Variant II/Variant II Turbo and Link Troubleshooting Quick Guide

Rev 08/16/16mjn

Table of Contents

Low Total Area Counts or C-grams Flat Line…………………………………………………………………………………………. 1

High Total Area Counts or Waste Overflow………………………………………………………………………………….…………5

Missed Retention Time Windows. No Analyte Percentage Calculated………………………………………………… 7

Pump Pressure Fluctuates……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 9

Pump Overpressure……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..10

Pump Under Pressure………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…11

C-Gram Spikes………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………..12

Front and Rear Rack Jam, Rack Sensing, Intermittent “Rear rack cannot find home position” Error……..13

Noisy Tube Spin…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….14

Probe Crash and Sampling Errors…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..15

Ramping Baseline…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..16

Failing Calibrations……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..….18

QC Out of Range…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….18

Sampler Y-Axis Home Position Error……………………………………………………………………………………………………….19

Page 1
The document above should only be used by members of the Bio-Rad Field Service and Technical Support teams that have completed training on the
service and support of the Variant II, Variant II-Turbo, Variant II- Turbo Link, VNBS, and NHS instruments.

This document is not to be given or transmitted to persons other than those described above.
 Variant II/Variant II Turbo and Link Troubleshooting Quick Guide
Rev 08/16/16mjn
Sampler Z-Axis Home Position Error………………………………………………………………………………………………………19

Syringe #1 or #2 Home Position Errors………………………………………………………………………………………………….20

Tube Mixer Z-axis Home Position Error…………………………………………………………………………………………………20

Door Open Error……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………20

Sampler-Tube Holder Cannot Detect Home Position Sensor…………………………………………………………………21

Detector Problem – Hardware Fault……………………………………………………………………………………………………..21

Communication Errors………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….22

Sample Syringe Cannot Find Home Position Error…………………………………………………………………………………23

Sample Syringe Movement Error………………………………………………………………………………………………………….23

Troubleshooting Hints………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….24

Troubleshooting High Pressure…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….25

Checking Activity Log……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………25

Critical Hardware Failure………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………26

Intermittent Problem on the Activity Log……………………………………………………………………………………………..26

Computer Lock Ups………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………26

Variant Platform Computer Types………………………………………………………………………………………………………..27

Page 2
The document above should only be used by members of the Bio-Rad Field Service and Technical Support teams that have completed training on the
service and support of the Variant II, Variant II-Turbo, Variant II- Turbo Link, VNBS, and NHS instruments.

This document is not to be given or transmitted to persons other than those described above.
 Variant II/Variant II Turbo and Link Troubleshooting Quick Guide
Rev 08/16/16mjn
Firmware Reference Table………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………28

Summary of Firmware Versions………………………………………………………………………………………………………………29

VSS and VCS CPU Board Identification…………………………………………………………………………………………………….30

Page 3
The document above should only be used by members of the Bio-Rad Field Service and Technical Support teams that have completed training on the
service and support of the Variant II, Variant II-Turbo, Variant II- Turbo Link, VNBS, and NHS instruments.

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 Variant II/Variant II Turbo and Link Troubleshooting Quick Guide
Rev 08/16/16mjn

PROBLEM CAUSE FIX

Low Total Area Counts or C-gram Flat Patient Sample Related
Line. Low hematocrit (low Make up lower dilution in microvial: >1:200 for VII (i.e. 10/20ul:1000ul)
red cell volume in and >1:300 for VIIT (i.e. 10/20ul:1500ul).
Total Area Low sample)
Limit Clotted sample • Clean probe.
• Rim sample tube with applicator stick or have sample redrawn.
Turbo 2.0 Chemistry 1 million • Make manual dilution.
• Run sample before refrigeration.
• Run sample after it comes to room temp after refrigeration.
Turbo 1.0 Chemistry 1 million Short/Insufficient Make sample dilution in microvial; 5ul:1000ul for VII and 5ul:1500ul for
Sample VIIT.
VII Nu Chemistry 1 million Old Samples. Re-draw and run with newer sample. Samples good for about 1 week if
stored in the refrigerator or 1 day at room temp.
VII Beta Thal 1 million Primary Sample Tubes Affected
Chemistry High probe Height Adjust probe height at either the sample position (needle too high),
dilution chamber (needle too high), or both.
VNBS & NHS Sickle 750,000
cell Chemistry

Page 4
The document above should only be used by members of the Bio-Rad Field Service and Technical Support teams that have completed training on the
service and support of the Variant II, Variant II-Turbo, Variant II- Turbo Link, VNBS, and NHS instruments.

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 Variant II/Variant II Turbo and Link Troubleshooting Quick Guide
Rev 08/16/16mjn

PROBLEM CAUSE FIX

Air/Fluid Leaks • Check VSS syringe tubing at nipple connections for proper
seating.
• Check VSS syringe tubing for cuts or damage. (2702028)
• Check VCS syringe for leaks or large air bubble above
Low Total Area Count barrel tip.
• Check probe tubing connections for tightness or missing
ferrules. Also check for improper swaging including ferrule
to tight squeezing tubing.
• Check VSS syringes for cracks or leaks.
• Check injector connections for tightness or wear.
• Check sample syringe lead screw slop preventing sample
slug to fully get in the sample loop.
Bad Pinch Valve (mainly 1 • Test pinch valves in service software for function/replace
& 2) if faulty.
• Check connection board for proper seating.
• Massage tubing thru pinch valves.
• Plugged/debris tubing in pinch valves. Check valves
1,2,5,6,7. Pinch valves 1 thru 4 (2702070).
No Tube Venting Check probe alignment/sample alignment in service software.
Align sample/air to stop between pinch valve 1 and 2.
Poor sample mixing (VII Align mix head. Refrain from mixing sample tubes for the VII
only) or excessive tube Turbo.
mixing prior to putting on
instrument (VII Turbo)
Pre-Diluted Samples Affected
Inadequate Venting Repeat sample.
(Needle Sealing Microvial
Cap)

Page 5
The document above should only be used by members of the Bio-Rad Field Service and Technical Support teams that have completed training on the
service and support of the Variant II, Variant II-Turbo, Variant II- Turbo Link, VNBS, and NHS instruments.

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 Variant II/Variant II Turbo and Link Troubleshooting Quick Guide
Rev 08/16/16mjn

PROBLEM CAUSE FIX

Probe Height Too High For Probe alignment required.
Microvial
Low Total Area/Flat Line Improper Sample Rack Rack position or probe alignments needed.
Alignment (probe piercing
through microvial)
Sample Volumes Made Make sure the proper pipettes are being used and functioning
Incorrectly properly when making microvial dilutions.
Pre-Diluted and Primary Sample Tubes Affected
Worn or Dirty/Plugged 6- Replace a worn stator and rotor. Clean rotor and stylet stator if
Port Injector Valve just dirty/plugged. (MBB valve 2702362)
Stator/Rotor
Plugged Sample Injection Clean or replace. (VII, Turbo, Link 23uL injection loop. 2500057)
Loop
Faulty 3-Way Solenoid Replace. (2702168)
Valve
Faulty Pinch Valve (1,2, or Check and/or replace. (2702070)
3)

Sample Transport Tubing Flush, replace, and/or bleach tubing from VCS unit to VSS dilution
or Connections Clotted or chamber port. Sample delivery tubing (2702204), and L10
Leaking. (2702022) tubing.

L3 and L4 Tubing at the Clip end of tubing at ferrule and add new ferrule with proper re-
Injector have Poor Ferrule swaging. L3 (2702137) and L4 (2702180). Rheodyne ferrule
Placement or Has Ferrule (9400007).
Pinching Tubing or Clogged
Tubing.

Page 6
The document above should only be used by members of the Bio-Rad Field Service and Technical Support teams that have completed training on the
service and support of the Variant II, Variant II-Turbo, Variant II- Turbo Link, VNBS, and NHS instruments.

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 Variant II/Variant II Turbo and Link Troubleshooting Quick Guide
Rev 08/16/16mjn

PROBLEM CAUSE • FIX

Worn or Faulty 1ml or 5ml • Replace syringe barrels or replace entire syringe. Check for air
VSS Syringes or Worn in syringes. (1ml plunger 2702293, 5ml plunger 2702294, 1ml
Flat Line (sloppy) Syringe Lead entire syringe 2702277, and 5ml entire syringe 2702276)
Screws. • Check slop on syringe lead screws. Adjust syringe position by
adjusting software settings or adjust home syringe flag.
Tubing Leaks or Cartridge Check connection and tubing at cartridge holder inlet and outlet,
Holder Leaks. detector inlet, VCS syringe. Replace leaky cartridge holder (VII
Turbo 2.0 kit holder 2702463)
Light Level of Detector not Replace lamp, adjust detector voltages, or replace entire detector.
Aligned Properly (Lamp too
High or too Low)
Plugged pre-filter element Replace pre-filter element.

Missing L1 Tubing Ferrule Find or replace ferrule or L1 tubing. (2702021)

Page 7
The document above should only be used by members of the Bio-Rad Field Service and Technical Support teams that have completed training on the
service and support of the Variant II, Variant II-Turbo, Variant II- Turbo Link, VNBS, and NHS instruments.

This document is not to be given or transmitted to persons other than those described above.
 Variant II/Variant II Turbo and Link Troubleshooting Quick Guide
Rev 08/16/16mjn

PROBLEM CAUSE FIX

High Total Area Counts or Waste Patient Sample Related
Overflow.
High Total Area High Hematocrit (too many red cells in Make up greater dilution in microvial; >1:200
Count Limit sample) for VII (i.e. 5ul:1500ul) and >1:300 for VIIT (i.e.
Turbo 2.0 Chem 3.5 million 5ul:2000ul) in test tube and transfer to
Turbo 1.0 Chem 3.5 million microvial.
VII NU Chem 3.0 million Primary Sample Tubes Affected
VII Beta Thal Short 3.0 million External VSS waste tubing pinched. Dilution • Check VSS waste line tubing for crimps or
Chem chamber overflow. blockage.
VNBS & NHS Chem 6.5 million • Check VSS vacuum pump for function.
Vacuum Leak Check vacuum tubing for damage or leaks.
Bad Pinch Valves Replace or check PV1 thru PV7; PV 5,6, and 7
are in the rear part of VSS.
Faulty VSS Vacuum Pump Unit or Vacuum Replace if lower than normal suction or no
Pump Board suction out of dilution ports. Vac pump
(2702437).
Clogged Dilution Well Ports or Dilution • Check vacuum at each dilution
Chamber Waste Lin or Vacuum Tubing chamber port. Bleach and flush
chamber and ream tubing connection
holes with stylus if necessary.
• If all 3 ports show no vacuum after
cleaning and vacuum pump is
functioning, check tubing in the back
of VSS unit by pinch valves 5,6,7 for
clogs or restrictions. Clean or replace
tubing.

Page 8
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service and support of the Variant II, Variant II-Turbo, Variant II- Turbo Link, VNBS, and NHS instruments.

This document is not to be given or transmitted to persons other than those described above.
 Variant II/Variant II Turbo and Link Troubleshooting Quick Guide
Rev 08/16/16mjn

PROBLEM CAUSE FIX

Faulty or Worn VSS Syringes or Syringe Tubing Replace or repair 1ml or 5ml syringes or
syringe tubing. (1ml plunger 2702293, 5ml
plunger 2702294. Entire syringes: 1ml
2702277 and 5ml 2702276).
Pre-Diluted Affected
Poorly Made Sample Remake microvial sample dilution. Also verify
pipettors are working properly and using the
correct pipettor volumes.

Page 9
The document above should only be used by members of the Bio-Rad Field Service and Technical Support teams that have completed training on the
service and support of the Variant II, Variant II-Turbo, Variant II- Turbo Link, VNBS, and NHS instruments.

This document is not to be given or transmitted to persons other than those described above.
 Variant II/Variant II Turbo and Link Troubleshooting Quick Guide
Rev 08/16/16mjn

PROBLEM CAUSE FIX

Missed Retention Time Windows. Wrong Method Check method/ kit match.
No Analyte Percentage Calculated Contaminated/ Wrong Buffers Correct/Change buffers: buffer A elutes A1c or
• Volts vs. Time Chromatogram F hemoglobin’s. Buffer B elutes Ao or A2
• Analyte peak shifted fast or slow to hemoglobin’s.
miss peak window. Priming not done Prime cartridge
Method changed – no purge If switching instrument from one method to
another method (i.e. A1c kit switched over to
a Beta thal kit) properly purge and prime
Tip: Worn A/B pump seals can sometimes be system.
confirmed by removing all water seal wash Cartridge Problem Change cartridge.
tubing, commanding 100% flow in A/B pumps Worn Pump Bushings and/ or Pump Seals Rebuild pumps with pump service
and look for dropping liquid droplets from A/B kit.(2702315)
pump’s lower weep holes and if present, seals Very Low or Very High A1c Area Counts. Troubleshoot area counts.
need to be replaced. Flow Rates Incorrect Calibrate pump flow rates. Refer to VCS
adjustment procedures in the Service Manual.
Leaks Check tubing and connections for leaks or salt
build-up indicating slow leaks.
Flow Obstruction Find and correct obstruction. Check L3 and L4
tubing at the 6 port injector for incorrect
swaging or ferrule pinching tubing.

Page 10
The document above should only be used by members of the Bio-Rad Field Service and Technical Support teams that have completed training on the
service and support of the Variant II, Variant II-Turbo, Variant II- Turbo Link, VNBS, and NHS instruments.

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 Variant II/Variant II Turbo and Link Troubleshooting Quick Guide
Rev 08/16/16mjn

PROBLEM CAUSE FIX

Column Holder Temp incorrect compared to • Calibrate column heater temp using
display temp or incorrect temp settings. appropriate temp calibration resistors
Tolerance is +/- 1 degree of actual temp (2602208)
reading in the column block compared to the
display setting.

• Ensure heat sink compound is coated

sufficiently and evenly on back side of
column holder block.
• Check or replace: Column holder
block temp sensor faulty (2702091).
Column heater connection board No 249
(2702093). Thermo fuse assembly
(2700127).
• Thermo modules faulty (2700208).
• Verify correct temp settings.

Page 11
The document above should only be used by members of the Bio-Rad Field Service and Technical Support teams that have completed training on the
service and support of the Variant II, Variant II-Turbo, Variant II- Turbo Link, VNBS, and NHS instruments.

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 Variant II/Variant II Turbo and Link Troubleshooting Quick Guide
Rev 08/16/16mjn

Incorrect Calibration Factors Verify or correct calibration settings.

PROBLEM CAUSE FIX

Pump Pressure Fluctuates Leaks • Check tightness or corrosion of cartridge
and pre-cartridge/filter holders.
• Check for broken tubing tips or swaging
at cartridge and pre cartridge/filter
holder connections.
• Check for leaks or salt build-up at all
stainless steel connections from pumps
to cartridge holder.
Air in Pump Purge and check degasser for faults.
Pump Piston, Pump Seal, or Pump Bushing Rebuild pumps. After rebuilding pumps it’s
Worn or Failure possible to have air bubbles in the pump seal
springs.
Bad Pump Board Replace board (3 types) VCS No 297 pump
board (2702122A), No 244C pump board
(2702122) or VCS No 244 pump board
(2702490).

Page 12
The document above should only be used by members of the Bio-Rad Field Service and Technical Support teams that have completed training on the
service and support of the Variant II, Variant II-Turbo, Variant II- Turbo Link, VNBS, and NHS instruments.

This document is not to be given or transmitted to persons other than those described above.
 Variant II/Variant II Turbo and Link Troubleshooting Quick Guide
Rev 08/16/16mjn

PROBLEM CAUSE FIX

Pump Overpressure Clogged or Restricted Tubing or Over Find and replace tubing or connections.
Tightened Fittings Cartridge to detector tubing (2702136) most
common place for obstructions. Also plugs in
the 6 port injector can cause overpressure. L3
and L4 ferrules can crimp tubing at the 6 port
injector after performing maintenance on
those connections.
Faulty or Contaminated Pre-filter Replace pre-filter. If pressure immediately
Element/Cartridge comes down, then definitely a faulty or
contaminated filter or guard cartridge.
Faulty Cartridge Replace cartridge.
Pre-filter Housing Connection too tight at Rebuild or replace. Pre filter housing black or
Cartridge Holder Housing red insert pinched off from connection being
tightened excessively.
Faulty Pressure Transducer Replace (2700153).
Zero Pressure Calibration and Pump Driver Calibrate zero pressure and/or pump driver
Current Issues current. Refer to Service Manual VCS
adjustment procedures.
Debris build-up in Bottom Inside of Cartridge Clean cartridge holder.
Holder
Wrong Pressure Units Change from psi to kg/cm2.
Faulty Pump Board Replace VCS No. 297 pump board (2702122A),
244C pump board (2702122) or VCS No. 244

Page 13
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service and support of the Variant II, Variant II-Turbo, Variant II- Turbo Link, VNBS, and NHS instruments.

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 Variant II/Variant II Turbo and Link Troubleshooting Quick Guide
Rev 08/16/16mjn
Pump board (2702490) depending on which
revision is being used.

PROBLEM CAUSE FIX

Pump Under Pressure Leaks • Check pre-filter and cartridge holder
housings for leaks or excessive corrosion
and salt build-up.
Zero Pressure and Pump Driver Current Calibrate. Refer to VCS adjustment
Calibration procedures in the Service Manual.
Pump Piston, Seal, or Busing Worn, Broken, or Rebuild pumps using new pump service kit
Failure (2702315)
Air in Pump Purge and check degasser function.
Buffer Filter Stones Contaminated Replace buffer filter stones (2702344).
Faulty Pressure Transducer Replace (2700153).
Faulty Inlet or Outlet Check Valves or Wrong Replace or put inlet/outlet check valves in
Orientation proper locations.

Outlet Check Valve Inlet Check Valve

(2700057) (2700056)

Dummy Cartridge Left in Cartridge Holder Left in holder after Decon procedure.

Faulty Pump Board Replace pump board (3 types) VCS No. 297
pump board (2702122A), VCS No. 244C pump

Page 14
The document above should only be used by members of the Bio-Rad Field Service and Technical Support teams that have completed training on the
service and support of the Variant II, Variant II-Turbo, Variant II- Turbo Link, VNBS, and NHS instruments.

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 Variant II/Variant II Turbo and Link Troubleshooting Quick Guide
Rev 08/16/16mjn
board (2702122) or VCS No. 345A pump board
flash (2702490).

PROBLEM CAUSE FIX

C- Gram Spikes Air injection into the buffer A or B lines or • See low area section.
very low area counts. Also bubble in detector • Perform flow cell clean (flow cell cleaning
flow cell. kit 2700197).
• Check for tubing or connection leaks in
the sample flow line.
• Force bubbles out of detector by
connecting syringe (flow cell cleaning kit)
to detector exit port. Run pumps and pull
syringe plunger to suck out bubbles.
• Check that the sample syringe does not
have air or bubbles in it.
• Perform detector noise test. Replace
detector lamp (2700202), detector board
#182 (2700206), or optics bench
(2700201) or detector assembly
(2700115) if noise test fails or detector
failing.
Wrong or Contaminated Buffers or Cartridge Check and match cartridge and buffer lots or
replace contaminated buffer.
Missing Detector Vibration Isolators or other Replace detector vibration isolators
mechanical assembly’s or sources causing (2702278) or eliminate outside vibration
excessive vibrations sources.

Page 15
The document above should only be used by members of the Bio-Rad Field Service and Technical Support teams that have completed training on the
service and support of the Variant II, Variant II-Turbo, Variant II- Turbo Link, VNBS, and NHS instruments.

This document is not to be given or transmitted to persons other than those described above.
 Variant II/Variant II Turbo and Link Troubleshooting Quick Guide
Rev 08/16/16mjn

PROBLEM CAUSE FIX

Front and Rear Rack Jam Poor Alignments – Sample Tubes/ Rack, Align tube holder attachment over center of
Rack Sensing Needle, or Tube Holder Attachment sample tube from all directions- front/back
Intermittent “Rear rack cannot find home and left/right and then align needle to target.
position” Error May need to adjust rack and/or tube holder
attachment.
Error Codes: Poor alignments – Microtubes/ Rack, Needle, • Check probes first piercing of microtube
0x28 Rack tube mixer Z-axis home position Tube Holder Attachment, or Rear Rack Rail caps- if very close to or hitting rim of
error. microtube – front/back, then adjust rear
0x2E Barcode reading error. rack rail front or back and then adjust rear
0x2F Front rack carrier home position error. rack guide to increase or reduce clearance
0x30 Front rack carrier movement error. for rack.
0x31 Rear rack carrier home position error. • If first piercing of microtube caps is close
0x32 Rear rack carrier movement error. to or hitting sides of rim – left/right, then
0x33 No sample rack error. adjust rack alignment left/right in service
0x34 Rear rack carrier barcode pos/sample pos software.
error. Not enough clearance for rack between rear Adjust either rear rack rail or rack guide and
0x36 Tube sensor error. rack rail and rack guide then check needle and mixing alignments.
0x37 Door open error. Tubing or wires obstructing rack finger Clear obstruction.
movement
Rear rack rail too low- rack movement Raise rear rack rail.
Many rack errors are removed from the VII fingers rubbing bottom of rear rack rail
Turbo Link since the rack is managed by the Probe crash Replace probe and check all needle
Sysmex track line. These include 0x2E, 0x2F, alignments.
0x30, 0x31, 0x32, 0x33, 0x34, 0x36, 0x39, and Bottom or rack pinched between bottom of Lower rear rack rail so bottom lip or rack
0x3A. rear rack rail and conveyor belt cannot slide underneath the rail.

Page 16
The document above should only be used by members of the Bio-Rad Field Service and Technical Support teams that have completed training on the
service and support of the Variant II, Variant II-Turbo, Variant II- Turbo Link, VNBS, and NHS instruments.

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 Variant II/Variant II Turbo and Link Troubleshooting Quick Guide
Rev 08/16/16mjn
Gum head picking up sample tube out of Replace gum head (2702088) if necessary
rack and/or align mix head.
Rack sensor dirty or faulty Clean or replace. Limit and home sensors
(2702069) for rear rack and front rack.

Excessive vibration during tube mixing • Align mix head front/back and/or
causing rack to jump out of alignment left/right.
• Align rack left/right
• Remove excess labels on tubes.
Clean rack collar inserts.
If rack sensing error occurs after assaying the • Check the belt motor operation; replace
9th sample for a rack with 10 samples, the motor or adjust motor’s belt.
left belt is not moving forward the finished • Clean/replace forward left sensor
rack. (2702069).
PROBLEM CAUSE FIX

Noisy Tube Spin Misaligned Spin Head Adjust spin head assembly.
Wrong Rack Collar Insert so that Sample Instruct customer to use rack collars to match
Tube is too Loose tube size: Collars available are 12mm
(2702175), 13mm (2702174), and 14mm
(2702173).
Worn Rack Check rack for wear or cracks. Replace if
necessary.
Too Many Labels or Loose Labels Remove excess labeling and instruct customer
to use fewer labels or remove flaps.

Page 17
The document above should only be used by members of the Bio-Rad Field Service and Technical Support teams that have completed training on the
service and support of the Variant II, Variant II-Turbo, Variant II- Turbo Link, VNBS, and NHS instruments.

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 Variant II/Variant II Turbo and Link Troubleshooting Quick Guide
Rev 08/16/16mjn

PROBLEM CAUSE FIX

Probe Crash and Sampling Errors Poor Needle Alignments • Check needle position alignments,
including heights at sampling and wash
0x20 Sampler Y-axis home position error. well positions, if needle is poking
0x22 Sampler Z-axis home position error. through microtubes or breaking sample
0x23 Sampler Z-axis lower sensor position error. tubes.
0x24 Sampler syringe #1 home position error • Check rack alignments – left/right and
0x26 Sampler syringe #2 home position error. front/back.
0x2A Wash tower over flow error (VII/Turbo’s • Check mixing head alignments for
equipped with overflow sensor) excessive vibration that can cause rack
0x2B Vacuum tank is full. to jump out of alignment.
0x2C Sampler tube holder home position error Wrong tube rack collar insert or no rack Instruct customer to use rack collars to match
0x2D Sampler tube holder movement error. collar insert so that the sample tube is tube size: Collars available are 12mm
0x36 Tube sensor error too loose in rack and can tilt out of (2702175), 13mm (2702174), and 14mm
0x37 Door open error alignment. (2702173).
0x40 LAS communication error (for VSSTLink only) Gum Head picking up tubes out of rack. Replace gum head (2702088) and/or align
0x41 CDM communication error (for VSSTLink only) Gum head worn or sticky. mixer head.
0x42 Data Processing error (for VSSTLink only) Sampling head Y or Z movement • Lubricate Y and Z movement rails and
excessively noisy or restricted lead screws.
• Check for loose belts or broken pulleys.
Probe curved from usage. Replace probe and align.

Page 18
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service and support of the Variant II, Variant II-Turbo, Variant II- Turbo Link, VNBS, and NHS instruments.

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 Variant II/Variant II Turbo and Link Troubleshooting Quick Guide
Rev 08/16/16mjn
PROBLEM CAUSE FIX
Ramping Baseline Buffers not Primed in the Instrument Perform system start-up or system flush.
Prefilter or Cartridge Holder tubing Check connections for leaks.
-Ramping Up at End of C-gram connections loose or connection between
prefilter or cartridge housings loose
Faulty Analytical Cartridge Replace cartridge.
Prefilter or Cartridge Housing Halves loose Tighten halves finger tight.
(not finger tight)
Faulty Prefilter Element (plugged, broken, or Replace pre-filter element.
installed improperly).
Improper Injector Connection or Swaging Re-swage L3 and L4 tubing tips at 6-port
Problem at 6-Port Injector injector with Rheodyne ferules and nuts.

Incorrect Correct
Swaging Swaging

Leaks. Salt build up is an indication of slow Check for sources of leaks on all A and B
leaks. buffer lines and connections following the
fluid path from the pumps to the detector.
Improper detector tubing connection or worn Check for leaks at detector and replace and/or
tubing connection threads use superflangeless fittings only
(part#2700191) Cartridge to detector tubing
with connections (2702306)
Faulty Detector or Detector Lamp Replace detector lamp (2700202) or detector
(2700115). Balance detector voltages and
perform detector noise test.
Air Bubble in Detector Flow Cell Refer to C-gram spikes section.

Page 19
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service and support of the Variant II, Variant II-Turbo, Variant II- Turbo Link, VNBS, and NHS instruments.

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 Variant II/Variant II Turbo and Link Troubleshooting Quick Guide
Rev 08/16/16mjn
PROBLEM CAUSE FIX
Ramping Baseline See Above See Above
-Ramping Down at the Beginning of the C-
Gram

Page 20
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service and support of the Variant II, Variant II-Turbo, Variant II- Turbo Link, VNBS, and NHS instruments.

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 Variant II/Variant II Turbo and Link Troubleshooting Quick Guide
Rev 08/16/16mjn
PROBLEM CAUSE FIX
Failing Calibrations Faulty or Contaminated Cartridge Replace cartridge.
Contaminated Buffer Replace buffer A or B.
Wrong Calibrator Bottle Values Loaded/or Wrong
Enter correct program parameters.
CD Loaded
Mismatched Buffer/Cartridge Install matching buffer/cartridge.
Calibrator Re-Constituted Improperly Re-make calibrator using volumetric pipettors.
Retention Times Out of Windows Refer to retention time section.
Dirty or Contaminated Buffer Flow Lines Perform de-con procedure.
Cross Contamination in Dilution Well Ports; Clean dilution well chamber ports and tubing lines
Plugged, or Dirty Dilution Chamber and check for proper vacuum.
Debris or Dirty Fluid on Inside Bottom of Cartridge
Clean debris or fluid from holder.
Holder
Reconstituting Calibration Vials with Water Rather
Re-make calibrators using calibration diluent.
than Calibration Diluent
System Leaks Inspect all tubing and connections for leaks.
Detector Issues Refer to detector section.

QC Out of Range Cartridge or Buffer Failures Replace cartridge or buffers.

Clean dilution well chamber ports and tubing
Cross Contamination, Plugged, or Dirty
lines and check for proper vacuum from each
Dilution Chamber
dilution well port.
Debris or Dirty Fluid on Inside Bottom of
Clean debris or fluid from holder
Cartridge Holder
Improperly Made Dilutions Verify proper dilutions.
Enter correct program parameters. Also check
Incorrect Program Perimeters
with individual labs QC ranges.
Buffer Flow Rate Incorrect Check flow rates.
Pump Bushings or Pump Seals Worn. Rebuild pumps.
Poor Assay Calibration Re-calibrate using correctly made calibrators.
Detector Issues Refer to detector section.

Page 21
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service and support of the Variant II, Variant II-Turbo, Variant II- Turbo Link, VNBS, and NHS instruments.

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 Variant II/Variant II Turbo and Link Troubleshooting Quick Guide
Rev 08/16/16mjn
Common “Error” Codes

PROBLEM CAUSE FIX

Sampler Y-Axis Home Position Error Broken or Loose Pulley or Belt Check and/or replace Y belt and pulley.
Dry or Non-Lubricated Movement Rails Lubricate movement rails.
Probe crash or Obstructions Check probe alignment and/or align.
Faulty Boards, Sensors, or Connections Replace boards, sensors, connections, or wire
harnesses. The complete sampling station has
wire harness connections to circuit board
OEM No 294-254-1 (2702355)which resides on
the inside back wall of the VSS which
ultimately connects to the main VSS main CPU
board (eprom 2702059 or flash 2702488)
Faulty Y Movement Motor Replace Y movement motor (2702203)

Sampler Z-Axis Home Position Error Lead Screw Worn, Dry, or Faulty. Replace (2702230) , lubricate (red molly
grease)
Movement Rails dry or Non Lubricated. Lubricate needle guide rails with lubriplate.
Needle Guide Rails Dry or Restricted Lubricate needle guide rails with triflow.
Probe Crash or Obstructions Check probe for obstructions or probe bent,
check probe alignments.
Misaligned Sensors or Sensor Flags. Re-align sensors or sensor flags.
Page 22
The document above should only be used by members of the Bio-Rad Field Service and Technical Support teams that have completed training on the
service and support of the Variant II, Variant II-Turbo, Variant II- Turbo Link, VNBS, and NHS instruments.

This document is not to be given or transmitted to persons other than those described above.
 Variant II/Variant II Turbo and Link Troubleshooting Quick Guide
Rev 08/16/16mjn
PROBLEM CAUSE FIX
Faulty Boards, Sensors, Connections, or Wire Replace boards, sensors (2702042 VSS Z-
Harnesses. sensor, 2702356 VSST Z sensor PCB),
connections, or wire harnesses (2702043VSS,
2702358 VSST Z-Axis Cable, 2702359 VSST Z-
Axis Cable. The complete sampling station has
wire harness connections to circuit biorad
OEM No 294-254-1 (2702355 VSST) which
resides on the inside back wall of the VSS
which ultimately connects to the main VSS
main CPU board (2702059 EPROM type and
2702488 Flash type. Z-Axis PCB 294-254-4
(2702357 VSST, 2702040 VSS).

Syringe #1 or #2 Home Position Errors Syringe Flag Misaligned Re-position flag.

Broken Syringe Replace syringe.
Syringe Movement Obstruction or Worn Lead Lubricate lead screws or rails or remove
Screw. obstruction.
Faulty Boards, Sensors, or Connections Replace boards, sensors, or connections.

Tube Mixer Z-Axis Home Position Error Worn Lead Screw Replace lead screws.
Dry Rails or Lead Screw Lubricate.
Obstructions Remove obstruction.
Faulty Boards, Sensors, or Connections Replace boards, sensors (Sensor PCB for 255-
1-9, 2702065), or connections.

Door Open Error Interconnect Switch bent Repair by bending switch flag back to original
form.
Faulty Boards or Connections. Replace boards (VSS interlock Conn PCB #256,
2702198) or (VSS No. 254-5 Tube Holder Conn
Board, 2702064), or connections.

Page 23
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service and support of the Variant II, Variant II-Turbo, Variant II- Turbo Link, VNBS, and NHS instruments.

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 Variant II/Variant II Turbo and Link Troubleshooting Quick Guide
Rev 08/16/16mjn
PROBLEM CAUSE FIX
Sampler-Tube Holder Cannot Detect Home Broken or Faulty Tube Holder Sensor or Wire Repair or replace.
Position Sensor Dry Movement Rails or Lead Screw. Clean movement rails or lead screw and
lubricate.
Faulty Sensor Connection Board Replace tube holder connection board.
Obstructions Remove obstructions.

Detector Problem – Hardware Fault Lamp Burnt Out Replace lamp (2700202). Perform flow cell
clean (2700297), balance detector voltages,
and perform detector noise test.
Faulty Detector Replace detector (2700115), optical bench
(2700201), or detector board (2700206).
Perform detector voltages (service manual-
Detector Board Adjustment procedure).
Voltages should be balanced between 3V to
7V. If voltages are low and the adjustment
pots (VR3 and VR6) are maxed out, cleaning
the flow cell and lenses can increase voltages
to ideally balance to 5.00V.
Jumper on Detector Board Not Returned to Return jumper to 2 and 3.
Jumper 2 and 3 from Position 1 and 2 After
Voltage Check.
Supply Voltage Issue. Supply voltage should be 5.50V. This can be
adjusted by attaching DVM to TP7 and TP8
(GND) on the detector board. Measure lamp
voltage and adjust using VR-12.

Page 24
The document above should only be used by members of the Bio-Rad Field Service and Technical Support teams that have completed training on the
service and support of the Variant II, Variant II-Turbo, Variant II- Turbo Link, VNBS, and NHS instruments.

This document is not to be given or transmitted to persons other than those described above.
 Variant II/Variant II Turbo and Link Troubleshooting Quick Guide
Rev 08/16/16mjn
PROBLEM CAUSE FIX
Communication Errors Comm Port Faulty. Connect VSS computer connection to a
different comm port. May require replacing
comm board on the computer or Comm port
on the instrument (VSS RJ45 Port Board,
(2702060), (VCS No. 247-1 Board, 2702187).
Internal CDM errors. Re-image CDM software to the hard drive. If
possible, back up zephyr database and print
system configuration parameters before re-
imaging.
Front Door Interconnect Switch Faulty or Flag Repair front door interconnect switch.
Bent.
CDM Software Freezes on the Maintenance Re-image CDM software to the hard drive. If
Screen. possible, back up zephyr database and print
system configuration parameters before re-
imaging.
Faulty RS232 Cables or Connected to Wrong Verify cabling.
Computer Ports
Wrong Firmware Version. Check that the firmware version is correct and
compatible with the correct CDM version and
the type of firmware matches the board types
(flash board or EPROM board).

Page 25
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service and support of the Variant II, Variant II-Turbo, Variant II- Turbo Link, VNBS, and NHS instruments.

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 Variant II/Variant II Turbo and Link Troubleshooting Quick Guide
Rev 08/16/16mjn
PROBLEM CAUSE FIX
Sample Syringe Cannot Find Home Position Injector Rotor or Stator Plugged or Worn. Replace 6-port injector rotor and stator.
Error Plug or Restriction in Sample Tubing Line Check for plugs from the injector to dilution
chamber tubing.
Faulty 3-Way Solenoid Valve. Replace 3-way solenoid valve.
Plugged Buffer Filter Stones. Check buffer flow out of buffer bottles.
Replace filter stones if needed.

Sample Syringe Movement Error. Faulty Sample Syringe Motor. Known fault for motor movement error. May
need VCS main board modification. See
bulletin GEN-056 for modification.
Loose or Broken Sample Syringe Vertical Belt. Tighten or replace belt.

Page 26
The document above should only be used by members of the Bio-Rad Field Service and Technical Support teams that have completed training on the
service and support of the Variant II, Variant II-Turbo, Variant II- Turbo Link, VNBS, and NHS instruments.

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 Variant II/Variant II Turbo and Link Troubleshooting Quick Guide
Rev 08/16/16mjn
Troubleshooting Hints

IF: THEN: HINT:

C-Grams or areas of controls, calibrators, or VSS is having trouble making dilutions. Focus should be made on the VSS syringes,
microtube samples are consistently okay but dilution chamber, mixing, and its
sample tubes are not: respective tubing or pinch valves. Also
patient blood sample tubes could be
clotted, collected improperly, or short
sample. VCS unit is most likely not the
problem.
C-Grams or areas of controls, calibrators, or The controls and calibrators are not being Very possible that the pipettes being used
microtube samples are consistently not good reconstituted correctly or the microtube sample to make the sample dilutions are faulty or
but patient sample tube samples are okay: dilutions are being made incorrectly. the wrong volume. Also, wash buffer is
contaminated or not being used to make
the dilution (Do not use water to make
dilutions). VCS unit is most likely not the
problem.
C-grams or areas of both microtube samples Most likely, the problem exists somewhere Isolate the problem to VCS unit by making
(including cals and controls) and patient between the sample needle through the dilution sure the probe or dilution chamber isn’t
sample tubes are consistently not good: chamber (including the verification of proper plugged. If the sample is getting to the
vacuum) over to problems with the VCS unit. VCS unit for analyte detection, then
concentrate on the sample path and the
VCS hardware it travels through (i.e.
injector rotor and stator 6-port, cartridge,
detector, and pumps).

Retention time’s (RT’s) or area counts are in Go by the RT’s and areas of properly made Patient samples can fluctuate more
question. calibrators. depending on the concentration made by
the system. Calibrators should be more
consistent in regards to RT and area
counts because they are pre-diluted.

Page 27
The document above should only be used by members of the Bio-Rad Field Service and Technical Support teams that have completed training on the
service and support of the Variant II, Variant II-Turbo, Variant II- Turbo Link, VNBS, and NHS instruments.

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 Variant II/Variant II Turbo and Link Troubleshooting Quick Guide
Rev 08/16/16mjn
IF THEN HINT
Troubleshooting high pressure Run the pumps in manual mode and start by Inspect or replace the last tubing or
removing the cartridge since that is what makes connection that caused the pressure to
the pressure. Then remove prefilter and check change to zero.
pressure –looking for it to drop to zero. Then
disconnect the tubing connection at the detector
inlet and work your way back against the flow of
buffer towards the pump
Checking Activity Log Check the Activity Log. Most likely the cause of the error will be
• If the instrument stops during a listed soon before the “PAUSE” state is
sample run and the instrument goes recorded and can isolate the hardware
into “MANUAL” state and then the run problem. Example: “Sampler- Syringe1
goes into “PAUSE” state. cannot detect home position sensor”
error. See the following diagram.

Page 28
The document above should only be used by members of the Bio-Rad Field Service and Technical Support teams that have completed training on the
service and support of the Variant II, Variant II-Turbo, Variant II- Turbo Link, VNBS, and NHS instruments.

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 Variant II/Variant II Turbo and Link Troubleshooting Quick Guide
Rev 08/16/16mjn
IF THEN HINT

There is a critical hardware failure The problem many times will not let you reset The system will not reset until the sensor
the VSS unit when powering down and then up. wire is fixed. Once the system is fixed and
The instrument may not return to “ready” state the instrument is reset, the instrument will
either when requested to. be in the “pause” state. The run will have
For example: In the activity log: “Tube holder to be continued and then stopped.
cannot return to home sensor”
There is an intermittent problem on the The instrument can reset or return to ready when The cause of the rear rack error should be
activity log, For example: “rear rack cannot commanded and sample runs can be resumed. investigated. Also if going from “PAUSE”
find home position”, the needle may have state to resume the run, the instrument
struck something or the rack was interrupted. skips the sample it was on and no results
will be available for that sample.

Computer Lock-Ups

When screen is frozen and unable to command any functions, Power down the computer and instrument in the following order:
VCS unit
VSS unit
Computer, then
To Power Up,
VSS unit
VCS unit
Computer
Startup CDM software,
If still frozen or unable to use function screens, then
Back-up zephyr database and install new zephyr.dbk, if still frozen or unable to use function screens, then
Re-image computer with re-image disk.

Page 29
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service and support of the Variant II, Variant II-Turbo, Variant II- Turbo Link, VNBS, and NHS instruments.

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 Variant II/Variant II Turbo and Link Troubleshooting Quick Guide
Rev 08/16/16mjn
Variant Platform Computer Types Computer Pictures Comments
HP rp5000 Used with all VII platforms and all CDM
versions. No new available- replaced with
the rp5800.

HP rp5700 No longer available. Few in the field but

can be used with all VII platforms and
CDM versions.

HP rp5800 Most current computer. Used for all VII

platforms and CDM versions.

Compaq Deskpro On CDM versions 3.5 or 3.6t or 4.0..

Should be replaced if upgrading to CDM
version 5.1.1 or higher. Uses rocket ports
which are not available anymore.

Page 30
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service and support of the Variant II, Variant II-Turbo, Variant II- Turbo Link, VNBS, and NHS instruments.

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 Variant II/Variant II Turbo and Link Troubleshooting Quick Guide
Rev 08/16/16mjn
Firmware Reference Table

VSS Main CPU board #331B – Flash – 2702488

VCS Main Board #340 – Flash 2702489
VCS Pump Board #345A – Flash 2702490
Firmware CD Variant II Platforms (2702845) – Turbo CS = 42.507
SS = 52.523
Variant II CS = 42.300
SS = 52.403
VCS/VCST Pump = 5.0

Page 31
The document above should only be used by members of the Bio-Rad Field Service and Technical Support teams that have completed training on the
service and support of the Variant II, Variant II-Turbo, Variant II- Turbo Link, VNBS, and NHS instruments.

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 Variant II/Variant II Turbo and Link Troubleshooting Quick Guide
Rev 08/16/16mjn
Summary of Firmware Versions

EPROM FLASH
CDM Versions 5.1 or 5.1.1 VII/VII TURBO Flash Firmware CD 2702494 FW Version FW-Version
VARIANT II (VCS) 41.300 40.300
VARIANT II(VSS) 51.381 50.381
VII TURBO (VCST) 41.507 40.507
VII TURBO (VSST) 51.505 51.605
VII / VII TURBO /VII-T Link / NHS & VNBS (VCS / VCST) Pump Firmware 4.5 5.0

CDM 5.2 FW VII/VII TURBO Flash Firmware CD 2702845

VARIANT II (VCS-CPU) 41.301 42.300
VARIANT II (VSS-CPU) 51.403 52.403
VII TURBO (VCST-CPU) 41.508 42.507
VII TURBO (VSST-CPU) 51.523 52.523
VII / VII TURBO /VII-T_Link / NHS & VNBS (VCS / VCST) Pump Firmware 4.5 5.0

CDM 5.2.1 FW VII TURBO Link Flash Firmware CD 12000441

VII TURBO (VCST-CPU) 41.507 42.507
VII TURBO (VSST-CPU) 51.815 52.815
VII / VII TURBO /VII-T_Link / NHS & VNBS (VCS / VCST) Pump Firmware 4.5 5.0

GDM 3.1 or Greater NHS & VNBS Flash Firmware CD 12000550

NHS/Vnbs VCS-CPU 45.021 45.122

Page 32
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service and support of the Variant II, Variant II-Turbo, Variant II- Turbo Link, VNBS, and NHS instruments.

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 Variant II/Variant II Turbo and Link Troubleshooting Quick Guide
Rev 08/16/16mjn
VSS and VCS CPU Board Identification

VII, VIIT, VIITLink, Vnbs (VCS only), and NHS (VCS only)

VCS Main CPU Boards

Flash Board - OEM No. 340A Main Board (2702489) EPROM Board OEM No. 242A Main Board (2702120)

Page 33
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service and support of the Variant II, Variant II-Turbo, Variant II- Turbo Link, VNBS, and NHS instruments.

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 Variant II/Variant II Turbo and Link Troubleshooting Quick Guide
Rev 08/16/16mjn
Pump Boards

Flash Board - OEM No. 345A Pump Board (2702490) EPROM Board - OEM No. 244C Pump Board (12000558)

EPROM Board OEM No. 297A Pump Board (2702122A)

Page 34
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service and support of the Variant II, Variant II-Turbo, Variant II- Turbo Link, VNBS, and NHS instruments.

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 Variant II/Variant II Turbo and Link Troubleshooting Quick Guide
Rev 08/16/16mjn
VSS CPU Boards

Flash Board - OEM No. 331B Main CPU Board (2702488) EPROM Board – OEM No. 240 Main CPU Board (2702059)

Page 35
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service and support of the Variant II, Variant II-Turbo, Variant II- Turbo Link, VNBS, and NHS instruments.

This document is not to be given or transmitted to persons other than those described above.