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What This Guide Helps With
Error: MOTOR FAIL causing continuous movement or uncontrolled motor operation due to a stuck motor power condition. This can result in unintended table movement and presents a serious safety hazard.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Ensure Patient Safety First
- Immediately remove the table from patient use if uncontrolled movement is present
- Transfer the patient to a safe surface
- Ensure the table is stable before proceeding
2. Verify the Reported Error and Behavior
- Power on the table and confirm Error: MOTOR FAIL is displayed
- Observe if the table moves continuously without input
- Check if movement continues after releasing controls
- Identify which function is affected (height, tilt, slide, etc.)
3. Check Hand Control and Foot Pedal for Stuck Inputs
- Inspect all buttons on the hand control and foot pedal
- Press and release each button to ensure none are stuck
- Disconnect the hand control and observe behavior (if safe)
4. Inspect Cables and Connections
- Check cables for damage, pinching, or wear
- Ensure connectors are fully seated
- Look for contamination or moisture at connection points
5. Power Cycle the Table
- Turn the table OFF
- Wait 30 seconds
- Power the table back ON
- Observe if the condition resets or returns immediately
6. Isolate Function (If Applicable)
- Attempt to activate different table movements individually
- Determine if only one motor function is affected
- Note if issue is isolated or system-wide
7. Evaluate for Internal Control Failure
- If motor continues running without input, suspect internal failure
- External controls and wiring ruled out indicate control circuitry fault
- This condition is consistent with sliding board or motor control failure
If the Problem Persists
If continuous motor operation with Error: MOTOR FAIL persists after all external checks:
- Remove the table from service
- Label the device Out of Service
- Send the table for repair or bench evaluation
Clinical Use Tip
Never troubleshoot uncontrolled table movement while a patient is on the table. Always transfer the patient to a safe surface before attempting any troubleshooting.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Table displaying Error: MOTOR FAIL with continuous movement without user input."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Internal motor control fault. External controls and cables verified functional. Likely sliding board failure."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Removed table from service, tagged out of service, and sent for repair. Sliding board replacement required."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Alarm behavior
- Accessories swapped
- Power behavior
- Environmental factors
- Indicator lights
- Final device status
Final Thought
Errors like MOTOR FAIL represent serious control faults and must be treated as safety-critical conditions. Always rule out external causes first, but escalate quickly when uncontrolled movement persists to prevent harm.
That is successful troubleshooting.