Thread: VTC-16 Error Message 209

Error message 209 is Slideway Oil Constant. This started at the end of last week. First, 2 or 3 times per day, but today, already 5 or 6 times. No strange noises from the machine, everything else working properly. When the way lube is pumped manually 4 or 5 times, the error message can be cleared, and the machine re-started. I already checked the power going to the way lube reservoir, it's hot. Any suggestions what I should check next?

I called Mazak tech. support, spoke to Dennis. He said to check to make sure the motor on the pump was functioning, and the plunger was indexing every 6 minutes or so, and it is. The problem must be elsewhere. Maybe a sensor?

have you check the pressure switch, or float switch if it has one

It does have a pressure switch, but the reason that I don't think it's the problem is because if you pump it manually 3 or 4 times, you can re-set it. Maybe the pressure IS too low, and I just need to buy a new pump? Is there a way to check the pressure?

have you checked to make sure that the filter on the bottom of the pump isn't cloged. seen that many times.

Check your lines for breakage. If no breakage, highly suspect the pressure switch. We've replaced a ton of those things for that exact problem. I don't know the detail failure mode, but it acts like it gets too stiff over time and will start tripping out under normal pump operation. When you pump the plunger by hand, you overpressure the system vs. what it normally sees, switch makes, all is good......until the pressure bleeds back off.

Originally Posted by Justin_Terry

have you checked to make sure that the filter on the bottom of the pump isn't cloged. seen that many times.

I just dis-assembled the pump and filters, cleaned and re-installed. Same problem. My next step will be the switch.

I removed the switch and put a pipe plug in it's place, and the machine is running error free. The switch is $108 from Mazak. By process of elimination, that must be the problem. I took the switch apart, but other than the spring and the screw that holds the spring, the remainder of the switch can not be dis-assembled without destroying it (as far as I can tell).
Thanks to Justin_Terry and Tonytn36 for the help.
David

David,
You removed the switch and installed a pipe plug, and the machine is not throwing 209 alarm? Uhh?????

Originally Posted by Leelund

David,
You removed the switch and installed a pipe plug, and the machine is not throwing 209 alarm? Uhh?????

That is correct. The wires are hanging in mid air waiting for the new switch. Why? Should it register an alarm? It's running like a new one right now.

Huh, Just make sure you are still using oil from the lube tank until it the new one arrives.

I'm watching it like a hawk. The pump is working properly, and way lube consumption is normal, more or less 8-10 ounces per 10 hour day (estimate). Everything is functioning properly, except that there is no switch to tell us if the pump does fail, or the reservoir were to run out.

If the 2 wires are not touching on the ends, and the machine is running fine, then the pressure switch must be a normally open (NO) type. When the pressure falls, the NO switch will close (and thus "connect" the two wires), and the machine will give the alarm.