GE Cardiocap 5 Service Manual

							
Contents 
Chapter 4. Troubleshooting  
4.1 Messages........................................................................\
....4-1 
4.2 Troubleshooting charts.........................................................4-7 
4.2.1 Start-up troubleshooting........................................................................\
.....4-7 
4.2.2 General........................................................................\
..............................4-8 
4.2.3 ECG........................................................................\
...................................4-8 
4.2.4 Impedance respiration........................................................................\
........4-9 
4.2.5 Pulse oximetry (SpO2), standard...................................................................4-9 
4.2.6 NIBP........................................................................\
..................................4-9 
4.2.7 Temperature........................................................................\
.......................4-9 
4.3 Troubleshooting charts for options.......................................4-10 
4.3.1 Recorder (N-XREC)........................................................................\
............4-10 
4.3.2 Invasive blood pressure (N-XP)...................................................................4-10 
4.3.3 Pulse oximetry (N-XOSAT or N-XNSAT).........................................................4-11 
4.3.4 Airway gases (N-XC, N-XCO, or N-XCAiO).....................................................4-12 
4.3.5 Patient Spirometry (N-XV)........................................................................\
..4-13 
4.3.6 NeuroMuscular Transmission (N-XNMT)......................................................4-14 
 
 
  
						

							
Troubleshooting 
4. TROUBLESHOOTING 
See the User’s Reference Manual for more messages and troubleshooting procedures.  
4.1 Messages 
MESSAGE POSSIBLE CAUSE ACTION 
Acknowl. alarms 
silenced 
Acknowledged alarms are silenced (Silence 
Alarms key pressed during silencing period). 
No action required. 
Air leakage Hose and/or cuff leaking. Damaged cuff, cuff 
connector, or hose double connector. 
Replace cuff, cuff connector, and/or 
hose double connector. 
 Hose and cuff OK, but tube disconnected or 
damaged. 
Connect or replace tube. 
 O-ring damaged or missing. Replace O-ring. 
 Leakage inside the module. Replace the whole tubing. 
 Tube disconnected or damaged; valve(s) 
damaged. 
Fix connections. Replace tubes/valve(s). 
 Air chamber leaking. Replace the NIBP board. 
Adjust Calibration gas accepted and monitor is ready 
for gas value adjustments. Message may appear 
during calibration. 
Adjust the gas values to match the 
calibration gas concentration. 
Apnea  Respiration source is CO2. Respiration waveform 
is normal. 
Check respiration source and change it 
to correct one. 
Apnea deactivated Apnea alarm is silenced until reactivation after 
five breaths. 
No action required. 
Artifact(s) Unsuccessful NIBP, SpO2, or ECG measurement 
because of patient movements or shivering. 
Stabilize or warm the patient and start a 
new measurement. 
Back-up batt. failure Discharged or faulty back-up battery. Use mains power for four hours, then 
switch to battery power.  If the message 
reappears, replace the battery. 
Cable off NMT or regional block cable is not connected. Check/correct cable connections. 
Calibrate Agent ID Agent identification error. Perform gas calibration. 
Calibration failed  
(invasive blood pressure) 
Unsuccessful calibration of P1/P2 (number 
field); possibly due to pulsating waveform. 
Turn the transducer to 
sphygmomanometer and try again 
(zeroing takes place first). 
 Gain is beyond the limits (± 20 % of the default 
gain). 
Replace the transducer. 
Calibration not 
protected 
NIBP calibration protection is set to OFF. Open the NIBP Calibration menu and set 
Protection ON. 
Calibration switch ON  EEPROM protection switch (gear wheel) 
accessed through hole in bottom of module is 
set for calibration. 
Enables the Protection OFF setting in the 
NIBP Calibration menu. Turn the gear 
wheel to select Protection ON if you are 
not going to calibrate. 
4-1  
						

							
Cardiocap/5 Technical Reference Manual 
MESSAGE POSSIBLE CAUSE ACTION 
Call service:  Error X 
(X = the NIBP hardware  
 1 ROM checksum error; memory failure Change NIBP board. 
error number shown in 
next column)  2 + 15 V failure. Check short circuits. Change NIBP 
board. 
  3 – 15 V failure. Check short circuits. Change NIBP 
board. 
  4 EEPROM protection switch error. Change NIBP calibration protection to 
OFF by turning the gear wheel and 
selecting Protection OFF in the NIBP 
Calibration menu. 
  5 Calibration is not protected. Protect NIBP calibration by selecting 
Protection ON in the NIBP Calibration 
menu. 
  6 ADC error. ADC circuit failure. Change NIBP board. 
  7 Watchdog time too short. Change NIBP board. 
  8 Watchdog time too long. Change NIBP board. 
  9 Watchdog activated. Change NIBP board. 
  10 EEPROM checksum error; memory failure. Change NIBP board. 
  11 Auto zero range exceeded. Calibrate NIBP. 
  12 Communication break; temporary 
breakdown of communication from monitor 
detected. 
Automatic recovery. 
  14 Auto Start too early (needs 25 seconds 
without pressure) 
Turn off the monitor. Wait longer than  
25 seconds, then turn on the monitor. 
Check D-fend Sampling line is not connected or was not 
connected at start-up. Water trap not attached 
properly. Gas outlet blocked. 
Check/correct water trap and sampling 
line connections. Unblock gas outlet. 
Then, push Normal Screen key. 
 Leak in the sampling line inside the 
measurement unit. If air leak persists, measured 
gas values disappear. 
Check for internal air leak. 
 D-fend membrane is not intact. Replace D-fend. 
 Gas zero valve or pump failure. Check/replace zero valve and/or pump. 
Check SpO2 probe No acceptable pulse is found after a 20-second 
pulse search; there is no detectable signal.  The 
sensor is detached from the patient or sensor 
cables are not connected properly.  
Check the SpO2 sensor application and 
all cable connections.  
 Unsuitable site. Try a different site. 
 Faulty or wrong type of SpO2 sensor (sensor is 
not specified for use with the installed pulse 
oximetry). 
Change the sensor.  Be sure to use a 
sensor that is approved for use with the 
type of pulse oximetry installed in the 
monitor. 
Check stim. electrodes (NMT) stimulus current could not be delivered 
due to a poor stimulus electrode connection or a 
damaged cable. 
Check electrodes. Check/replace 
damaged cable. 
Control measurement NIBP alarm limit was exceeded and a new 
measurement was started automatically. 
No action required. 
4-2  
						

							
Troubleshooting 
MESSAGE POSSIBLE CAUSE ACTION 
Cuff loose (NIBP) Hose and/or cuff not connected. Connect the hose and the cuff. 
 Cuff loosely wrapped. Tighten the cuff. 
 Leakage in cuff or hose. Replace cuff/hose. 
 Leakage inside module. Check/fix internal tubing and air 
chamber. 
 Pump does not work. Check pump connector; if O.K., replace 
pump. 
 No pulses during the last three measurements Check cuff positioning. 
Cuff occlusion NIBP cuff and/or hose occlusion due to kinked 
cuff tube or kinked tube inside unit 
Straighten tube. 
 Cuff and/or hose occlusion inside/outside 
module. 
Remove occlusion. 
 Fault in pressure transducer or A/D converter. Replace NIBP board. 
 Faulty calibration. Check calibration. 
 Missing voltages. Recalibrate. 
Cuff over-pressure NIBP cuff is squeezed during measurement and 
pressure safety limits are exceeded. 
Stop measurement; start a new 
measurement. 
EEPROM Error EEPROM memory malfunction 
(EEPROM is on CPU board). 
Perform factory reset. If the problem 
persists, replace the CPU board. Perform 
factory reset after replacing the board. 
EMG electrodes off (NMT) EMG recording electrodes are off. 
Electrodes or stimulus clip is loose. 
Check application of electrodes and 
stimulus clip. 
ESTP measurement 
removed 
Signal cable is loose or not attached. Check signal cable connections from 
Mother board to CPU board. 
Gas measurement 
removed  
(for CO2) 
Signal cable is loose or not attached. Check signal cable connections (Mother 
board to CPU board or Spirometry board 
to gas unit). 
Leads off One or more cables are disconnected or off the 
patient. This message may appear during 
defibrillation. 
Check ECG cable, all leads, and the 
neutral electrode (RL/N). 
Long measurement time NIBP measurement is prolonged over the 
maximum measurement time (two minutes with 
adult or child inflation limits; one minute with 
infant inflation limits). 
Reapply the cuff, calm the patient, and 
start a new measurement. 
Measurement off NMT cable is connected, but NMT measurement 
has not started. 
No action required. Message is no longer 
displayed when measurement starts. 
Monitor is overheating Temperature inside monitor is above maximum 
limit. 
Check/change the dust filter at the back 
of the monitor. 
MVexp 
						

							
Cardiocap/5 Technical Reference Manual 
MESSAGE POSSIBLE CAUSE ACTION 
NIBP measurement 
removed 
Signal cable is loose or not attached. Check signal cable connections from 
Mother board to CPU board. 
No P1/P2 transducer Invasive pressure or transducer cable not 
connected. 
Connect invasive pressure or transducer 
cable. 
No SpO2 probe SpO2 sensor is not connected to the monitor. Check sensor connections. 
 Faulty or wrong type of SpO2 sensor (sensor is 
not specified for use with the installed pulse 
oximetry). 
Change SpO2 sensor. Use only sensors 
that are approved for use with the type of 
pulse oximetry installed in the monitor. 
No SpO2 pulse Pulse search exceeded 20 seconds, low SpO2, 
or low pulse rate. An acceptable pulse was not 
present for 10 seconds. 
Try a different site. 
Noise High frequency or 50/60 Hz noise interfering 
with ECG. 
Isolate source of noise. 
Not zeroed 
(invasive blood pressure) 
Measurement on, channel not zeroed. Zero the channel. 
Occlusion See Sample line blocked.  
Poor signal Modulation (red or infrared) < 0.25 %. Patient 
may be cold. 
Make sure patient is not cold. 
Pressure measurement 
removed 
Signal cable is loose or not attached. Check signal cable connections from 
Mother board to CPU board. 
Printer error Printer is out of paper or paper is jammed. Printer 
is not online or is not turned on. Printer cable is 
loose or broken. 
Check paper, printer connections, 
power, and cables. 
Printer failure Printer is not responding (see Printer error). Select/use a different printer. 
Pulse search Monitor is searching for pulse oximetry signal. No action required. 
RAM Error RAM memory malfunction  
(RAM is on CPU board). 
Replace the CPU board. Perform factory 
reset after replacing the board. 
Recorder: cover open Recorder cover open. Close the recorder cover correctly. 
Recorder: input voltage 
high 
+12 Vrec is too high.  Check flex-strip cable and connector 
board. 
Recorder: input voltage 
low 
+12 Vrec is too low.  Check flex-strip cable and connector 
board. 
Recorder: out of paper Out of paper or paper jam.  Insert a roll of paper into the recorder or 
release paper jam. 
Recorder:  system error  
(1, 2, or 3) 
System error.  If the problem persists, replace the 
recorder unit. 
Recorder: thermal array 
overheat 
Recorder overheated.  Stop using and allow recorder to cool. 
Reference not stable (NMT) The deviation between the four reference 
stimulation responses is too big, causing 
reference setting to fail. This can be caused by 
movement artifact and may occur when the 
patient is relaxed. 
Check for movement.  
Replace D-fend Residue build-up on water trap membrane 
(decreases airflow).  
Replace the D-fend. 
4-4  
						

							
Troubleshooting 
MESSAGE POSSIBLE CAUSE ACTION 
Response too weak (NMT) The maximum gain is insufficient to 
increase the response signal amplitude to a 
measurable level. This can occur if: 
• Stimulation current is too weak. 
• Stimulation electrodes are not connected or 
they are improperly placed on the nerve. 
• Recording electrodes are disconnected. 
• Electrode(s) dry and should be replaced. 
• Skin at electrode site is improperly prepared. 
Reposition the stimulating or recording 
electrodes. Change the site of the 
measuring electrodes. 
Sample line blocked Blocked sampling line (inside or outside 
monitor), occluded water trap, or water trap 
container is full. If occlusion persists, measured 
gas values disappear. 
Check sampling line. 
Check/empty water trap container. 
Check internal tubing for blockages. 
Sensor inop. The temperature is too high. Check fan and filter at the front panel. 
 Communication error. Check timeout and bad checksum 
values at the service menu 
Setting reference (NMT) Reference search in progress. No action required. 
Small resp. curve Respiration signal is very small. With 3-lead cable, try another lead 
connection (I, II, III) or try 5-lead cable. 
Snapshot memory full Creating new snapshot will erase old one. Cancel the selection if you do not want 
to erase old snapshot. Otherwise, create 
new snapshot. 
SpO2 probe off 
(probe properly attached) 
Unsuitable SpO2 sensor site. Try another site. 
 Faulty SpO2 sensor. Try another SpO2 sensor. 
 SpO2 sensor cable not connected to sensor. Connect the cable to the SpO2 sensor. 
SRAM Error SRAM memory malfunction  
(SRAM is on CPU board). 
Restart the monitor. If the problem 
persists, replace the battery for SRAM 
timekeeper. Perform factory reset after 
replacing the battery. 
If message persists, replace CPU board. 
Supramax not found (NMT) Supramaximal stimulus current (70 mA) 
was not found. 
Stop measurement, reposition the 
stimulating or recording electrodes, and 
restart measurement. 
Supramax search (NMT) Supramaximal stimulus current search in 
progress. 
No action required. 
Temperature error Faulty calibration. Perform calibration. If it does not help, 
check that front panel connectors are 
properly connected to STP board. 
Tetanic (NMT) Tetanic stimulation is on. No action required. 
Unable to measure Dia Accurate diastolic pressure not achieved 
because of artifacts, weak pulsation, etc. 
Automatic retrial with increased 
pressure. 
Unable to measure Sys Systolic blood pressure probably higher than the 
maximum inflation pressure. 
Automatic retrial with increased 
pressure. 
Unstable Unsuccessful calibration. Message may appear 
during calibration. 
Repeat calibration. 
4-5  
						

							
Cardiocap/5 Technical Reference Manual 
MESSAGE POSSIBLE CAUSE ACTION 
Unstable zero pressure Pressure is unstable when starting the NIBP 
measurement. 
Calm the patient and retry. 
Voltage error Erroneous voltage level detected. Replace power supply unit. 
Weak pulsation Weak or unstable oscillation pulses due to: 
• Marked arrhythmia; too few pulses detected; 
weak or unusual blood circulation. 
• Artifacts (accurate diastolic pressure difficult 
to measure) or marked drop in diastolic 
pressure.  
• Improper cuff position or attachment. 
NOTE: May give systolic value. 
Check patient condition; check for leaks; 
check size of cuff and cuff attachment.  
Retry.  
xx Zeroing error Gas zeroing failed. Condensation or residual 
gases are affecting zero measurement.  
Allow monitor to run drawing room air for 
half an hour and calibrate again. 
Zero error Unsuccessful zeroing. Message may appear 
during calibration. 
Repeat zeroing. 
Zeroing failed 
(invasive blood pressure) 
Unsuccessful zeroing of P1/P2 (number field). 
Possibly due to pulsating pressure waveform. 
Open the transducer to air and zero the 
channel. 
 Offset is > 150 mmHg (20.0 kPa). Open the transducer to air and zero the 
channel. 
 Defective transducer. Replace transducer and zero the 
channel. 
… lead off A lead wire (…) is disconnected. Check/connect the lead wire. 
 
4-6  
						

							
Troubleshooting 
4.2 Troubleshooting charts 
4.2.1 Start-up troubleshooting 
No picture on screen NOTES 
⇓  
Check that the mains power is 100 to 240VAC. If the mains power is too low or high the power supply 
does not work. 
Check that the mains fuses have not blown. Fuse type has to be T2AH. 
Check that the monitor is not in the SHUT DOWN 
mode. 
Detach the mains cord from the monitor for at least 
30 seconds to reset possible SHUT DOWN mode. 
OK but still no display  
⇓  
Check that the green LED on front panel upper right 
corner is lit or flashing when the power cord is 
connected to mains. 
This indicates that +15V VDD is coming from the 
AC/DC unit to the DC/DC board and the battery is 
charged. 
OK but still no display  
⇓  
Check that the alarm LEDs on front panel light after 
pressing the ON/STBY button. 
If the LED is lit it indicates that +3.3 V and +5 V is 
coming from the DC/DC board to the CPU. 
Alarm LEDs blank after about 20 seconds. If the LEDs only blank for a short moment and then 
remain lit, the CPU software didn’t start. 
⇓ 
Try reloading new software from a PC-card 
OK but still no display  
⇓  
Check if the fan starts running. If the fan does not start, the CPU is not working. 
Check if the NIBP pump starts after pressing the NIBP 
start button. 
If the NIBP pump does not start the NESTPR unit is 
not communicating with the CPU, or the NIBP board 
is broken. 
OK but still no display  
⇓  
The CPU and parameter units seem to be OK, the 
picture is missing for some other reason. Some 
voltages may be missing or the display is broken. 
 
4-7  
						

							
Cardiocap/5 Technical Reference Manual 
4.2.2 General 
SITUATION POSSIBLE CAUSE ACTION 
Keyboard and ComWheel 
are not working 
Keyboard and ComWheel cables 
not connected to CPU board. 
Detach monitor rear cover and check the 
cable connections to the CPU. 
 Faulty CPU. Replace the CPU if the cable connections 
are OK 
Keyboard is not working 
but the ComWheel works 
Keyboard cable not properly 
connected to the CPU board. 
Detach monitor rear cover and check the 
keyboard cable connection to CPU. 
 Faulty key or defective CPU board. Enter service mode and do Dummy Press 
keyboard test. Replace the keyboard if 
only a single key does not respond. 
Replace the CPU if more than one or two 
keys do not respond. 
No curves in the 
waveform fields and no 
digits in the digit fields 
(gray fields only) 
Wrong configuration set. If the menus can be opened, enter service 
mode and select the configuration set 
according to the monitor configuration. 
 SRAM back-up battery failure. If the set configuration is lost after a short 
switch off period, replace the back-up 
battery on the CPU board. 
NOTE: The clock goes to 0:0 and the 
configuration is lost if the back-up battery 
fails or if the SRAM lost data for some 
other reason. 
Some trend details do 
not appear. 
Settings for parameter and time 
scales. 
Adjust the parameter and time scales to 
see the desired trend detail. 
   
4.2.3 ECG 
SITUATION POSSIBLE CAUSE ACTION 
HR numerical display 
shows --- 
No heart rate available. If no ECG waveform, check LEADS OFF 
message and connect the leads. 
If ECG waveform exists, check heart rate 
source (For example, in the ECG Setup 
menu behind ECG key). 
Unacceptable ECG 
waveform 
Poor electrode or poor electrode 
skin contact. 
Electrodes from different manufacturers 
are used/Too much/little gel is used. 
 Poor electrode condition. Electrodes are dried out. 
 Improper site of electrodes. Check that electrodes are not placed over 
bones, active muscles, or layers of fat. 
 Improper skin preparation. Remove body hair. Clean attachment site 
carefully with alcohol. 
 Improper bandwidth filter. Check filter. 
No ECG trace Waveform not selected on screen. Adjust (Monitor Setup – Screen Setup – 
Waveform Fields). 
 Module not plugged in correctly. Plug in. 
   
4-8