ZOLL R Series

Asset Type

Defibrillator

Manufacturer

ZOLL

Model

R Series

What This Guide Helps With

This guide helps troubleshoot DEFIB FAULT 95 on the ZOLL R Series defibrillator. This fault indicates that the defibrillator system has lost communication with the PD module, which can affect defibrillation, pacing, cardioversion, charging, shocking, and readiness testing.

Because this involves the defibrillator subsystem, the unit should be treated as unsafe for clinical use until the fault is verified, external causes are ruled out, and repair-level evaluation is completed if needed.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

Ensure Patient Safety First

• Immediately remove the ZOLL R Series from patient use if DEFIB FAULT 95 is displayed.
• Do not use the unit for patient defibrillation, pacing, or cardioversion.
• Place a known-good defibrillator at the bedside or in the clinical area.
• Notify clinical staff that the affected unit is not available for emergency use.
• Confirm patient care is transferred to a functional defibrillator before continuing troubleshooting.

Verify the Reported Error and Behavior

• Power on the R Series and confirm the exact displayed message is DEFIB FAULT 95.
• Check whether the fault appears at startup, during self-test, when entering defib mode, during a charge attempt, or intermittently during operation.
• Note any related symptoms such as failure to charge, shock unavailable, pacing unavailable, red service indicator, failed readiness test, audible fault tone, or failed self-test record.
• Document whether the error is reproducible or was reported by staff after a readiness check.

Remove the Unit From Clinical Use Before Further Checks

• Turn the unit off.
• Attach an Out of Service tag.
• Remove it from the clinical area or clearly separate it from ready-use equipment.
• Do not leave a defibrillator with a confirmed defib fault staged for emergency use.

Check Basic Power Condition

• Connect the unit to a known-good AC outlet.
• Confirm the AC power indicator is present.
• Check that the battery is properly seated.
• If available, install a known-good charged battery.
• Power the unit back on and observe whether the fault clears or returns.
• If the fault clears after correcting a battery or AC power issue, continue observing the unit and complete required operational checks before return to service.

Check External Accessories and Patient Connections

• Disconnect pads, paddles, ECG leads, SpO₂ cables, NIBP hoses, therapy cables, and any external accessories.
• Inspect the therapy cable, paddles, pads connector area, and accessory ports for bent pins, contamination, fluid intrusion, damage, or loose fit.
• Power cycle the unit with accessories disconnected.
• If the fault clears with a specific accessory removed, replace that accessory and complete full functional testing before returning the device to service.
• If the fault remains with all external accessories removed, suspect an internal defibrillator subsystem issue.

Inspect the Unit for Physical Damage or Fluid Intrusion

• Inspect the case, therapy connector, paddle wells, battery compartment, printer area, rear connectors, and display area.
• Check for cracks, drop damage, loose connectors, fluid residue, corrosion, burning smell, abnormal heat, missing screws, or damaged covers.
• If fluid intrusion, burning smell, abnormal heat, or major damage is found, stop troubleshooting and send the unit for repair evaluation.

Perform One Controlled Restart

• Turn the unit off.
• Remove AC power.
• Remove the battery.
• Wait briefly.
• Reinstall a known-good battery.
• Reconnect AC power.
• Power the unit on and observe startup behavior.
• If DEFIB FAULT 95 returns, do not continue repeated resets.

Review Readiness or Self-Test Results

• Review the readiness indicator or self-test result.
• If available, print or record the self-test failure information.
• Note whether the failure affects defib, pacing, charging, shock delivery, or general system readiness.
• Use the readiness failure information to support the work order and repair evaluation.

Isolate the Likely Failure Category

• Accessory-related: Fault clears when a damaged therapy cable, paddles, pads, or accessory is removed.
• Power-related: Fault clears after correcting AC power or battery condition.
• External damage-related: Fault follows drop damage, fluid intrusion, connector damage, or visible physical damage.
• Device-related: DEFIB FAULT 95 remains after power, battery, accessories, connectors, physical condition, and restart behavior are checked.

Do Not Attempt Patient-Use Verification if the Fault Persists

• Do not attempt to prove the unit works by repeatedly charging or test shocking if the fault remains active.
• Keep the unit out of service.
• Send it for repair or bench evaluation.
• Do not return the unit to clinical service until the fault is corrected and all required performance, safety, defib, pacing, and readiness checks pass.

If the Problem Persists

If DEFIB FAULT 95 remains after checking power, battery, accessories, connectors, physical condition, and restart behavior, external and common causes have been ruled out.

A persistent DEFIB FAULT 95 strongly indicates an internal communication failure involving the PD module. Manual-level technical direction points toward PD module or PD engine failure requiring repair-level service.

The device should be removed from service, labeled Out of Service, replaced with a known-good defibrillator in the clinical area, and sent for repair or bench evaluation.

Clinical Use Tip

Never troubleshoot a defib fault on an active patient. Move the patient to a backup defibrillator or monitor/defibrillator first. A device with an unresolved DEFIB FAULT 95 should not be trusted for emergency response.

Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)

CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution

Complaint

What was reported by the clinical staff.

Example:
"ZOLL R Series defibrillator displayed DEFIB FAULT 95. Staff reported the unit failed readiness check and was not considered available for defibrillation use."

Cause

What was observed during troubleshooting.

Example:
"Verified DEFIB FAULT 95 during startup/self-test. Battery, AC power, external accessories, therapy cable connection, and visible damage checks did not resolve the fault. Fault indicates PD module communication failure, consistent with likely internal defibrillator subsystem failure."

Resolution

What action was taken.

Example:
"Removed unit from service and labeled Out of Service. Replaced clinical area coverage with known-good defibrillator. Sent unit for repair/bench evaluation for suspected PD engine/module communication failure. Final status: not returned to service."

Helpful Details to Include (If Known)

• Alarm behavior
• Accessories swapped
• Power behavior
• Environmental factors
• Indicator lights
• Final device status

Final Thought

DEFIB FAULT 95 should be treated as a serious defibrillator readiness issue. Start with patient safety, verify the exact fault, rule out power and accessory causes, and stop once the issue points to an internal PD communication failure. Clear documentation protects patients, staff, and the repair process.

That is successful troubleshooting.