Patient monitors · SureSigns family

Philips SureSigns VM1: troubleshooting and error codes

The ServiceForge knowledge base holds 30 documented symptoms for the Philips SureSigns VM1, with 79 ranked causes, 27 diagnostic checks with test points and expected values, and 48 error codes. Each symptom below shows its causes and the first check; the rest is one connection away. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Symptoms

Monitor does not turn on with AC power caution

Monitor powers on only with battery power, not AC

Ranked causes

1. AC power cord unplugged or broken (common)
2. Fuse is blown (common)
3. Power supply cable malfunction (occasional)
4. Power supply malfunction (occasional)
5. AC power connector malfunction (occasional)
6. Main board malfunction (occasional)

First check

Check power supply output voltage

Test point: Power supply terminals
Expected: 15 V
Tools: DMM

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

Recorder does not print caution

Recorder not producing output on paper

Ranked causes

1. Recorder is out of paper (common)
2. Recorder door is open (common)
3. Improper paper type (common)
4. Recorder not recognized by system (occasional)
5. Recorder module malfunction (occasional)
6. Main board malfunction (occasional)

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

Barcode scanner cannot read barcodes caution

Scanner lights and sound work but cannot read barcodes

Ranked causes

1. Scanner held too close or too far from barcode (common)
2. Barcode format not recognized by system (occasional)
3. Scanner needs reset (occasional)
4. System does not recognize scanner (occasional)
5. Scanner mechanical problem (occasional)

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

Barcode scanner does not function caution

Scanner has no lights, no sound, cannot read barcodes

Ranked causes

1. Scanner not plugged into USB port (common)
2. Scanner window not clean or blocked (common)
3. System does not recognize scanner (occasional)
4. Scanner mechanical problem (occasional)

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

Monitor does not respond to navigation wheel or front panel keys caution

Input controls not functioning

Ranked causes

1. Bad connection to main board (common)
2. Navigation wheel or keypad is broken (occasional)
3. Membrane switch assembly malfunction (occasional)
4. Main board malfunction (occasional)

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

Monitor screen is blank

Power is on but display shows no content

Ranked causes

1. Monitor is in power save mode (common)
2. Bad LCD connection (common)
3. LCD is defective (occasional)
4. Main board malfunction (occasional)

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

No CO2 readings displayed

CO2 module not providing measurements

Ranked causes

1. CO2 module is initializing (common)
2. CO2 tube is kinked (common)
3. CO2 module malfunction (occasional)
4. Main board malfunction (occasional)

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

No SpO2 readings displayed

SpO2 module not providing measurements

Ranked causes

1. SpO2 module in learning phase (common)
2. SpO2 sensor malfunction (occasional)
3. SpO2 board malfunction (occasional)
4. Main board malfunction (occasional)

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

Software upgrade fails or monitor becomes unresponsive during upgrade

Monitor may not complete software upgrade process, display indicates upgrade in progress but does not complete, or upgrade is interrupted causing data loss

Ranked causes

1. Monitor unplugged during upgrade process (occasional)
2. USB flash drive removed during upgrade (occasional)
3. Keys pressed during upgrade process (occasional)
4. Invalid software image on USB flash drive (occasional)

First check

Verify valid software image is present on USB flash drive

Test point: USB flash drive
Expected: Monitor detects valid software image and displays updated image information in Upgrade Software window

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

Audible alarms do not sound patient safety

No sound output from alarm speakers

Ranked causes

1. Bad speaker connection (common)
2. Speaker is defective (occasional)
3. Main board malfunction (occasional)

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

CO2 readings are unreliable patient safety

CO2 measurements inconsistent or inaccurate

Ranked causes

1. CO2 tube is kinked (common)
2. External problem with CO2 setup (occasional)
3. CO2 board not calibrated (occasional)

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

Monitor cannot detect configuration file on USB flash drive during import

Monitor displays error message when Import Settings is selected; USB flash drive with exported settings is not recognized or configuration file is not properly formatted

Ranked causes

1. USB flash drive not inserted or not detected (common)
2. Configuration file not properly formatted or corrupted (occasional)
3. Hardware configuration or software version mismatch between monitors (occasional)

First check

Verify USB flash drive is inserted into USB port

Test point: USB port on back of monitor
Expected: USB flash drive is fully inserted and recognized

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

Monitor displays random or distorted graphics with white background

Display shows garbled or distorted content

Ranked causes

1. LCD cable not attached correctly (common)
2. LCD is defective (occasional)
3. Main board malfunction (occasional)

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

Monitor does not power on

Monitor fails to respond when power switch is pressed, no display, no LEDs light

Ranked causes

1. Power switch not turned on (common)
2. Battery not adequately charged (common)
3. AC power cord not connected (common)

First check

Verify power switch position

Test point: Power key
Expected: Power switch turned on

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

Monitor does not turn on with battery power caution

Monitor powers on only with AC power, not battery

Ranked causes

1. Battery has lost charge (common)
2. Battery connector is loose (common)
3. Main board malfunction (occasional)

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

Recorder paper is jamming caution

Paper not feeding or stuck in recorder

Ranked causes

1. Paper not installed correctly (common)
2. Improper paper type (common)
3. Recorder mechanical problem (occasional)

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

Clear patient data operation interrupted or incomplete

Patient data not cleared from memory after Clear Data command executed; system does not restart after clearing data

Ranked causes

1. Incorrect maintenance password entered (common)
2. Clear Data operation not confirmed (occasional)

First check

Navigate to Service menu and access Diagnostics

Test point: System Admin Menu
Expected: System Diagnostics menu displays with Maintenance option available

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

Recorder test shows poor print quality or no output

Optional recorder does not print test pattern or prints with voids, streaks, faded areas, or mechanical issues

Ranked causes

1. Faulty recorder print head (common)
2. Recorder motor malfunction (common)

First check

Run recorder test and inspect print quality

Test point: Recorder output paper
Expected: Clean, continuous test pattern with no voids, streaks, or fading

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

SpO2 readings are unreliable patient safety

SpO2 measurements inconsistent or inaccurate

Ranked causes

1. External problem with SpO2 setup (occasional)
2. Low perfusion (occasional)

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

Barcode scanner does not read all patient ID methods caution

Scanner only reads primary patient identification method

Ranked causes

1. Scanner configured for primary ID only (common)

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

Battery information unavailable or no data from battery

Battery Info window displays message 'No data from battery. Please see your Service Guide' or battery parameters cannot be read

Ranked causes

1. Battery not properly seated or connection loose (common)

First check

Access Battery Info window in System Diagnostics

Test point: Monitor menu
Expected: Battery Info window displays parameters including manufacturer, chemistry, serial number, date, cycle count, relative charge percentage

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

Calibration: IBP (Invasive Blood Pressure)

Perform IBP calibration via Maintenance menu options

Ranked causes

1. Routine calibration or maintenance requirement (unknown)

First check

Access Maintenance options

Test point: System Diagnostics Maintenance button
Expected: Maintenance menu displays with IBP Calibration option

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

Calibration: Microstream CO2

Perform CO2 calibration using calibration gas and equipment at recommended intervals or after CO2 module replacement

Ranked causes

1. Routine preventive maintenance or CO2 module replacement (common)

First check

Access System Diagnostics menu

Test point: System Admin Menu Service button
Expected: System Diagnostics menu appears with Errors: 0

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

Display shows no image or distorted patterns

Monitor screen does not display proper test patterns or shows garbled/missing bars, colors, or text during display self-test

Ranked causes

1. Faulty LCD display or video controller (common)

First check

Verify vertical bar patterns display correctly

Test point: Monitor screen
Expected: Alternating black and white vertical bars starting with white; inverse pattern starting with black; red description text on top

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

Key press does not access expected function caution

Button input not performing correct action or no click feedback

Ranked causes

1. Membrane switch assembly malfunction (common)

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

LED does not function as expected during test

Battery or power LED does not light or flash in correct sequence; LED remains off or shows wrong colors during LED self-test

Ranked causes

1. Faulty battery LED or power LED (occasional)

First check

Verify battery LED lights yellow

Test point: Battery LED indicator
Expected: Battery LED lights steady yellow for five seconds

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

Monitor display is blank or incorrect

LCD screen shows no content, garbled display, or incorrect colors after power on

Ranked causes

1. LCD display failure (occasional)

First check

Verify proper boot sequence

Test point: Screen display
Expected: Color bars displayed for five seconds, then LCD off for three seconds, Philips screen appears with tone

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

Monitor does not turn on with either AC or battery power caution

No power from AC or battery sources

Ranked causes

1. LCD, cables, battery, power supply, or main board malfunction (unknown)

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

Navigation wheel or keys not responding

Monitor keys or rotary wheel do not respond to user input; icons in test window do not highlight or wheel dots do not change color when operated

Ranked causes

1. Faulty navigation wheel (common)

First check

Test each monitor key individually

Test point: Monitor keys
Expected: Key icon lights with border for five seconds when pressed

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

Opening screen or color bar hangs during startup

Monitor starts boot sequence but then freezes

Ranked causes

1. Main board is defective (common)

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

Error codes

Code	Meaning	Trigger	Severity
`1025`	System Error	Could not load ResourceDLL.dll.	error
`1026`	System Error	Could not load data from flash.	error
`1027`	System Error	Could not start front end.	error
`1028`	System Error	Could not stop front end.	error
`1029`	System Error	Could not allocate enough memory.	error
`1030`	System Error	An error occurred when system shut down front end devices.	error
`1031`	System Error	The monitoring and watchdog thread could not initialize.	error
`1032`	System Error	Could not open audio files.	error
`1033`	System Error	Unspecified error.	error
`1034`	System Error	Failed to load product info.	error
`1035`	System Error	Cannot initialize front end manager.	error
`1036`	System Error	Failed to start work thread.	error
`1037`	System Error	Cannot start polling thread.	error
`1042`	System Error	Failed to start up network driver.	error
`1043`	System Error	Front end software error.	error
`1044`	System Error	Front end software error.	error
`1045`	System error (code 1045)	Detected during self-test or operation; logged with timestamp	error
`1047`	System Error	Monitoring software error.	error
`1048`	System Error	An exception was detected in the alarming software.	error
`1050`	System Error	Failed to stop work thread.	error
`1052`	System Error	Memory error.	error
`1053`	System Error	Loss of monitoring.	info
`257`	System error (code 257)	Detected during self-test or operation; logged with timestamp	error
`261`	System error (code 261)	Detected during self-test or operation; logged with timestamp	error
`264`	System Error	Battery over temperature	error
`833 (1)`	SpO2 Equip Malfunc (1)	SpO2 ROM checksum error	error
`833 (10)`	SpO2 Equip Malfunc (10)	SpO2 host communication error	error
`833 (2)`	SpO2 Equip Malfunc (2)	SpO2 RAM test error	error
`833 (20)`	SpO2 Equip Malfunc (20)	SpO2 hardware defect	error
`833 (4)`	SpO2 Equip Malfunc (4)	SpO2 analog signal path self-test failed	error
`833 (40)`	SpO2 Equip Malfunc (40)	SpO2 non-volatile memory corrupted	error
`833 (6)`	SpO2 Equip Malfunc (6)	SpO2 self-test timeout	error
`833 (8)`	SpO2 Equip Malfunc (8)	SpO2 internal DSP communication error	error
`834`	SpO2 Sensor Malfunc	Malfunction of the SpO2 sensor or sensor cable	error
`835`	FPGA FIFO Overrun	SpO2 software error	info
`836`	SpO2 Communication Error	SpO2 communication error	info
`837`	SpO2 Error. The front end will now reset itself.	No data from SpO2	error
`849`	FPGA FIFO Overrun	CO2 software error	info
`850`	CO2 Error. The front end will now reset itself.	No data from CO2	error
`851 (1)`	CO2 Equip Malfunc (1)	CO2 calibration error	error
`851 (16)`	CO2 Equip Malfunc (16)	CO2 main board error	error
`851 (17)`	CO2 Equip Malfunc (17)	CO2 module malfunction	error
`851 (18)`	CO2 Equip Malfunc (18)	CO2 scrubber, pump error	error
`851 (19)`	CO2 Equip Malfunc (19)	CO2 sensor malfunction	error
`851 (2)`	CO2 Equip Malfunc (2)	CO2 air line malfunction	error
`851 (20)`	CO2 Equip Malfunc (20)	CO2 15V voltage out of range	error
`851 (3)`	CO2 Equip Malfunc (3)	Occlusion in CO2 input line	error
`851 (99)`	CO2 Equip Malfunc (99)	No data from CO2	error

Likely causes and actions for each code 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.