GC/MSD Autotune Stopped: Gain and Offset Error

Answer

This Information Applies To: Agilent 5977 and 5975 Series GC/MSD systems

Issue

The autotune fails and reports the error Tune action stopped: Gain and offset = 0 and peaks are too narrow!

Resolution 

The MSD autotune program is run after routine maintenance and at customer set intervals when analyzing samples. See How to run autotune for 5977 series GC/MSD. 

Possible causes of Tune action stopped error include:

• The instrument was not assembled correctly after a routine procedure. Check that all steps of the routine procedure were followed correctly. 

• Vacuum pressure too high. If the error is reported just after pump down, check that the pump down process has been correctly followed and sufficient time has been allowed for equilibrium has been reached. See How To Pump Down (Start) the GC/MSD.

• Air leak at the GC/MS interface or the MS seal. A leak can be identified by the presence of air and water background: How to Check the Air and Water Background in the Agilent 5975 and 5977 GC/MSD. If a leak is identified, the source of the leak can be isolated: Troubleshooting Agilent 5975 and 5977 GC/MS Air Leaks.

• Insufficient or no tuning solution. There should be visible solution in the calibration solution vial (Figure 1). To refill the vial see Refilling the EI Calibration Vial for the Agilent 5975 and 5977 Series GC/MSD.

  
  Figure 1.The tune solution visible in the vial
  
  

• Tuning solution valve not working and tuning solution does not enter the MSD at the start of the autotune. If the valve is working, you will hear a click as the valve opens when an autotune starts. Contact the local Agilent Support Representative if you suspect the valve is not working. 

• The column has been installed incorrectly in the MSD. See How to Install a Capillary Column on 5977 Series GC/MSD.

• Excessive carrier flow. Check that the right carrier flow is entering the MSD according to the high vacuum pump type and the installed ion source.

• Corrupt or damaged tune file. To reset the tune file, see How to Reset the Agilent GC/MSD Tune File to Default Values.

For more information on the autotune report, see Reviewing the Autotune Report for Agilent 5977 GC/MSD Systems in EI Mode

Contact your local Agilent Support Representative if you require further assistance.

Learn how to effectively troubleshoot your Agilent 5977B Series GC/MSD : Agilent 5977 GC/MSD with MassHunter Workstation e-learning path available from Agilent education