ensure that left lower side of plastic tray handle has a "key" that sticks out about an inch. Replace bottom door tray handle.
Tray switch is not positioned correctly, and is not sensing presence of tray. Use Service Diagnostics to verify that the tray switch actuates when the tray initially crests bump in the tusk. Adjust the tray switch bracket.
Tray switch is faulty. Use Service Diagnostics to ensure that the switch operates correctly. Replace door switch / harness assy.
Display / Symptom Cause Check Action

C355: VENT MODE TRAY SWITCH OPEN

ITEMS NOT STERILE PUSH STOP TO RESTART

Tray Switch not sensed as fully closed when it should be.

 Tray not properly staged when inserted into chamber. Ask questions about the way the user loads the tray. Train user to fully stage the tray beforeattempting to start a cycle.
Tray handle's plastic key is broken off. Ensure that left lower side of plastic tray handle has a "key" that sticks out about an inch. Replace bottom door tray handle.
Tray switch is not positioned correctly, and is not sensing presence of tray. Use Service Diagnostics to verify that the tray switch actuates when the tray initially crests bump in the tusk. Adjust the tray switch bracket.
Tray switch is faulty. Use Service Diagnostics to ensure that the switch operates correctly. Replace door switch / harness assy.
Display / Symptom Cause Check Action

C382: CLOSE MODE DOOR OPEN

ITEMS NOT STERILE PUSH STOP TO RESTART

Door Motor Closed Switch has been activated, stopping the door motor, but the Door Claw Switch is not sensed as being closed.

 Something outside of the unit is physically interfering with the movement of the door. Verify that there is nothing outside of the unit stopping movement of the door. Remove any external impediment to door movement.
The door motor cam is not making contact with the Door Closed Switch. Remove top cover, put unit into Service Diagnostics, and verify that the door motor is not broken and physically attempts to operate. Replace door motor
Door will not close because there is too much pressure in chamber. Check for obstruction in plastic tube connecting unit to external condensing tank. Unkink plastic tube, remove obstruction, or replace.
Check copper coil in external condensing tank for blockage or damage. Clear obstruction or replace copper coil.
Check vent port in chamber for blockage. Check filter for blockage. Clear obstruction in vent port. Clean or replace filter.
Check vent valve for blockage. Put unit into Service Diagnostics and check vent valve operation. Clean or replace vent valve.
Put unit into Service Diagnostics, and verify that the PC board is energizing vent valve when appropriate. Replace PC board, if necessary.
Door motor bracket not adjusted properly. Verify that, when the door motor is in the closed position, there is enough throw to physically close the door all the way. If there is not enough throw, adjust the door motor more toward the rear of the unit.
Door Closed Switch is stuck in the closed state. Put unit in Service Diagnostics, and verify that the door closed switch is operating normally. Replace door switch / harness assy.
Door Motor Closed Switch has been activated, stopping the door motor, but the Door Claw Switch is not sensed as being closed. Something inside the chamber is physically interfering with the movement of the door. Verify that there is nothing jammed inside the chamber stopping movement of the door. Remove any jammed instruments.
PC Board is not energizing door motor. Put unit into Service Diagnostics and verify that the PC board is energizing door motor when appropriate. Replace PC board, if necessary.
Display / Symptom Cause Check Action

C383: HEATUP MODE DOOR OPEN

ITEMS NOT STERILE PUSH STOP TO RESTART

Door Motor Closed Switch has been activated, stopping the door motor, but the Door Claw Switch is not sensed as being closed.

 Something outside of the unit is physically interfering with the movement of the door. Verify that there is nothing outside of the unit stopping movement of the door. Remove any external impediment to door movement.
The door motor cam is not making contact with the Door Closed Switch. Remove top cover, put unit into Service Diagnostics, and verify that the door motor is not broken and physically attempts to operate. Replace door motor
Door will not close because there is too much pressure in chamber. Check for obstruction in plastic tube connecting unit to external condensing tank. Unkink plastic tube, remove obstruction, or replace.
Check copper coil in external condensing tank for blockage or damage. Clear obstruction or replace copper coil.
Check vent port in chamber for blockage. Check filter for blockage. Clear obstruction in vent port. Clean or replace filter.
Check vent valve for blockage. Put unit into Service Diagnostics and check vent valve operation. Clean or replace vent valve.
Put unit into Service Diagnostics, and verify that the PC board is energizing vent valve when appropriate. Replace PC board, if necessary.
Door motor bracket not adjusted properly. Verify that, when the door motor is in the closed position, there is enough throw to physically close the door all the way. If there is not enough throw, adjust the door motor more toward the rear of the unit.
Door Closed Switch is stuck in the closed state. Put unit in Service Diagnostics, and verify that the door closed switch is operating normally. Replace door switch / harness assy.
Door Motor Closed Switch has been activated, stopping the door motor, but the Door Claw Switch is not sensed as being closed. Something inside the chamber is physically interfering with the movement of the door. Verify that there is nothing jammed inside the chamber stopping movement of the door. Remove any jammed instruments.
PC Board is not energizing door motor. Put unit into Service Diagnostics and verify that the PC board is energizing door motor when appropriate. Replace PC board, if necessary.
Display / Symptom Cause Check Action

C384: STERILIZE MODE DOOR OPEN

ITEMS NOT STERILE PUSH STOP TO RESTART

Door Motor Closed Switch has been activated, stopping the door motor, but the Door Claw Switch is not sensed as being closed.

 Something outside of the unit is physically interfering with the movement of the door. Verify that there is nothing outside of the unit stopping movement of the door. Remove any external impediment to door movement.
The door motor cam is not making contact with the Door Closed Switch. Remove top cover, put unit into Service Diagnostics, and verify that the door motor is not broken and physically attempts to operate. Replace door motor
Door will not close because there is too much pressure in chamber. Check for obstruction in plastic tube connecting unit to external condensing tank. Unkink plastic tube, remove obstruction, or replace.
Check copper coil in external condensing tank for blockage or damage. Clear obstruction or replace copper coil.
Check vent port in chamber for blockage. Check filter for blockage. Clear obstruction in vent port. Clean or replace filter.
Check vent valve for blockage. Put unit into Service Diagnostics and check vent valve operation. Clean or replace vent valve.
Put unit into Service Diagnostics, and verify that the PC board is energizing vent valve when appropriate. Replace PC board, if necessary.
Door motor bracket not adjusted properly. Verify that, when the door motor is in the closed position, there is enough throw to physically close the door all the way. If there is not enough throw, adjust the door motor more toward the rear of the unit.
Door Closed Switch is stuck in the closed state. Put unit in Service Diagnostics, and verify that the door closed switch is operating normally. Replace door switch / harness assy.
Door Motor Closed Switch has been activated, stopping the door motor, but the Door Claw Switch is not sensed as being closed. Something inside the chamber is physically interfering with the movement of the door. Verify that there is nothing jammed inside the chamber stopping movement of the door. Remove any jammed instruments.
PC Board is not energizing door motor. Put unit into Service Diagnostics and verify that the PC board is energizing door motor when appropriate. Replace PC board, if necessary.
Display / Symptom Cause Check Action

C385: VENT MODE DOOR OPEN

ITEMS NOT STERILE PUSH STOP TO RESTART

Door Motor Closed Switch has been activated, stopping the door motor, but the Door Claw Switch is not sensed as being closed.

 Something outside of the unit is physically interfering with the movement of the door. Verify that there is nothing outside of the unit stopping movement of the door. Remove any external impediment to door movement.
The door motor cam is not making contact with the Door Closed Switch. Remove top cover, put unit into Service Diagnostics, and verify that the door motor is not broken and physically attempts to operate. Replace door motor
Door will not close because there is too much pressure in chamber. Check for obstruction in plastic tube connecting unit to external condensing tank. Unkink plastic tube, remove obstruction, or replace.
Check copper coil in external condensing tank for blockage or damage. Clear obstruction or replace copper coil.
Check vent port in chamber for blockage. Check filter for blockage. Clear obstruction in vent port. Clean or replace filter.
Check vent valve for blockage. Put unit into Service Diagnostics and check vent valve operation. Clean or replace vent valve.
Put unit into Service Diagnostics, and verify that the PC board is energizing vent valve when appropriate. Replace PC board, if necessary.
Door motor bracket not adjusted properly. Verify that, when the door motor is in the closed position, there is enough throw to physically close the door all the way. If there is not enough throw, adjust the door motor more toward the rear of the unit.
Door Closed Switch is stuck in the closed state. Put unit in Service Diagnostics, and verify that the door closed switch is operating normally. Replace door switch / harness assy.
Door Motor Closed Switch has been activated, stopping the door motor, but the Door Claw Switch is not sensed as being closed. Something inside the chamber is physically interfering with the movement of the door. Verify that there is nothing jammed inside the chamber stopping movement of the door. Remove any jammed instruments.
PC Board is not energizing door motor. Put unit into Service Diagnostics and verify that the PC board is energizing door motor when appropriate. Replace PC board, if necessary.