Midmark M9/M11 “New Style” Error Code C981 Leave a comment
In this article, we’re going to explain one of the many error codes that can affect your Midmark M9/M11 autoclave. This article will focus specifically on error code C981. We’ll tell you about the problem, what displays when the error occurs, its possible causes, and the course of action to take to resolve said error.
However, if you’re more of a visual learner, we have a video on this error code available here.
And if you just want to talk to someone, call our Free Tech Support at 704-966-1650 Option 3.
Display/Symptom
C981: SELECT MODE HI-LIMIT OPEN
UNPLUG / REPLUG UNIT
High-Limit Thermostat Opened for At Least 0.25 Seconds During SELECT Mode.
Causes, Checks and Actions
Possible Cause 1: Maintenance not performed.
- Check: Verify weekly & monthly maintenance has been performed by customer. Refer to User Guide.
- Action: Perform monthly maintenance.
Possible Cause 2: Sterilizer was unplugged, then plugged back in while thermostat was still tripped.
- Check: Verify if error was preceded by other error codes. (i.e. C983, C573)
- Action: Unplug unit for 60 seconds, then plug unit into a dedicated, properly rated circuit. Allow unit to cool for 30 minutes.
Possible Cause 3: Hi Limit thermostat malfunctioning.
- Check: If error code does not reset… Perform: Thermostat Continuity Test Meter Reading – Anything but OL
- Action: Replace thermostats
M9 Thermostat OEM available here
M11 Thermostat OEM available here
Possible Cause 4: Loose / Damaged wire connection.
- Check: Check wire connections at high-limit thermostat and at J5 on Main PC Board.
- Action: Secure / Repair loose or damaged wire connections.
If the Unit Skips the Fill Mode…
Possible Cause 1: Tray rack / tray plate not installed properly.
- Check: Inspect tray rack / tray plate for proper installation. (The 45 degree angled end of tray plate must be positioned upward and to the back of the chamber)
- Action: Install tray rack / tray plate properly.
M9 Tray and Rack Kit OEM available here
M11 Tray and Rack Kit OEM available here
Possible Cause 2: (M11) Mesh filter not in place.
- Check: Verify filter is in place.
- Action: Re-Install filter.
M9 Mesh Vent Filter OEM available here
M11 Mesh Vent Filter OEM available here
Possible Cause 3: Office running back to back cycles.
- Check: Check if operator is running consecutive cycles without completing the DRY cycle.
- Action: Complete full cycle.
Possible Cause 4: Water level sensor malfunctioning. Dirty/foreign object touching sensor.
- Check A: Check sensor. Inspect water level sensor for foreign objects. (burs, instruments, etc.)
- Action A: Clean/Dry water level sensor. (Clean with Speed-Clean and scotch bright pad) Remove foreign objects.
– Check B: Perform: Water Level Sensor Test
- Action B: Replace water level sensor.
M9 Water Level Sensor OEM available here
M11 Water Level Sensor OEM available here
If the Unit Completes the Fill Mode…
Possible Cause 1: Sterilizer is unlevel. (remove tray / trays)
- Check A: Verify support surface is level.
- Check B: Verify water on all sides of chamber are equal.
- Action: Place sterilizer on a level support surface.
Possible Cause 2: Pressure Leaks.
- Check: 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)
- Action: Clean / Replace gaskets.
M9 Door Gasket OEM available here
M11 Door Gasket OEM available here
- Check: Replacement fill / vent valve solenoid requires rectifier harness for DC coil.
- Action: Install rectifier harness.
- Check: Check for voltage flow through rectifier harness. Refer to: Fill / Vent Valve Supply Voltage Test
- Action: Replace rectifier harness.
- Check: Leaking or defective vent valve. (Check for water leaking from condensing coil spout) Perform: Vent Valve Test
- Action: Clean / Replace vent valve.
M9 Vent Valve OEM available here
M11 Vent Valve OEM available here
- Check: Leaking or defective fill valve. Check for water leaking back into reservoir thru the fill line. (Look for bubbles coming from bottom of reservoir) Perform: Fill Valve Test
- Action: Clean / Replace fill valve.
M9 Fill Valve OEM available here
M11 Fill Valve OEM available here
- Check: Leaking or defective air valve. Check for excessive steam coming thru condensing coil spout. NOTE: During the HEAT & VENT modes, it is normal for steam to be exhausted thru the spout.
- Action: Clean / Replace air valve.
M9 Air Valve OEM available here
M11 Air Valve OEM available here
- Check: Leaking or defective Pressure Relief Valve. Check for water / steam leakage from beneath the rear of the sterilizer. Perform: Pressure Relief Valve Test
- Action: Replace pressure relief valve.
M9 Pressure Relief Valve OEM available here
M11 Pressure Relief Valve OEM available here
- Check: Pressure transducer tubing leaking. Check for steam leakage at pressure transducer tubing connections.
- Action: Secure pressure transducer tubing connections with high temperature cable ties.
M9 Pressure Tubing OEM available here
M11 Pressure Tubing OEM available here
- Check: Check all plumbing fitting connections for leakage.
- Action: Tighten or replace fittings.
Possible Cause 3: Heating element malfunctioning.
- Check: Inspect heating element. Heating element should lay flat in the bottom of the chamber. Heating element should be free of any flaking / pitting. Perform: Heating Element Resistance Test (should read 9-11 Ω)
- Action: Replace heating element.
M9 Heating Element OEM available here
M11 Heating Element OEM available here
Possible Cause 4: PC Board malfunctioning.
- Check A: Perform: Heating Element Supply Voltage Test (With harness attached to leads should have line voltage in test mode)
- Check B: Perform: Main PC Board Relay Test (Check TP1 & TP2 for an acceptable range: 10 to 14 VDC)
- Check C: Perform: Main PC Board Pressure Transducer Voltage Test (Acceptable range: 4.0 to 6.0 VDC)
- Action: Replace Main PC board.
M9 PC Board OEM available here
M11 PC Board OEM available here
Possible Cause 5: Sterilizer overloaded.
- Check: Check the size of the load. (Refer to User Guide)
- Action: Reduce load size.
As always if you have any questions about this process or anything else please feel free to contact us and take advantage of our “FREE TECH SUPPORT.”
We also offer FREE VIRTUAL TECH SUPPORT to “See and Talk” with a “Real Time Live Technician” for any problems you may be in need of help with.
You can also use our “FREE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM”. Take the guesswork and worrying about what unit is due for maintenance and which maintenance cycle it is time for. We will keep track of all your autoclaves and let you know when it’s time for anything.