On this page
Asset Type
Manufacturer
Model
What This Guide Helps With
Troubleshoot unresponsive bed positioning functions caused by power problems, control lockouts, obstructed movement, loose connections, or actuator-related faults.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Ensure Patient Safety and Continuity of Care
Confirm whether the bed is occupied and whether the failed positioning function affects patient care.
If the bed cannot safely support required positioning, coordinate with nursing to transfer the patient to another verified bed before troubleshooting.
Secure the brakes and prevent unintended movement.
Expected outcome: The patient is safe, and the bed is available for controlled troubleshooting.
2. Confirm the Exact Motion Failure
Identify which function is affected:
- Fowler or head-section elevation
- Knee-section elevation
- High-low elevation
- Trendelenburg or reverse Trendelenburg positioning
Determine whether the function fails in both directions, moves intermittently, or produces unusual sounds.
Test only with the bed unoccupied and within approved operating conditions.
Expected outcome: The affected function and failure behavior are identified.
3. Verify AC Power
Inspect the power cord, plug, and accessible power connections for damage.
Connect the bed directly to a verified appropriate outlet.
Check whether other powered bed functions operate normally.
If power is restored and all affected functions operate correctly, troubleshooting can stop after final verification.
Expected outcome: The bed receives stable power and responds to normal controls.
4. Check Caregiver Controls and Lockouts
Inspect the caregiver control panel for active function lockouts.
Verify that the affected function is enabled.
Compare operation using another authorized control location, if equipped.
Do not override safety interlocks or change restricted configurations.
Expected outcome: The function operates when enabled from an appropriate control.
5. Inspect for Mechanical Obstructions
Inspect accessible areas beneath the deck and around moving sections.
Look for trapped linens, equipment cables, accessories, or objects restricting travel.
Check for visible bent components, damaged linkage, or interference from installed accessories.
Remove external obstructions without placing hands near pinch points.
Expected outcome: The bed moves without external interference.
6. Compare Other Powered Functions
Operate unaffected positioning functions individually.
Determine whether the problem involves one movement or multiple powered movements.
A single failed function may indicate a localized control or drive issue. Multiple failures may indicate a shared power, control, or interlock problem.
Expected outcome: The failure is isolated to a specific function or shared system.
7. Perform Functional Verification
After correcting an external problem, operate the affected movement through an appropriate safe range.
Verify smooth movement, correct direction, normal stopping, and absence of unusual noise.
Confirm that lockouts and other relevant safety controls operate correctly.
If all required functions pass, troubleshooting can stop and the bed may proceed through return-to-service requirements.
Expected outcome: All affected positioning functions operate reliably.
If the Problem Persists
Common external power, control, lockout, and obstruction causes have been ruled out.
Possible remaining causes include actuator assemblies, drive components, control electronics, position feedback, or internal wiring.
Remove the bed from service, label it Out of Service, and arrange repair or bench evaluation.
Qualified personnel should evaluate the bed using appropriate Stryker service documentation and approved test equipment. Do not perform unauthorized internal repairs.
Before returning the bed to service, verify all affected positioning functions and applicable safety systems.
Knowing when to stop external troubleshooting is proper troubleshooting.
Clinical Use Tip
Do not rely on a bed with unreliable Fowler or Trendelenburg movement when patient positioning is clinically necessary.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Nursing reported that the Secure II bed would not raise the head section using the caregiver controls."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering found that the Fowler function lockout was enabled."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Disabled the lockout with nursing approval and verified normal Fowler movement, stopping, and control operation."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Specific movement affected
- Direction of failed movement
- AC power status
- Caregiver and patient control results
- Lockout status
- Obstructions or visible damage
- Unusual sounds during operation
- Other functions tested
- Final functional verification results
- Return-to-service status
Final Thought
Patient safety comes first when bed positioning becomes unreliable. Checking power, controls, lockouts, and external obstructions before suspecting internal failure supports efficient troubleshooting. Verify restored operation, escalate unresolved faults, and document the complaint, cause, and resolution clearly.
That is successful troubleshooting.