"Mainboard: Leak Detected" Error Message

Answer

This Information Applies To: Agilent 6100, 6200, 6400 and 6500 LC/MS Systems

Issue

Error on the Mainboard reporting “Leak Detected”.

Background

The fault “Mainboard #1: Leak Detected” is reported in the Data Acquisition Software Logs (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Leak error in MassHunter Acquisition Software logs

Tips: A cascade of faults including “Mainboard #1: hardware shutdown line active [159]” and “Mainboard #2: error 223” or “Mainboard #2 hardware shutdown line active [223]” and "Vacuum: insufficient high vacuum" may also occur as part of the fault detection on TOF and Q-TOF systems

Resolution

Warning: This procedure risks exposure to hazardous, toxic, or flammable solvents and reagents. Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment as described in the material handling and safety data sheet supplied by the chemical vendor, and always follow good laboratory practice.

Occasional a leak will occur from the Calibrant Delivery System (CDS) or the leak sensor will become dirty/ dusty and cause the fault.

The following steps illustrate the procedure to access the leak sensor:

1. Open the front panel and disengage the catch

2. Before completely removing the front panel, unclip the grey display cable attached to the top-right side of the panel.

3. Locate the sensor in the right corner of the CDS leak tray for 6200, 6400 and 6500 Series (Figure 2). For Ultivo and LC/MSD systems, the leak sensor is located underneath the selection valve (Figure 3 and Figure 4)

Check for liquid within the tray, clean with a lint-free cloth, and then locate the source of the leak. It may be the selection valve. Tighten any loose capillary connections, replace broken capillaries, or replace the rotor seal in the MS Selection Valve.

In the case where there is no visible leak, power cycle the system and clean the sensor with IPA and lint-free cloth if the error persists. Contact Agilent Technologies for further guidance if needed.

Figure 2. Location of the leak sensor (1) for 6400 and 6500 LC/MS systems

Figure 3. Location of the leak sensor (1) on an Ultivo LC/MS 

Figure 4. Location of the leak sensor (1) on an LC/MSD

Tips: When replacing the front panel, remember to plug the grey display cable back in.