Fetal monitors · Avalon family

Philips Avalon FM40: troubleshooting and error codes

The ServiceForge knowledge base holds 60 documented symptoms for the Philips Avalon FM40, with 135 ranked causes, 31 diagnostic checks with test points and expected values, and 0 error codes. Each symptom below shows its causes and the first check; the rest is one connection away. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Symptoms

External device not receiving data via LAN/RS232

External surveillance system or device does not receive exported data from monitor

Ranked causes

1. LAN/RS232 port not configured for data export (common)
2. Cable not connected correctly or defective (common)
3. External device does not support protocol version (occasional)
4. Terminal concentrator does not support dynamic speed negotiation (rare)
5. LAN/RS232 board in wrong slot (occasional)
6. LAN/RS232 board defective (rare)
7. Wrong cable for RS232 connection (occasional)

7 corrective actions and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

External device not receiving data via MIB/RS232

External device does not receive exported data from monitor via MIB/RS232 interface

Ranked causes

1. MIB/RS232 port not configured for data export (common)
2. Wrong data export protocol driver configured (common)
3. Cable not connected correctly or defective (common)
4. External device does not support protocol version (occasional)
5. Terminal concentrator does not support dynamic speed negotiation (rare)
6. MIB/RS232 board in wrong slot (occasional)
7. MIB/RS232 board or connector board defective (rare)

7 corrective actions and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

INOP Check Paper message displayed

Check paper error message displayed by recorder

Ranked causes

1. Drawer open with paper on sensor (common)
2. Paper jam (common)
3. Paper sensor dirty (occasional)
4. Paper sensor defective (rare)
5. Rubber roller slipping (occasional)
6. Non-approved paper loaded (occasional)
7. Inadequate contrast or no paper marks (occasional)

7 corrective actions and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Display is blank or brightness reduced

Screen shows no image or reduced brightness after boot phase completes

Ranked causes

1. Display flex cable not connected properly (common)
2. Back-light inverter cable not connected properly (occasional)
3. Back-light tubes defective (occasional)
4. Back-light inverter defective (rare)
5. LCD flat panel defective (rare)
6. API board defective (rare)

4 corrective actions and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Touchscreen not functioning

Touchscreen does not respond to touch input

Ranked causes

1. Touchscreen functionality temporarily disabled (common)
2. Touch screen cable not connected (occasional)
3. Touch controller defective (occasional)
4. Touch Sensor defective (occasional)
5. Touch calibration problem (occasional)

First check

Check for padlock symbol on Main Screen

Test point: Main Screen key
Expected: No padlock symbol visible

1 more check with pass and fail actions, 5 corrective actions, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Transducer Finder LED does not light up

Transducer is plugged in but Finder LED does not illuminate and transducer not working.

Ranked causes

1. INOP Bus Master Malfunc displayed - transducer cable defective (common)
2. Connector block is defective (occasional)
3. Transducer or connector block defective (occasional)
4. API board is defective (occasional)
5. No power to API board (rare)

5 corrective actions and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Unit does not power on

Green LED does not light, no test tone heard from speaker

Ranked causes

1. No AC mains connection (common)
2. Power supply defective (occasional)
3. Switch board cable disconnected or loose (occasional)
4. Switch board defective (occasional)
5. API board defective (rare)

First check

Verify AC mains connection

Test point: Power cord and AC outlet
Expected: Power cord firmly connected to powered AC outlet

2 more checks with pass and fail actions, 5 corrective actions, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Keyboard or Mouse not functioning

Keyboard or mouse attached directly to monitor are not responding.

Ranked causes

1. Keyboard/Mouse not connected properly (common)
2. Keyboard/Mouse are defective (occasional)
3. USB/PS/2 I/O board not properly plugged in (occasional)
4. USB/PS/2 I/O board is defective (occasional)

4 corrective actions and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

No recorder key available and INOP FetRec Equip Malf displayed

Recorder control unavailable on screen with equipment malfunction message

Ranked causes

1. Recorder not calibrated (common)
2. EEPROM on API board defective (rare)
3. Recorder controller on API board defective (rare)
4. Recorder cable disconnected (occasional)

4 corrective actions and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Paper empty warning issued but paper not out

Warning displayed at bottom of screen indicating paper empty but paper is actually loaded

Ranked causes

1. Drawer open or not properly closed (common)
2. Paper jam (common)
3. Paper sensor disconnected (occasional)
4. Paper sensor defective (rare)

4 corrective actions and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Paper not transporting

Paper does not move or advance through the recorder mechanism

Ranked causes

1. Drawer open or not properly closed (common)
2. Paper jam (common)
3. Stepper motor cable disconnected (occasional)
4. Stepper motor defective (occasional)

4 corrective actions and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Alarm sounds not issued despite alarm condition patient safety

Alarm activates but no audible sound is produced from the speaker

Ranked causes

1. Monitor volume set to 0 (common)
2. Speaker defective (occasional)
3. Sound amplifier on API board defective (rare)

3 corrective actions and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Monitor alarmed but Nurse Call not activated patient safety

Monitor alarm triggered but nurse call relay does not activate.

Ranked causes

1. Incorrect relay configuration (latency, trigger) (common)
2. Cable connection defective to monitor or nurse call system (occasional)
3. Flexible Nurse Call Relay I/O board is defective (occasional)

3 corrective actions and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

No test sound or Speaker Malfunct INOP

Speaker does not produce test tone during boot or INOP Speaker Malfunct message displayed

Ranked causes

1. Speaker cable disconnected (common)
2. Speaker defective (occasional)
3. API board defective (rare)

3 corrective actions and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Paper remains blank despite normal recorder operation

Recorder runs normally but printhead does not print on paper

Ranked causes

1. Thermal printhead disconnected (occasional)
2. Thermal printhead defective (rare)
3. Wrong side of paper facing up (occasional)

3 corrective actions and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Remote touch display not responding via MIB/RS232

Connected remote display does not respond to touch input or control signals

Ranked causes

1. Cable not properly connected (common)
2. MIB/RS232 port not configured (common)
3. Factory defaults loaded (occasional)

3 corrective actions and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Settings Malfunct INOP message displayed

Settings Malfunct message appears on screen indicating configuration or memory corruption

Ranked causes

1. Problem during configuration cloning process (occasional)
2. Settings memory space corrupted (occasional)
3. Main CPU board defective (rare)

3 corrective actions and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Speaker Malfunct INOP message displayed

INOP Message Speaker Malfunct appears on screen indicating speaker or amplifier failure

Ranked causes

1. Speaker cable disconnected (common)
2. Speaker defective (occasional)
3. Sound amplifier on API board defective (rare)

3 corrective actions and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Trace has poor print quality

Recorded trace output has degraded or inadequate print quality

Ranked causes

1. Heat setting needs adjustment (common)
2. Thermal printhead dirty (common)
3. Thermal printhead failure (rare)

3 corrective actions and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

API Board LED behavior abnormal caution

LEDs on API board are not blinking as expected.

Ranked causes

1. LEDs off - power supply or API board issue (occasional)
2. LEDs on continuously - API board defective (occasional)

2 corrective actions and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Calibration: Tympanic Temperature patient safety

Periodic calibration of temperature measurement sensor to maintain accuracy. Required after environmental exposure or physical damage.

Ranked causes

1. Annual preventive maintenance interval (common)
2. Unit dropped, damaged, or stored at extreme temperature (occasional)

First check

Determine if calibration needed

Test point: Tympanic temperature module
Expected: Unit not dropped/damaged and storage temperature -25ºC to 55ºC OR annual interval reached

2 corrective actions and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Check Monitor Func INOP

INOP message indicates problem with monitor voltages or internal temperature

Ranked causes

1. Problem with voltages (5V) in monitor (common)
2. Temperature inside monitor too high (common)

3 corrective actions and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Check Settings INOP

INOP occurs during normal operation indicating possible monitor software problem

Ranked causes

1. Monitor software problem (unknown)
2. Incomplete or unsuccessful software upgrade (occasional)

3 corrective actions and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Green LED does not blink after power on

Power switch activated but green LED does not blink during boot phase

Ranked causes

1. Switch board defective (common)
2. CPU processor on API board defective (occasional)

2 corrective actions and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Individual Parameter INOP patient safety

Parameter-specific INOP messages for individual equipment modules (FHR, NBP, SpO2, Toco, etc.)

Ranked causes

1. Defective transducer, sensor, patient module, or board (common)
2. Incompatible API Board firmware with new software (Bus Master Malfunc only) (occasional)

4 corrective actions and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

No video on remote display

Connected remote display shows no video output.

Ranked causes

1. Video cable not properly connected (common)
2. Remote display has no power (common)

2 corrective actions and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Paper not feeding properly

Paper does not advance smoothly through the recorder

Ranked causes

1. Paper loaded incorrectly (common)
2. Rubber roller dirty (occasional)

2 corrective actions and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Trace not printed correctly aligned with paper gridlines

Recorded trace vertical alignment does not match paper grid references

Ranked causes

1. Offset needs adjustment (common)
2. Wrong paper scale being used (occasional)

2 corrective actions and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Transducer connected with INOP Bus Master Malfunc displayed

Transducer is plugged in and connected but INOP Bus Master Malfunc message appears.

Ranked causes

1. API board is defective (occasional)
2. Transducer is defective (occasional)

2 corrective actions and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Tympanic Thermometer does not function

Thermometer is not operating or responding.

Ranked causes

1. No connection between base station and thermometer or monitor (common)
2. Thermometer is defective (occasional)

2 corrective actions and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

USB-connected devices not functioning

None of the connected devices via USB port are working.

Ranked causes

1. USB port in monitor is defective (occasional)
2. Invalid device combination or defective connected devices (common)

2 corrective actions and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

All transducers (US, Toco, IUP, ECG) do not work

None of the transducers are functioning.

Ranked causes

1. INOP Bus Master Malfunc displayed - API board is defective (occasional)

1 corrective action and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Bad or distorted printout in first 1 cm of trace

Poor quality print or distortion at the beginning of the recorded trace

Ranked causes

1. Paper drawer not fully closed before recording (common)

1 corrective action and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Calibration: Noninvasive Blood Pressure patient safety

Periodic calibration of blood pressure measurement module to maintain accuracy and safety compliance

Ranked causes

1. Scheduled preventive maintenance interval (common)

First check

Perform calibration per schedule

Test point: NBP module
Expected: Calibration completed per local requirements

1 corrective action and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Calibration: Transducer belt button replacement caution

Removal and installation of belt button on transducer

Ranked causes

1. Belt button requires replacement or is broken (unknown)

First check

Remove old belt button using supplied tool

Test point: Belt button attachment point on transducer
Expected: Belt button removed without damage to threaded insert

2 more checks with pass and fail actions, 2 corrective actions, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Calibration: Transducer cable exchange

Replacement of transducer cable assembly with proper gasket and cover reinstallation

Ranked causes

1. Transducer cable requires replacement (unknown)

First check

Pierce and remove screw cover without damaging top cover

Test point: Three screw cover locations on transducer frame
Expected: Screw cover removed without damage to transducer top cover

4 more checks with pass and fail actions, 4 corrective actions, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Check Nurse Call Relay INOP message issued caution

Monitor displays INOP message regarding Flexible Nurse Call Relay.

Ranked causes

1. Flexible Nurse Call Relay I/O board is defective (occasional)

1 corrective action and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Check TI Config INOP

INOP occurs after software upgrade or option change regarding NST Report settings

Ranked causes

1. NST Report Guideline not set after software upgrade (occasional)

2 corrective actions and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Cyclic reboot loop

Monitor attempts to boot, power fails, LED blinks, display briefly shows then goes dark, LED stays lit, cycle repeats

Ranked causes

1. Hardware failure caused by short circuit, likely defective NBP board (common)

2 corrective actions and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

INOP FetRec Chk Config message displayed

Configuration check error message displayed for recorder settings

Ranked causes

1. Recorder Speed and/or Scale Type not configured (common)

1 corrective action and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

INOP Printhead Overheat message displayed caution

Printhead overheat error message displayed

Ranked causes

1. Printhead temperature too high (occasional)

1 corrective action and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

INOP Wrong Paper Scale message displayed

Wrong paper scale error message displayed

Ranked causes

1. Wrong scale paper loaded (common)

1 corrective action and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Installation: Monitor with non-medical device on same outlet caution

Installation of monitor connected to same electrical outlet as non-medical equipment

Ranked causes

1. Installation configuration creates potential interference or safety concern (occasional)

First check

Visual inspection

Test point: Monitor and cables
Expected: No damage or defects

2 more checks with pass and fail actions, 3 corrective actions, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Installation: Monitor with Philips medical display caution

Installation of monitor with Philips-specified medical display connected

Ranked causes

1. Installation configuration requires testing (common)

First check

Visual inspection

Test point: Monitor, display, and interconnecting cables
Expected: No damage or defects

1 more check with pass and fail actions, 2 corrective actions, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Installation: Standalone monitor with no external display caution

Installation of monitor as standalone unit with video output connected but no display attached

Ranked causes

1. Installation configuration requires limited testing (occasional)

First check

Visual inspection

Test point: Monitor and cables
Expected: No damage or defects

1 more check with pass and fail actions, 2 corrective actions, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Internal.Comm.Malf INOP

Internal communication malfunction INOP message

Ranked causes

1. Main CPU board defective (common)

1 corrective action and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Maintenance: Recorder printout degraded caution

Recorder produces faded, unclear, or poor quality thermal paper output

Ranked causes

1. Degraded recorder output quality (occasional)

First check

Inspect recorder output quality

Test point: Printer thermal head and paper path
Expected: Clear, legible printout at standard darkness

1 corrective action and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Temperature reading unusually high patient safety

Thermometer displays abnormally high temperature value.

Ranked causes

1. Probe cover is damaged or not attached correctly (common)

1 corrective action and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Temperature reading unusually low patient safety

Thermometer displays abnormally low temperature value.

Ranked causes

1. Probe, probe cover, or ear canal obstructed (common)

1 corrective action and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Testing: Electrical safety after service high voltage

Verify protective earth resistance and leakage currents after maintenance or repairs

Ranked causes

1. Safety test required after power supply repair or component replacement (common)

First check

Measure protective earth resistance

Test point: Protective earth connection
Expected: Per IEC 60601-1 specification

2 more checks with pass and fail actions, 3 corrective actions, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Testing: Noninvasive Blood Pressure performance patient safety

Performance verification of blood pressure measurement module against known standards

Ranked causes

1. Scheduled performance assurance interval or suspected measurement error (common)

First check

Verify NBP measurements against reference standard

Test point: NBP module
Expected: Measurements within specified tolerance of reference

1 corrective action and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Testing: SpO2 performance patient safety

Performance verification of pulse oximetry measurement module

Ranked causes

1. Performance assurance testing required (unknown)

First check

Verify SpO2 module measurements

Test point: SpO2 sensor and module
Expected: Readings within specification per Testing Sequence

1 corrective action and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Testing: System test patient safety

Comprehensive functional and safety system test after installation or as part of scheduled maintenance

Ranked causes

1. Installation or scheduled maintenance interval (common)

First check

Execute system test per Testing Sequence

Test point: Monitor and all connected modules
Expected: All tests pass per specification

1 corrective action and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Testing: Transducers and patient modules patient safety

Periodic verification that transducers and patient modules provide correct measurements

Ranked causes

1. Annual preventive maintenance interval or suspected measurement error (common)

First check

Verify transducers and patient modules function correctly

Test point: All transducers and patient module connectors
Expected: Measurements match expected values per Testing Sequence

1 corrective action and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Testing: Visual inspection caution

Pre-use visual check for physical damage or defects before each use

Ranked causes

1. Pre-use safety check required (common)

First check

Visually inspect monitor condition

Test point: Entire unit exterior and connectors
Expected: No damage, cracks, or loose components visible

1 corrective action and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Transducer belt button is broken or damaged caution

Transducer belt button is mechanically damaged.

Ranked causes

1. Mechanical damage to belt button (occasional)

1 corrective action and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Transducer Finder LED lights briefly then INOP Bus Master Malfunc displayed

Transducer Finder LED lights briefly after plugging in but INOP Bus Master Malfunc message appears and transducer not working.

Ranked causes

1. Transducer is defective (common)

1 corrective action and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Transducer Finder LED lights briefly, no parameters on screen

Transducer Finder LED lights briefly after plugging in but transducer is not recognized and no parameters displayed.

Ranked causes

1. INOP Bus Master Malfunc displayed - transducer is defective (common)

1 corrective action and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Unknown transducer connected message after software upgrade

After transducer software upgrade, message 'Unknown transducer connected' appears at screen bottom.

Ranked causes

1. Transducer in boot mode and not recognized by monitor (occasional)

1 corrective action and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Unknown transducer connected message without software upgrade

Message 'Unknown transducer connected' appears at screen bottom without preceding software upgrade.

Ranked causes

1. Transducer is defective (common)

1 corrective action and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Community

0 fixes logged by technicians through their AI, with outcomes, for this model.

ServiceForge knowledge base record. Field-unverified unless technicians confirmed it. A teaching summary of the record, not a service manual. Export 2026-10-14.