VI. Troubleshooting
Symptoms
Causes and Comments
The instrument is making an
unusual, rapid clicking noise
when it is turned on.
•
Verify that the shipping anchors have been removed.
•
One of the machine sensors might have a dust particle interfering with it. Contact Promega or
your local Promega representative for assistance with sensor cleaning.
The LCD screen does not light
up when the instrument is
turned on.
If you
cannot
hear the motors running:
•
Check that the unit is plugged into a working electrical outlet.
•
Verify that the plug is securely plugged into the back of the instrument.
•
A 3-amp fuse protects the instrument electronics and is located next to the power switch. If
the fuse is blown, identify and correct the cause. Never replace this fuse with a fuse rated for
an amperage higher than 3A.
•
Contact Promega or your local Promega representative for service.
If you
can
hear the motors running:
•
Either a cable has become disconnected from the LCD screen, or the LCD screen is broken or
damaged. Contact Promega or your local Promega representative for service.
The machine makes unusual
noises during the run.
The machine will make some noise during a typical run. Unusual (or louder than usual) noises
may indicate that the heads are sticking. Continued operation under these conditions can cause
damage to the instrument. Heads that are sticking may be lubricated with
light
machine oil. Do
not get any oil on the drive belts. Use a small amount of oil on a cotton swab. If this does not
correct the problem, contact Promega or your local Promega representative for service.
Heater error at the elution step. Something is wrong with the electrical heating system. Contact Promega or your local Promega
representative for service.
Plungers are not completely
stripped off the rods at the end
of the run.
Always be careful to check that plungers are clear of the magnetic rod assembly before
extending the platform out from inside the instrument. If the problem occurs consistently, check
that the magnetic rods are clean. Wipe them down carefully with a damp cloth. Do not reuse
plungers; plungers that are reused may not be completely removed at the end of the run. If
plungers are consistently left on, contact Promega or your local Promega representative for
service.
Can I change the steps in a
protocol?
No. Contact Promega or your local Promega representative for firmware upgrades. As new
purification kits become available, new automated methods will be offered. Reagents are
predispensed and optimized to work with the preprogrammed automated methods.
The buttons don’t work.
Some of the buttons are ignored during processing. If a button is not working consistently,
please contact Promega or your local Promega representative. Do not use spray cleaner on the
keypad, as it can seep in and short out the keyboard.
When I close (or open) the door,
the program does not advance.
There may be a problem with the door sensor. Please contact Promega or your local Promega
representative for service.
Promega Corporation ·
2800 Woods Hollow Road
·
Madison, WI 53711-5399 USA
·
Toll Free in USA 800-356-9526
·
Phone 608-274-4330
·
Fax 608-277-2516
· www.promega.com
Part# TM274
Printed in USA.
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Revised 6/08
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