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What This Guide Helps With
This guide addresses situations where the Stryker S3 hospital bed:
- Will not raise or lower (hi-low function inoperative)
- Moves in only one direction (up but not down, or down but not up)
- Makes a clicking sound but does not move
- Displays intermittent height movement
The focus is on logical, external troubleshooting first — power supply, lockouts, pendant operation, and wiring — before assuming internal actuator or control board failure.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Ensure Patient Safety First
- Transfer the patient to another bed if height adjustment is required.
- Do not work under the bed frame with a patient in the bed.
- Lower the bed to its safest position if possible.
Hi-low failures can create fall risk or staff injury risk.
Verify Power to the Bed
- Confirm the bed is plugged into a known-good outlet.
- Test the outlet with another device.
- Check for illuminated power indicators on the bed.
- If equipped with battery backup, disconnect AC power and test hi-low on battery.
Why this matters:
Low voltage or a failed power supply can allow some functions to work while preventing high-load functions like hi-low from operating.
Check for Lockout Activation
- Inspect side rail controls for hi-low lockout indicators.
- Verify that nurse panel lockouts are not active.
- Cycle lockout settings OFF and retest.
Why this matters:
Hi-low lockouts are commonly engaged during cleaning or transport.
Test Multiple Control Points
- Test hi-low from:
- Patient pendant
- Side rail controls
- Nurse control panel
If hi-low works from one control but not another:
- Suspect a faulty pendant or localized control board.
If hi-low does not work from any control:
- Continue troubleshooting toward actuator or main control issues.
Listen for Actuator Response
- When pressing hi-low:
- Do you hear motor noise?
- Do you hear a relay click?
- Is there complete silence?
Interpretation:
- Clicking with no movement → possible actuator stall or mechanical binding
- Motor noise without movement → possible stripped drive or linkage issue
- Silence → possible power/control issue
Inspect Under-Bed Cabling
- Safely tip or access the base (without a patient):
- Inspect hi-low actuator wiring harness.
- Look for pinched, stretched, or disconnected cables.
- Ensure connectors are fully seated.
- Check for corrosion at quick-connect fittings.
Why this matters:
Hi-low wiring runs through moving frame sections and is prone to stress damage.
Inspect Mechanical Linkage
- Look for debris or obstruction in scissor frame.
- Verify no bent frame members.
- Check for transport damage.
- Ensure nothing is mechanically blocking movement.
- Do not disassemble the actuator.
Check Battery Condition (If Equipped)
- Inspect battery for swelling or leakage.
- Measure voltage if applicable.
- Replace battery if it fails load testing.
Weak batteries may allow light functions but not high-load lift motors.
Evaluate Actuator Failure
- If:
- Power is confirmed
- Lockouts are cleared
- Controls are functional
- Wiring is intact
- No mechanical obstruction exists
Then likely causes include:
- Failed hi-low actuator motor
- Internal actuator limit switch failure
- Main control board output failure
At this stage, escalation is appropriate.
If the Problem Persists
If all external causes have been ruled out, the issue is likely internal to the actuator assembly or control electronics.
The bed should be:
- Removed from service
- Labeled Out of Service
- Sent for actuator replacement or bench evaluation
Do not continue cycling a stalled actuator, as this may damage the control board.
Knowing when to stop is proper troubleshooting.
Clinical Use Tip
Never troubleshoot hi-low movement with a patient in the bed unless absolutely necessary and safe.
If the bed is stuck in a high position, prioritize patient fall prevention and transfer before beginning mechanical evaluation.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
“Nursing reports bed will not raise or lower. All other functions operational.”
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
“Hi-low actuator not responding from any control panel. Power verified. Lockouts cleared. Wiring intact. Actuator silent during activation.”
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
“Bed removed from service. Hi-low actuator replaced. Full function test performed. Bed returned to service.”
Helpful Details to Include
- Outlet tested and verified
- Battery condition checked
- Lockout status confirmed
- Controls tested (which ones worked)
- Actuator noise behavior
- Final operational status
Final Thought
Hi-low failures are common high-wear issues in hospital beds. A structured, logical approach prevents unnecessary actuator replacement while ensuring patient safety remains the priority. Proper documentation supports parts tracking and failure trending.
That is successful troubleshooting.