On this page
Asset Type
Manufacturer
Model
What This Guide Helps With
Unresponsive buttons, blank or dim display, or inability to power on due to external issues like batteries, contacts, or physical damage.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Ensure Patient Safety First
- Remove the device from active patient use. Use a known working pulse oximeter for monitoring.
- Expected: Patient is safely monitored with alternate equipment
- Why it matters: Inaccurate or unavailable SpO₂ readings can impact clinical decisions
Verify the Reported Issue
- Press the power button and observe:
- Does the display turn on at all?
- Are buttons responsive or completely unresponsive?
- Is the display dim, flickering, or blank?
- Expected: Clear confirmation of display or button failure
- Why it matters: Differentiates between power, display, or input-related issues
Check Battery Condition (Most Common Cause)
- Open the battery compartment and inspect:
- Ensure batteries are installed correctly
- Replace with known good batteries
- Check for corrosion or residue on contacts
- Expected: Device powers on with clear display and responsive buttons
- Why it matters: Low or depleted batteries commonly cause display and input failures
- If resolved, return device to service.
Inspect Battery Contacts
- Look inside the battery compartment:
- Check for bent, dirty, or corroded contacts
- Clean contacts if needed using approved method
- Expected: Proper electrical connection restored
- Why it matters: Poor contact can prevent sufficient power from reaching the device
- If resolved, return device to service.
Check for Physical Damage
- Inspect the unit:
- Cracked display window
- Worn or stuck buttons
- Signs of fluid ingress or contamination
- Expected: No visible damage affecting usability
- Why it matters: Physical damage can directly cause display or button failure
- If damage is found, remove from service.
Perform a Power Reset
- Remove batteries completely:
- Wait 30–60 seconds
- Reinstall batteries and power on
- Expected: Device reinitializes normally
- Why it matters: Clears minor electronic glitches or lockups
- If resolved, return device to service.
Test Button Functionality
- Press each button individually:
- Confirm tactile response
- Observe if display changes or reacts
- Expected: Buttons respond consistently
- Why it matters: Identifies if failure is isolated to specific buttons or full keypad
If the Problem Persists
If all external causes have been ruled out, the issue is likely internal (display module failure, keypad failure, or internal circuit fault).
Remove the device from service, label it Out of Service, and send for repair or bench evaluation.
Knowing when to stop prevents unnecessary risk and ensures proper escalation.
Clinical Use Tip
Do not attempt to troubleshoot display or control issues while the device is in use on a patient. Always switch to a functioning monitor first.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Pulse oximeter display not turning on and buttons unresponsive."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Depleted batteries preventing device startup."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Replaced batteries and verified normal display and button function."
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Buttons intermittently unresponsive on Onyx II 9590."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Physical wear and internal keypad failure."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Removed from service and sent for repair."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Batteries replaced with known good set
- Battery contacts condition (clean/corroded)
- Display behavior (blank, dim, flickering)
- Button responsiveness (all vs partial)
- Presence of physical damage or contamination
- Device final status (returned to service or sent for repair)
Final Thought
Effective troubleshooting starts with simple, external checks like batteries and physical condition. This approach prevents unnecessary downtime while ensuring patient safety. When those checks fail, recognizing internal failure and escalating appropriately is the correct clinical engineering decision.
That is successful troubleshooting.