Understanding the error codes that can occur while operating an autoclave is vital to ensure it functions optimally and reliably. This article explores the different error codes associated with the W&H Lexa, detailing their meanings and steps to troubleshoot them.
This article focuses on error codes ranging from 100 to 183, sourced from the official user manual provided by W&H. You can access a digital version of the manual for further reference and downloading.
If you’d like to purchase the W&H Lexa autoclave, you can find it here on our website. We also have a wide range of parts for the W&H Lexa autoclave available on our website here. If you have any questions about these error codes, the W&H Lexa or anything else, please give us a call at 704-966-1650 Option 3 for our Free Tech Support Line.
Error Codes
Error Code 100
Description – Timeout of the pressure phase HEA3 (30’)
Possible Causes
A.) Steam leak from the door gasket.
B.) Water pump failure. Check/priming ULKA valve failure.
C.) Failure of the clean water MIN level sensor.
D.) Water quality failure.
E.) S.G. temperature sensor failure.
F.) Failure in the steam generator heating element.
G.) Failure on a solenoid valve EV1 – Failure on a solenoid valve EV5
H.) EV5/EV1 tube line clogged/dirty
I.) Pressure transducer failure
J.) Multiple failure: solenoid valve EV3 and check valve V1
K.) Other steam leak (e.g. chamber).
Checks and Actions
A.) Check the door gasket and the chamber face side for damage or dirt. Clean and replace door gasket, if needed. Run a sterilization cycle. If the problem persist, see next step.
B.) See Test instructions service book, chapter SPECIFIC TESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS, Water pump.
C.) See Test instructions service book, chapter SPECIFIC TESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS, Water level sensors.
D.) Drain both water tanks. Use water of good quality. Please refer to the Instructions for Use. See Instructions for Use, chapter TECHNICAL DATA, Water quality
E.) See Test instructions service book, chapter
SPECIFIC TESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS, Steam generator temperature sensor. If it is necessary, replace the sensor.
F.) Run the diagnostic cycle S. G. Perform. Test. If bad, replace the steam generator.
G.) Run the diagnostic cycle EVX test. If one valve is detected as faulty, replace it.
H.) Check the tube line conditions. Replace the components if necessary.
I.) See Test instructions service book, chapter SPECIFIC TESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS. Replace the sensor if needed.
J.) Run the diagnostic cycle EVX test. If one valve is detected as faulty, replace it. Check the V1 conditions, replace if necessary.
K.) Run a WRAPPED/POUCHED 270°C cycle with maximum load and check for leaks during the pressure and process phases. The check should be done visually (water drops, steam sprays). Fix any detected leak.
The W&H Lexa Door Seal is available here on our website.
Error Code 101
Description – Timeout of the pressure phase HEA1 (10’)
Possible Causes
A.) Steam leak from the door gasket.
B.) Water pump failure. Check/priming ULKA valve failure.
C.) Failure of the clean water MIN level sensor.
D.) Water quality failure.
E.) S.G. temperature sensor failure.
F.) Failure in the steam generator heating element.
G.) Failure on a solenoid valve EV1 – Failure on a solenoid valve EV5
H.) EV5/EV1 tube line clogged/dirty
I.) Pressure transducer failure
J.) Multiple failure: solenoid valve EV3 and check valve V1
K.) Other steam leak (e.g. chamber).
Checks and Actions
A.) Check the door gasket and the chamber face side for damage or dirt. Clean and replace door gasket, if needed. Run a sterilization cycle. If the problem persist, see next step.
B.) See Test instructions service book, chapter SPECIFIC TESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS, Water pump.
C.) See Test instructions service book, chapter SPECIFIC TESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS, Water level sensors.
D.) Drain both water tanks. Use water of good quality. Please refer to the Instructions for Use. See Instructions for Use, chapter TECHNICAL DATA, Water quality
E.) See Test instructions service book, chapter
SPECIFIC TESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS, Steam generator temperature sensor. If it is necessary, replace the sensor.
F.) Run the diagnostic cycle S. G. Perform. Test. If bad, replace the steam generator.
G.) Run the diagnostic cycle EVX test. If one valve is detected as faulty, replace it.
H.) Check the tube line conditions. Replace the components if necessary.
I.) See Test instructions service book, chapter SPECIFIC TESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS. Replace the sensor if needed.
J.) Run the diagnostic cycle EVX test. If one valve is detected as faulty, replace it. Check the V1 conditions, replace if necessary.
K.) Run a WRAPPED/POUCHED 270°C cycle with maximum load and check for leaks during the pressure and process phases. The check should be done visually (water drops, steam sprays). Fix any detected leak.
The W&H Lexa Door Seal is available here on our website.
The W&H Lexa Steam Generator is available here on our website.
Error Code 120-121
Description – Unexpected pressure reading or pressure reading error during door opening.
Possible Causes
Pressure sensor failure. Main board failure.
Checks and Actions
Depressurize the chamber artificially (activate the chamber safety valve manually). If the problem persists, disconnect progressively all sensor cables from the main board. Every time you disconnect a sensor, check the ERRORS screen:
- If the error disappears, replace the cable/sensor that causes the error.
- If the error persists, replace the main board
The W&H Lexa Main Board with Temp Sensors can be found here on our website.
Error Code 130
Description – Theoretical temperature too high.
Possible Causes
A.) Chamber temperature sensor mispositioned.
B.) Pressure sensor failure.
C.) Chamber temperature sensor failure.
D.) Steam generator sensor failure.
E.) Main board failure
Checks and Actions
A.) Check and restore the position of the temperature sensor. Use the dedicated tool F190100X.
B.) See Test instructions service book, chapter SPECIFIC TESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS. Replace the sensor if needed.
C.) See Test instructions service book, chapter SPECIFIC TESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS, Chamber temperature sensors. If the sensor is broken, replace it. If the error persists, replace the main board.
D.) See Test instructions service book, chapter SPECIFIC TESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS, Steam generator temperature sensor (TABLE POINT 1 and 3). If it is necessary, replace the sensor. If the problem persists, see next step.
E.) See Test instructions service book, chapter SPECIFIC TESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS, Steam generator temperature sensor (TABLE POINT 1 and 2). If it is necessary, replace the main board.
The W&H Lexa Chamber Temp Sensor is available here on our website.
The W&H Lexa Steam Generator Temp Sensor is available here on our website.
Error Code 131
Description – During PR phase the difference between theoretical and chamber temperature > 2°C.
Possible Causes
A.) Chamber temperature sensor mispositioned.
B.) Pressure sensor failure.
C.) Chamber temperature sensor failure.
D.) Steam generator sensor failure.
E.) Main board failure
Checks and Actions
A.) Check and restore the position of the temperature sensor. Use the dedicated tool F190100X.
B.) See Test instructions service book, chapter SPECIFIC TESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS. Replace the sensor if needed.
C.) See Test instructions service book, chapter SPECIFIC TESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS, Chamber temperature sensors. If the sensor is broken, replace it. If the error persists, replace the main board.
D.) See Test instructions service book, chapter SPECIFIC TESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS, Steam generator temperature sensor (TABLE POINT 1 and 3). If it is necessary, replace the sensor. If the problem persists, see next step.
E.) See Test instructions service book, chapter SPECIFIC TESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS, Steam generator temperature sensor (TABLE POINT 1 and 2). If it is necessary, replace the main board.
The W&H Lexa Chamber Temp Sensor is available here on our website.
The W&H Lexa Steam Generator Temp Sensor is available here on our website.
Error Code 132
Description – At the end of HEA2 phase the difference between theoretical and chamber temperature >2°C. (if Tchamaber>Ttheo no error shown).
Possible Causes
A.) Chamber temperature sensor mispositioned.
B.) Pressure sensor failure.
C.) Chamber temperature sensor failure.
D.) Steam generator sensor failure.
E.) Main board failure
Checks and Actions
A.) Check and restore the position of the temperature sensor. Use the dedicated tool F190100X.
B.) See Test instructions service book, chapter SPECIFIC TESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS. Replace the sensor if needed.
C.) See Test instructions service book, chapter SPECIFIC TESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS, Chamber temperature sensors. If the sensor is broken, replace it. If the error persists, replace the main board.
D.) See Test instructions service book, chapter SPECIFIC TESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS, Steam generator temperature sensor (TABLE POINT 1 and 3). If it is necessary, replace the sensor. If the problem persists, see next step.
E.) See Test instructions service book, chapter SPECIFIC TESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS, Steam generator temperature sensor (TABLE POINT 1 and 2). If it is necessary, replace the main board.
The W&H Lexa Chamber Temp Sensor is available here on our website.
The W&H Lexa Steam Generator Temp Sensor is available here on our website.
Error Code 133
Description – At the end of HEA3 phase the difference between theoretical and chamber temperature >2°C. (if Tchamaber>Ttheo no error shown).
Possible Causes
A.) Chamber temperature sensor mispositioned.
B.) Pressure sensor failure.
C.) Chamber temperature sensor failure.
D.) Steam generator sensor failure.
E.) Main board failure
Checks and Actions
A.) Check and restore the position of the temperature sensor. Use the dedicated tool F190100X.
B.) See Test instructions service book, chapter SPECIFIC TESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS. Replace the sensor if needed.
C.) See Test instructions service book, chapter SPECIFIC TESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS, Chamber temperature sensors. If the sensor is broken, replace it. If the error persists, replace the main board.
D.) See Test instructions service book, chapter SPECIFIC TESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS, Steam generator temperature sensor (TABLE POINT 1 and 3). If it is necessary, replace the sensor. If the problem persists, see next step.
E.) See Test instructions service book, chapter SPECIFIC TESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS, Steam generator temperature sensor (TABLE POINT 1 and 2). If it is necessary, replace the main board.
The W&H Lexa Chamber Temp Sensor is available here on our website.
The W&H Lexa Steam Generator Temp Sensor is available here on our website.
Error Code 140
Description – Theoretical temperature too low
Possible Causes
Steam Leak
Checks and Actions
- Check the door gasket and the chamber face side for damage or dirt. Clean and replace door gasket, if needed. Run a sterilization cycle. If the problem persist, see next step.
- See Test instructions service book, chapter SPECIFIC TESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS, Water pump.
- See Test instructions service book, chapter SPECIFIC TESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS, Water level sensors.
- Drain both water tanks. Use water of good quality. Please refer to the Instructions for Use. See Instructions for Use, chapter TECHNICAL DATA, Water quality
- See Test instructions service book, chapter SPECIFIC TESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS, Steam generator temperature sensor. If it is necessary, replace the sensor.
- Run the diagnostic cycle S. G. Perform. Test. If bad, replace the steam generator.
- Run the diagnostic cycle EVX test. If one valve is detected as faulty, replace it.
- Check the tube line conditions. Replace the components if necessary.
- See Test instructions service book, chapter SPECIFIC TESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS. Replace the sensor if needed.
- Run the diagnostic cycle EVX test. If one valve is detected as faulty, replace it. Check the V1 conditions, replace if necessary.
- Run a WRAPPED/POUCHED 270°C cycle with maximum load and check for leaks during the pressure and process phases. The check should be done visually (water drops, steam sprays). Fix any detected leak.
The W&H Lexa Steam Generator is available here on our website.
The W&H Lexa Steam Generator Temp Sensor is available here on our website.
The W&H Lexa Door Seal is available here on our website.
Error Code 150
Description – Theoretical temperature too low
Possible Causes
Steam Leak
Checks and Actions
A.) Check the door gasket and the chamber face side for damage or dirt. Clean and replace door gasket, if needed. Run a sterilization cycle. If the problem persist, see next step.
B.) See Test instructions service book, chapter SPECIFIC TESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS, Water pump.
C.) See Test instructions service book, chapter SPECIFIC TESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS, Water level sensors.
D.) Drain both water tanks. Use water of good quality. Please refer to the Instructions for Use. See Instructions for Use, chapter TECHNICAL DATA, Water quality
E.) See Test instructions service book, chapter SPECIFIC TESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS, Steam generator temperature sensor. If it is necessary, replace the sensor.
F.) Run the diagnostic cycle S. G. Perform. Test. If bad, replace the steam generator.
G.) Run the diagnostic cycle EVX test. If one valve is detected as faulty, replace it.
H.) Check the tube line conditions. Replace the components if necessary.
I.) See Test instructions service book, chapter SPECIFIC TESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS. Replace the sensor if needed.
J.) Run the diagnostic cycle EVX test. If one valve is detected as faulty, replace it. Check the V1 conditions, replace if necessary.
K.) Run a WRAPPED/POUCHED 270°C cycle with maximum load and check for leaks during the pressure and process phases. The check should be done visually (water drops, steam sprays). Fix any detected leak.
The W&H Lexa Steam Generator Temp Sensor is available here on our website.
The W&H Lexa Steam Generator is available here on our website.
The W&H Lexa Door Seal is available here on our website.
Error Code 160
Description – Chamber temperature too high
Possible Causes
Chamber temperature too high
Checks and Actions
A.) Check and restore the position of the temperature sensor. Use the dedicated tool F190100X.
B.) See Test instructions service book, chapter SPECIFIC TESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS. Replace the sensor if needed.
C.) See Test instructions service book, chapter SPECIFIC TESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS, Chamber temperature sensors. If the sensor is broken, replace it. If the error persists, replace the main board.
D.) See Test instructions service book, chapter SPECIFIC TESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS, Steam generator temperature sensor (TABLE POINT 1 and 3). If it is necessary, replace the sensor. If the problem persists, see next step.
E.) See Test instructions service book, chapter SPECIFIC TESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS, Steam generator temperature sensor (TABLE POINT 1 and 2). If it is necessary, replace the main board.
The W&H Lexa Chamber Temp Sensor is available here on our website.
The W&H Lexa Steam Generator Temp Sensor is available here on our website.
Error Code 161
Description – Chamber temperature too high
Possible Causes
Chamber temperature too high
Checks and Actions
A.) Check and restore the position of the temperature sensor. Use the dedicated tool F190100X.
B.) See Test instructions service book, chapter SPECIFIC TESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS. Replace the sensor if needed.
C.) See Test instructions service book, chapter SPECIFIC TESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS, Chamber temperature sensors. If the sensor is broken, replace it. If the error persists, replace the main board.
D.) See Test instructions service book, chapter SPECIFIC TESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS, Steam generator temperature sensor (TABLE POINT 1 and 3). If it is necessary, replace the sensor. If the problem persists, see next step.
E.) See Test instructions service book, chapter SPECIFIC TESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS, Steam generator temperature sensor (TABLE POINT 1 and 2). If it is necessary, replace the main board.
The W&H Lexa Chamber Temp Sensor is available here on our website.
The W&H Lexa Steam Generator Temp Sensor is available here on our website.
Error Code 163
Description – Chamber temperature too high
Possible Causes
Pressure Sensor Failure
Checks and Actions
A.) Check and restore the position of the temperature sensor. Use the dedicated tool F190100X.
B.) See Test instructions service book, chapter SPECIFIC TESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS. Replace the sensor if needed.
C.) See Test instructions service book, chapter SPECIFIC TESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS, Chamber temperature sensors. If the sensor is broken, replace it. If the error persists, replace the main board.
D.) See Test instructions service book, chapter SPECIFIC TESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS, Steam generator temperature sensor (TABLE POINT 1 and 3). If it is necessary, replace the sensor. If the problem persists, see next step.
E.) See Test instructions service book, chapter SPECIFIC TESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS, Steam generator temperature sensor (TABLE POINT 1 and 2). If it is necessary, replace the main board.
The W&H Lexa Chamber Temp Sensor is available here on our website.
The W&H Lexa Steam Generator Temp Sensor is available here on our website.
Error Code 164
Description – Safety block during PHE phase. (Pchamber > 1.4 barA)
Possible Causes
A.) EV1 failure, V2 clogged/failure, F1 clogged/failure, All the 3 internal chamber filters clogged/failure, EV5/EV1 tube line clogged/dirty
B.) Steam generator sensor failure.
C.) Main board failure
D.) Pressure sensor failure
Checks and Actions
A.) Check and clean the chamber filters. Check the components conditions. Replace the components if necessary.
B.) See Test instructions service book, chapter SPECIFIC TESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS, Steam generator temperature sensor (TABLE POINT 1 and 3). If it is necessary, replace the sensor. If the problem persists, see next step.
C.) See Test instructions service book, chapter SPECIFIC TESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS, Steam generator temperature sensor (TABLE POINT 1 and 2). If it is necessary, replace the main board.
D.) See Test instructions service book, chapter SPECIFIC TESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS. Replace the sensor if needed.
The W&H Lexa Steam Generator Temp Sensor is available here on our website.
The W&H Lexa Chamber Filters are available on our website here.
Error Code 165
Description – Steam generator temperature too high during HEA1, HEA2 and HEA3 phases.
Possible Causes
Temperature sensor failure or not calibrated.
Checks and Actions
A.) Check and restore the position of the temperature sensor. Use the dedicated tool F190100X.
B.) See Test instructions service book, chapter SPECIFIC TESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS. Replace the sensor if needed.
C.) See Test instructions service book, chapter SPECIFIC TESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS, Chamber temperature sensors. If the sensor is broken, replace it. If the error persists, replace the main board.
D.) See Test instructions service book, chapter SPECIFIC TESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS, Steam generator temperature sensor (TABLE POINT 1 and 3). If it is necessary, replace the sensor. If the problem persists, see next step.
E.) See Test instructions service book, chapter SPECIFIC TESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS, Steam generator temperature sensor (TABLE POINT 1 and 2). If it is necessary, replace the main board.
The W&H Lexa Chamber Temp Sensor is available here on our website.
The W&H Lexa Steam Generator Temp Sensor is available here on our website.
Error Code 166
Description – Safety block during HEA2 phase. (Pchamber > 1.9 barA)
Possible Causes
A.) EV1 failure, V2 clogged/failure, F1 clogged/failure, All the 3 internal chamber filters clogged/failure, EV5/EV1 tube line clogged/dirty
B.) Steam generator sensor failure.
C.) Main board failure
D.) Pressure sensor failure
Checks and Actions
A.) Check and clean the chamber filters. Check the components conditions. Replace the components if necessary.
B.) See Test instructions service book, chapter SPECIFIC TESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS, Steam generator temperature sensor (TABLE POINT 1 and 3). If it is necessary, replace the sensor. If the problem persists, see next step.
C.) See Test instructions service book, chapter SPECIFIC TESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS, Steam generator temperature sensor (TABLE POINT 1 and 2). If it is necessary, replace the main board.
D.) See Test instructions service book, chapter SPECIFIC TESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS. Replace the sensor if needed.
The W&H Lexa Steam Generator Temp Sensor is available here on our website.
The W&H Lexa Chamber Filters are available on our website here.
Error Code 181
Description – No temperature decrease at the beginning of the DRYING phase (in the first 90”).
Possible Causes
A.) Solenoid valve EV1 failure/clogged, V2 one way valve clogged
B.) F1 filter clogged, Chamber filters clogged or dirty.
Checks and Actions
A.) Check the components conditions. Replace the components if necessary.
B.) Check and clean the filters. Replace the components if necessary.
The W&H Lexa Chamber Filters are available on our website here.
Error Code 182
Description – No pressure decrease during the DRYING phase (if after 10’ Pchamber ≥ Penviroment).
Possible Causes
A.) Solenoid valve EV1 failure/clogged, V2 one way valve clogged – F1 filter clogged, Chamber filters clogged or dirty.
B.) Door gasket failure, V2 clogged/dirty
C.) F1 filter clogged/dirty, All three chamber filters clogged/dirty
D.) Pressure sensor failure
Checks and Actions
A.) Check the components conditions. Replace the components if necessary. – Check and clean the filters. Replace the components if necessary.
B.) Check the components conditions. Replace the components if necessary.
C.) Check and clean the filters. Replace the components if necessary.
D.) See Test instructions service book, chapter SPECIFIC TESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS. Replace the sensor if needed.
The W&H Lexa Door Seal is available here on our website.
The W&H Lexa Chamber Filters are available on our website here.
Error Code 183
Description – At the end of the drying phase, Pchamber > 0.3 bar.
Possible Causes
Solenoid valve EV5 failure, Solenoid valve EV1 failure.
Checks and Actions
Check the components conditions. Replace the components if necessary.
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.
The W&H Lexa Sterilizer is available to purchase here.
We also have a range of parts for the W&H Lexa on our website that you can find here.
The W&H Lexa Installation Guide is available to view here on our website.
The W&H Lexa Operation Guide is available to view here on our website.
The W&H Lexa Printer Management Guide is available to view here on our website.
The W&H Lexa Maintenance Guide is available to view here on our website.