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M3 Sterilizer Non-Coded Troubleshooting Chart

Sterilizer is not drying instruments properly.

Display / Symptom	Cause	Check	Action
Instruments are wet after dry cycle is complete.	Sterilizer not level.	Check if sterilizer is level.	Place sterilizer on a level surface.
	Sterilizer is over loaded.	Check if chamber is overloaded.	Reduce load size.
	Pouches were placed in chamber with paper side up.	Check if pouches are paper side up.	Place pouches plastic side up.
	Pouches are stacked on top of each other.	Check if pouches are overlapping or stacked on top of each other.	Pouches may overlap slightly, but items must not be layered.
	Door tray was removed from chamber and reinserted.	Check if door tray was removed from chamber before completion of the dry cycle.	Instruct operator that once the door tray has been removed from chamber, the dry cycle will be terminated.
	Steam not being released from 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.
	Door tray is not opening to its fullest staged extent.	Check if door tray is opening enough to allow steam to escape from chamber.	Adjust door motor throw.
	Surface heater(s) malfunctioning.	Run Service Diagnostics and check operation of surface heater(s).	Contact Midmark's Technical Service Department.

Biological indicator or chemical indicator strip designates unit not sterilizing

Display / Symptom	Cause	Check	Action
Positive biological indicator. No color change, or incomplete change has occurred on chemical indicator strip.	Sterilizer overloaded.	Check if chamber is overloaded.	Reduce load size.
	Improper usage.	Check user operating procedure.	Demonstrate proper operation to user.
	Wrong type of biological indicator or chemical indicator being used for this type of sterilizer.	Check biological or chemical indicator to assure it is for steam sterilization and is rated for the cycle times and temperature being used.	Refer to the Users Guide for proper sterilization monitoring guidelines.
	Biological indicator or chemical indicator being used is past the expiration date.	Check the indicator and / or packaging to determine what the expiration date is.	Use only biological and chemical indicators that haven't expired.
	Chemical indicator has come into contact with water in sterilizer.	Check with operator on the positioning of indicator in the chamber.	Demonstrate correct positioning of indicator to user.
	Biological or chemical indicators are being stored in a damp and / or hot environment.	Check condition of the area where indicators are being stored.	Inform operator to follow storage recommendations of indicator manufacturer.
	Sterilizer malfunction	Put unit into Service Diagnostics and check for stored error codes, correct temperature, and pressure readings.	Repair as needed based on results of Service Diagnostics test results.

Maintenance message is displayed

Display / Symptom	Cause	Check	Action
PERFORM PERIODIC or MONTHLY MAINTENANCE	Sterilizer software senses that the cycle count has reached 7, 14, or 21 days from initial start-up or monthly maintenance.	Refer to: User Guide for periodic maintenance procedures.	Perform periodic maintenance.
PERFORM PERIODIC or MONTHLY MAINTENANCE	Sterilizer software senses that the cycle count has reached 28 days from initial start-up or monthly maintenance	Refer to: User Guide for monthly maintenance procedures.	Perform monthly maintenance.

Printer (Optional) does not print

Display / Symptom	Cause	Check	Action
Printer does not generate data.	Printer is out of paper.	Lift printer cover and check condition of paper.	Install new roll of paper. User Guide
	Printer cartridge is dry.	Check condition of printer cartridge.	Replace printer cartridge. User Guide
	Printer wire harness is disconnected.	Check printer wire harness connections on printer and on back of sterilizer.	Secure printer wire harness connections.
	Printer wire harness has broken or open leads.	Check printer wire harness leads for continuity.	Replace printer wire harness.
	Printer is malfunctioning.	Check for 5 VDC at TP3 & TP4 on PC board.	If voltage is present, replace printer.
	PC board is malfunctioning.	Check for 5 VDC at TP3 & TP4 on PC board.	If voltage is not present, replace PC board.

Chamber fills with water

Display / Symptom	Cause	Check	Action
Chamber fills with water when cycle is aborted with the door closed.	Unit lost power in heatup or sterilize modes due to a power failure or user turned power off. Chamber filled with water from the reservoir as unit cooled.	Ask questions about recent usage patterns and electrical events (storms, outages, etc.).	Replace check valve on copper tubing between the boiler and the pressure interlock assembly.

English / Metric display units can not be changed from display panel

Display / Symptom	Cause	Check	Action
When in User Diagnosic mode, English / Metric display units can not be changed.	Version 1.1.4 main PCB.	If main PCB version is 1.1.4.	On version 1.1.4 main PCB, flip #7 dip switch ON.