Common Alco-Sensor Error Codes.
Intoximeters breath alcohol instruments are engineered to display common Alco-Sensor error codes when a problem arises. For the most part, Alco-Sensor instruments are designed to provide accurate results time after time. However, there may be occasional instances where the instrument cannot provide a result or correctly process a breath sample because of an internal problem in the instrument.
The good news is that the instruments will provide diagnostic information in the form of an error code that will help the user determine the cause of the problem. Furthermore, some common Alco-Sensor error codes encountered can be corrected on the spot, avoiding the need to send the instrument in for repair, saving you time and money.
Here are some common Alco-Sensor error codes and the required fix for each:
Alco-Sensor III
“SET” – you will see this on the display if the SET button is not in the down position. The Set button must be done before a test can be administered. You will also see the SET display during the Calibration procedure, at which point you would press the SET button down into place.
“bAt”, or “.888” – the 9V battery is low and needs to be replaced. Replace with a new 9V alkaline battery. However, if this does not fix the problem it could indicate a deeper problem with the circuit board or battery connectors and the instrument would have to be sent in for evaluation and repair.
“bAd”, or “BAD” – The instrument was unable to complete a blank test in preparation for a test or during the Calibration procedure. This could indicate a weak fuel cell. If this happens, press the “SET” button down and let the instrument rest for a few minutes then attempt again. If this does not fix it then the instrument will need to be sent in for evaluation and repair.
Alco-Sensor IV
“bat” or “v001” – The 9V battery is low and needs to be replaced. Replace with a new 9V alkaline battery. However, if this does not fix the problem it could indicate a deeper problem with the circuit board or battery connectors and the instrument would have to be sent in for evaluation and repair.
“V02” – ‘SET’ button is not in the down position. Press it down to lock into place and the test will continue. If “SET” still appears after pressing the button then it could mean the button is broken. Send the instrument in for evaluation and repair.
“V04” – The sampling valve did not release and the breath sample was not captured. This could be caused by a number of factors; send the instrument in for evaluation and repair.
“MAN” – An automatic sample cannot be taken by the instrument. The breath intake manifold is not working properly and needs to be replaced. However, please note that a manual sample may still be taken. Refer to the owner’s manual for instructions on how to perform a test using the manual sampling button.
“V12” or “RFI” – Radio frequency interference detected. Move the Alco-Sensor IV to area without radios, cell phones or other sources of radio waves and re-attempt test. If it persists send the instrument in for evaluation and repair.
“NOGO” – Invalid breath sample during testing. Instruct subject to blow steadily—not too fast nor too slowly (refer to owner’s manual for instructions). If it persists it could indicate a problem with the breath manifold. Send the instrument in for evaluation and repair.
Alco-Sensor FST
“bat” – – The AA batteries are low and need to be replaced. Replace with new AA batteries (Alkaline for best results). However, if this does not fix the problem it could indicate a deeper problem with the circuit board or battery connectors and would have to be sent in for evaluation and repair.
“E11” – Failed blank. The fuel cell is not clear of residual alcohol from prior test, or the device has detected foreign matter in the fuel cell. Turn off the instrument and let it rest for a few minutes before attempting to test again. If this does not fix the problem send the instrument in for evaluation and repair.
“flo lo” – Breath flow is too weak to provide a proper sample. Instruct the subject to blow a little more forcefully.
“flo hi” – Breath flow is too strong. Instruct the subject to blow a little less forcefully (refer to owner’s manual for proper technique)
Alcomonitor CC
“NOGO” – Invalid breath sample during testing. Instruct subject to blow steadily—not too fast nor too slowly (refer to owner’s manual for instructions). If it persists it could indicate a problem with the breath manifold. Send the instrument in for evaluation and repair.
“tank low flow” – The dry gas tank may be empty; check the regulator to see how much gas remains in the tank and replace with a new tank if necessary.
“temperature low” – The instrument temperature is too low to perform a test or calibration. Allow adequate time for the instrument to warm up. If the instrument will not come to operating temperature try moving the instrument to a warmer room, if the current room is very cold. Send the instrument for evaluation and repair if the problem persists.
“check last inspection date” – A reminder message that two years have passed since last factory recertification. A recommended factory recertification is due. This date can be overridden by accessing the inspection date feature and resetting the inspection date (see owner’s manual).
Alco-Sensor V XL
“RFI detected” – The instrument detected radio frequency. Move the Alco-Sensor VXL to another room, away from cell phones, radios, etc., and attempt the test again.
“high blank” – Blank test unsuccessful. Let the Alco-Sensor VXL rest for a few minutes and try again.
“insufficient sample” – Subject did not provide an adequate breath sample. Instruct the subject on the proper way to blow.
Visit our troubleshooting page for more information on common and not so common Alco-Sensor error codes and proper troubleshooting techniques.
Cesar cuellar says
How can I fix “Check last inspection date ” on my device
Jennie Lee-Pace says
Hello Cesar.
Our tech department advises the following:
From “Check Last Inspection Date” message, press and hold Time button
Displays “Select Option” , select “7”
Displays “Enter Password:”, enter pin (PIN is the RBT printer PIN in this order: 1,6,2,5,3,4)
Displays “Recert Date Change Y/N”, press and hold Yes (8)
This will set the Recert date 2 years from today’s date.
Hope this information helps. — Jennie
Deuty Mark Silverstein says
what does error code 999 on the Alco-Sensor III mean? Will not clear, changed battery (yes I know, low batt is 888 but I did so anyways).
Jennie Lee-Pace says
Hello Deputy Silverstein. My tech dept. says to try another battery, making sure it’s new (right out of the pack). If the code doesn’t clear after installing a new battery, send it in for an repair evaluation. It could be a problem with the circuit board at that point. Hope this helps.
Albin says
ALCO IV machine showing ‘wait’ >wait >wait
after serial number.. not going for Test option… please help me to sort out this problem
Jennie Lee-Pace says
Hello Albin.
If you haven’t already done so, please call our technical services department at 800.227.9890 or through our instant chat feature. Those are the best communication methods. The WAIT message is means your device is performing some internal diagnosics. It should only take a few seconds for the device to do this before moving to the Test message. If your device is showing WAIT longer there may be some issues with your fuel cell and it may need to be replace. Please contact our technical services department for a more thorough troubleshooting session.
Officer Wegner says
code of HDR while trying to calibrate. Any ideas of how to fix it or what it means?
Jennie Lee-Pace says
Hello Officer Wegner.
What instrument model are you using? For example, the Alco-Sensor III or Alco-Sensor FST?
Holly says
I have an Alco Sensor FST. I’m attempting to calibrate and I’m receiving an E12 and E29 error codes. Advice?
Artur says
Alcoscanii gets “err2” code. What does it mean?
Jennie Lee-Pace says
Do you have an Alco-Sensor or an Alcoscan? These are two very different breathalyzers. We do not sell Alcoscans and are not aware of Alcoscan error codes. But if you have an Alco-Sensor device, you can call our toll free number or our instant chat feature on our website to speak directly to one of our technicians who can assist you with Alco-Sensor device questions.
Lauro Karpen Filho says
Boa tarde,
Após vários testes com o alco-sensor FST o visor esta aparecendo uma mensagem de erro E63 o qual não consta na tabela de erro, sabe me informar o que é e como devo resolver ?
Jennie Lee-Pace says
E63 não é um código de erro reconhecido. Há E03 ou E23 ou E33. Talvez você tenha lido incorretamente. Faça outro teste e consulte o manual do proprietário ou o distribuidor local para obter assistência. Desculpe se a tradução é grosseira, não temos ninguém na equipe que fala português.
Eliza says
I am having the same issue as Cesar cuellar. How to change the inspection date. I tried the pin 162534. But it did not work .
Wingate Whitley says
My department uses the AlcoSensor FST. I have one that is giving error codes (E31 and E06). I have another that will not power on at all even after changing the batteries. Any help would be appreciated.
Jennie Lee-Pace says
Hi Wingate. Those error codes indicate the instrument is in need of servicing. The E31 means the breath alcohol test is over the range of .040. E06 means that the subject couldn’t give a proper breath sample. If you have had these instruments for a while, it could be that the fuel cell isn’t purging and functioning like it used to. You may have to send it in for an evaluation and fuel cell replacement. If you have your operator’s manual, the error codes are listed there. As for the other one that is not powering on, there may be a problem with the power switch. Visit our repair services page to download the repair form and instructions for sending in the instruments.
audrey senon says
I have a message E63 on alco-sensor fst. Could you tell me what the problem ?
Jennie Lee-Pace says
Hi Audrey.
It means you need to set the time on the device.
Tad Thompson says
Hello. I have the Alco Sensor FST and on attempting to calibrate I am receiving an error code E07. What does it mean?
Jennie Lee-Pace says
It could be that you are introducing gas while the instrument is performing a air blank procedure. You can instant chat with our technical service department who will walk you through the calibration procedure to ensure you get the result you need.
Lyons says
We currently use the Alco-Sensor III and are doing monthly calibrations but it will not calibrate, it reads SEt. The batteries have been changed (BAD) even though that error message did not come up. We have waited about 30 minutes and they still will not calibrate. We have 3 that are giving that message on the screen. Any suggestions?
Lyons says
Correction **They are reading bAd
Randall Muhm says
Our Alco-Sensor FST is displaying error code E33. What does that mean and how do we fix it.
Jennie Lee-Pace says
Hello Randall.
That’s a “check-sum error” Probably a firmware problem. They’ll need to send it in for evaluation. You can call our repair department at 800.227.9890 or download our repair/evaluation form and send it along with your instrument.
https://13puira9tb91khezg43ole31-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Repair-Authorization-Interactive-Form-7-10-18.pdf
Jennie
Santiago Rosero says
Buenas noches, tengo un alcoholímetro FST e intentado calibrarlo con gas húmedo varias veces pero me sale error E07 que puedo hacer?
Jennie Lee-Pace says
Buenos Dias,
Primeramente, asegúrese de seguir las instrucciones de calibracion. Puede revisar este video: https://youtu.be/EWfF6wAkXVI (en este video se usa gas seco, pero la manera de calibracion sigue igual)
Si todavia hay problemas, será necesario enviar el FST para repararlo.
Pongase en contacto con el representatnte de Intoximeters: https://www.intox.com/ecuador/
Nos avisa si le podemos ayudar con cualquier otra cosa.
Gracias.
Jose Contreras
Louis Guimbao says
Alcomonitor CC in a temperature controlled environment (clinic setting), keeps giving a persistent “Temperature Low” error message. This error message has been present for several hours.
Jennie Lee-Pace says
Hi Louis,
According to king Jose, our tech support god, the device sounds like it is malfunctioning and needs to be serviced. Jose wants to know where you are located? We have a tech person in the MI area. Otherwise, you will need to send it in for servicing. Download our repair form and send it in with your device.
Vilhelmiina says
We have error code E20. What does that mean and how do we fix it?
Ginny says
Alco Sensor IV continuous Error code 04 and will not calibrate.
Jennie Lee-Pace says
Hey Ginny. I recommend talking with someone in our repair department. They can best advise you of the issue and provide technical support and troubleshooting.