Autosampler not working

We just had this same error on our GC. One of our autosampler arms has a snapped belt and we replaced it with another autosampler and the error is still showing up. Does anyone have any suggestions?

What is the model number of the GC and autosampler tower?  Thanks!

If you replaced it with another tray, the tray you replaced it with could have the same issue but if you know its good then power cycling the GC, and controller box if applicable, should clear the error. If the tray continues to work on another system and still gives the error on this system, you could have a bad cable, or electronis board. If you find the model numbers of the GC, Tray, and controller if you have one then we will know a little more.

Thanks for all of your suggestions.

Model Numbers per request:

GC - 6890 (G1530A)

Injector Tower/Autosampler Tray - 7683(G2613A/G2614A)

The system does not have a controller box, the newer autosampler is known to be a good one. The cord for the autosampler was new as well. The GC was power cycled but the computer was not yet. Could that be a problem?

Try power cycling the PC taking care to shut down the analytical software properly.

In regards to power cycling, here are some tips from one of our GC Specialists:     I always quit the data program, power down the GC, then disconnect the autosampler (ALS). After the repair, I connect the ALS, power up the GC. After all the lights and oven start up, I start the data program.   If that order wasn't followed, i.e. unplugging the ALS whilst the GC is powered on, can cause problems.    I suggest following the above procedure and watching the ALS during power up for clues to failures. Listen for grinding or watch for erratic motions.   I hope that helps!  Let us know if you want to troubleshoot further.  

We have another autosampler on the same system I described in my earlier post. The error showed up "The sampler unit has reported an error: Z axis HOME Failed." The case this time is a bit different. The autosampler picks up a vial from the tray and moves it to the injector just fine. The injector makes the injection and the run starts. It's only when the arm is going back to pick up the vial again is when we hear a loud grinding noise and that error shows up! Any help would be great!

Most Z-axis errors occur when the gripper arm (on the Z-axis) cannot move up and down to find the home position.  The likely cause is a worn or stretched z-belt in the tray arm, or a broken belt tensioner. The belts are around $40 from Agilent and are not difficult to replace. The belt tensioner runs about $200, and is also fairly easy to replace.  If you're interested in sending it in for bench repair, feel free to contact me directly at Marti.Joyer@pacelabs.com.  Otherwise, let me know if you have any follow-up questions.