Midmark M9® -05x / M11® -05x Sterilizer Non-Coded Troubleshooting Chart

WARNING

To prevent risk of shock always disconnect power before removing covers or performing any service procedure.

WARNING

Some procedures require power to be connected with covers removed. Line voltage is present. Use extreme caution to prevent electric shock.

Problem

Cause

Action

Sterilization failure evidence from process monitor (e.g., chemical indicator, biological indicator).

Error message present during cycle.

Check if cycle was interrupted.

Ensure cycle was completed.

Sterilization conditions were not present at the location of the indicator.

Reload sterilizer in accordance with guidelines for loading the M9® or M11®.

Indicator is out of date, is inappropriate for sterilization cycle, has otherwise malfunctioned, was incorrectly handled or not completely dry.

Use an indicator appropriate for the load and cycle selected that has been stored properly.

Contact the indicator manufacturer for additional information on proper selection, use, storage and potential misapplication or malfunction.

Sterilization cycle was aborted prior to the start of the dry cycle.

Did sterilizer display “items not sterile”.

Retest allowing the sterilizer to complete the cycle before removing the Biological Indicator from the chamber.

Using trays not designed for M9/M11, resulting in improper air flow.

Check trays being used.

Explain to user that only M9/M11

trays or approved cassette / cassette racks can be used.

Improper steam conditions.

Use proper water quality per Water Purity Specification Chart.

Door gasket is leaking.

Clean, remove and reinstall or replace door gasket.

Problem

Cause

Action

Discoloration of CSR wrap, pouches, etc.

Sterilizer is improperly loaded.

Reload sterilizer in accordance with guidelines for

loading the M9 or M11.

Sterilizer is unlevel.

See “Leveling Procedure” in the User Guide.

Heating element not uniformly submerged in water during cycle.

WARNING
Wait until the sterilizer is cool to the touch before beginning.

Remove trays, tray rack and tray plate from chamber.

Start a sterilization cycle and monitor the display.

Press STOP after the Filling mode is complete to interrupt cycle.

Heating element should be uniformly submerged in water. If not, adjust front leveling feet so the heating element is uniformly submerged.

If issue continues, unplug unit power cord and contact an authorized service representative. See Calling for Service.

 

Excessive dry time.

Check the dry time for the cycle parameter.

Adjust dry time.

Factory preset is 30 minutes.

Problem

Cause

Action

Display goes blank/black or is not legible.

Display power loss or electromagnetic interference.

Remove power for 10 seconds, then restore power. If a cycle was running, the load must be reprocessed.

Problem

Cause

Action
 

 

Sterilizer does not operate (no display).

 Sterilizer power cord came loose from supply outlet or back of the sterilizer. Ensure sterilizer power cord is plugged into outlet and sterilizer.

No power at sterilizer supply outlet.

Check circuit breaker for supply outlet. If problem recurs, unplug unit power cord and contact a certified electrician.

Fuse blown (faulty fuses F1/F2 on main PC board)

Replace fuses.

Fuse holder compromised.

Replace Main PC board.

Faulty PC board.

Refer to: Main PC Board Test

Replace PC board.

Power cord / receptacle damaged.

Replace power cord / receptacle.

Loose/damaged wire connections.

Secure/replace wires.

Problem

Cause

Action

GFI Tripping

GFI is tripped.

Reset GFI.

Weak/faulty GFI outlet.

Check if sterilizer works on different GFI outlet.

Contact an electrician to replace GFI outlet.

Voltage leak through sterilizer components.

Check all electrical components and wire connections for deterioration.

Secure/clean/replace compromised component.

Heating element gasket leaking.

Check for corrosion from moisture leak at heating element terminals or thermostat connections.

Replace heating element gaskets.

Replace damaged wire and/or connection.

Heating element malfunctioning.

With both heater wires J3 and J4 disconnected from the PC board, measure the resistance between the wire to chassis ground.

Replace heating element.

Problem

Cause

Action
Display stuck in Preparing Mode. Sterilizer control and display fall out of sync. Remove power for 10 seconds, then restore power.
Cycle was started with the door open, then the door open error was dismissed without closing the door. The screen will continue to show “Preparing” until the door is closed. Ensure door is closed.
Door detect switch, wire harness or control board PCBA faulty. Identify faulty component requiring replacement.

Problem

Cause

Action
Door not closing.

Door/dam gasket(s).

Inspect door/dam gaskets for proper installation and any signs of sticking.

Install door/dam gaskets properly.

If new gasket, check if wire ring in gasket is preventing gasket from fully being seated.

Temporarily remove wire ring.

Re-install wire ring after gasket is fully seated.

Trays not pushed in properly.

Remove obstructions that prevent the trays from sliding in completely.

Door pins / latch binding.

With door open, door handle should move up/down freely.

Clean door pins / latch mechanism with Sprayon Synthetic Dry Protectant (Aerosol).

Inspect latch mechanism for wear / damage.

Replace worn / damaged components.

Door hinge binding.

Check for binding or buildup of debris in the door hinges.

Clean debris from hinges.

Problem

Cause

Action
Door gasket leaks Door gasket is damaged, dirty or improperly installed. Clean, remove and reinstall or replace door gasket.

Problem

Cause

Action
After sterilization is complete, all items must be handled in accordance with accepted and documented standards, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) documents, “Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings”. Please refer to the CDC guidelines.

Items are not dry at end of Dry cycle.

Sterilizer is improperly loaded.

Reload sterilizer in accordance with guidelines for loading the M9 or M11.

If the particular load configuration being used is consistently not dry at the end of the dry cycle, increase the cycle drying time or reduce the load.
Filter screen(s) are clogged. Clean or replace filter screen(s). See “Monthly Care” in User Guide.
Sterilizer is unlevel.

See “Leveling Procedure” in the User Guide.

Verify support surface is level.

Remove tray/trays.

Verify water on all sides of chamber is equal.

Problem

Cause

Action

Sterilizer shows signs of rust

Maintenance not performed.

Verify weekly and monthly maintenance has been performed by customer. Refer to “Routine Care” in the User Guide.

Perform monthly maintenance.

Incorrect water purity.

Follow the “Water Purity Specifications” in the User Guide.

Instruments are wet prior to sterilization.

Dry instruments thoroughly prior to sterilization.

Towels or packaging contain chlorine bleach residue.

Check how towels and packaging are laundered.

Do not use chlorine products to launder towels / packaging.

Excessive wrapping of instrument.

Check if the instruments are wrapped in multiple layers or heavy cloth.

Refer to “Guidelines for Loading” in the User Guide.

Instruments are rusting.

Check quality of instrument with magnet. Rust can be transferred from instruments to the sterilizer. Corrosion sensitive material, such as carbon steal, iron, etc.

Replace rusting instruments.

Problem

Cause

Action

Water puddling under door.

Sterilizer is not level. (Remove tray / trays )

Verify support surface is level.

Remove tray/trays.

Verify water on all sides of chamber is equal.

Gap between gasket housing and dam gasket.

Replace dam gasket.

Weak or worn gasket kit.

Check for loose/worn door and dam gaskets or water leaking around door.

Verify door and dam gaskets are installed properly.

Replace gasket kit 1x year.

Clean/replace gaskets.

Heating element gasket leaking.

Check for corrosion from moisture leaking at heating element terminals or thermostat terminals.

Replace heating element gaskets.

Reservoir/tubing leaking.

Check reservoir and tubing from the reservoir to the manifold assembly for leaks.

Repair/replace reservoir or tubing.

Manifold block leaking.

Check manifold block assembly for leaks.

Replace Fill/Vent Manifold assembly.

Problem

Cause

Action

Steam escaping from pressure relief valve.

Pressure relief valve is not properly seated.

Reseat pressure relief valve. See “Monthly Care” in User Guide.

Problem

Cause

Action

Offensive odor

Maintenance not performed.

Verify weekly and monthly maintenance has been performed by customer. Refer to “Routine Care” in the User Guide.

Perform monthly maintenance.

End user using rust inhibitor (surgical milk).

Check if draining reservoir daily.

Drain reservoir daily.

Problem

Cause

Action

Plastic ring fell in reservoir.

End user filling reservoir with distilled water.

Have service technician remove from reservoir next office visit.

Problem

Cause

Action

Noise / unusual sound

Door/dam gasket(s).

Press on door to see if noise/sound goes away.

Clean/replace gaskets.

Maintenance not performed.

Verify weekly and monthly maintenance has been performed by customer. Refer to “Routine Care” in the User Guide.

Perform monthly maintenance.

Vent valve.

Inspect vent valve.

Clean valve, stretch spring.

Clean/replace vent valve.

Air valve.

Check for sticking or debris in air valve.

Clean/replace air valve.

Fan malfunctioning.

Check fan operation.

Replace fan.