I am using new vials with new caps. I checked the big buffer bottles for seal, I've checked the tubing, I am sure the capillary is intact as I did a flush briefly with water and could see droplets forming and falling from the outlet end of the capillary. I called Agilent and they think it is either bad vacuum pump or valve but I am SOL because they don't have parts. I am not so convinced it is the pump because I was doing a flush and it was holding 935 mbar when it just shut down with the error. 

I can't really troubleshoot further without a diagnostic disk. Does anyone out there have one they could dropbox/google drive me?

Hi. I think I have the diagnostic macro that you can insert in your HPChem software. Direct email me at [email protected] if you'd like one.

P/s: I also have a air pump pressure issue (I think mine is even worse, the pressure is only holding 80 mbar )

Well I used the adjust offset service feature as suggested by the service manual

The pump generates 650mbar in 1 min 750 in 90 sec, 900mbar in 150sec then 432mbar vacuum after 32 sec. I think that is in the acceptable range. I activated the rinse valve and it seemed to have no trouble regenerating. over time the pressure is 722 and vacuum at 399 level sensor is at 250. 

Still not sure where the problem is. The buffer bottles give a loud seal break when I remove the caps and soap testing showed no bubbles so I don't think there is a leak and all the lines I can see look to be in good condition no hardening and cracking or bad/lose connections I can find.

It just  gave me the error again. I had the pressure sensor display utility open and the instrument was sitting idle and it threw the code and went red and when I checked the pressure sensor it was still reading 900 mbar pressure, 400 vacuum, and 200 level sensor.

Did you find and fix the issue on your Agilent CE? I am having the same problems. Contacted the tech rep who provided suggestions, but lack the diagnostic disk to do further diagnosis.

I got the diagnostic macros but so far I am no closer to finding the issue. I used the adjust offset and the pressure got up to 935 mbar so it doesn't appear to have any major leaks and the pump is able to pressurize the system.  I tried using the pressure test but it gave me software issues (symbol) when I tried to run it.

Thanks for your response. My initial pressure was at 670 mbar, with the NotReady red icon on. I tried something which enabled the pressure to reach 930 mbar, at which point, the icon turned green and I ran some test samples. In closing up the instrument, something happened and the instrument went nuts. Getting NotReady sign again. Any way to share the diagnostic macros? If not, I'll have to shelve the CE, which is a shame for an expensive piece of equipment, especially to not run based on a pressure reading. Also, in my talks with the Agilent service rep, they stated that the system can get messed up in running macros. They can reset the system with their software - maybe this is what happened to your unit.

send me your email and I'll email it to you. I am [email protected]. 

For anyone still watching/ having this issue the problem is caused by a torn diaphragm on the air pump. There is an air pump that has a round nylon seal that sits atop a rotor and compresses and retracts in a compartment to generate the air pressure. The Pump is a Thomas D-82178 I have contacted the manufacturer to see if I can get a replacement diaphragm.

I solved the issue. I had to order a sheet of 1mm thick viton and cut it to size and drill a hole in the center for the screw. The pump manufacturer wasn't able to help me.

Here is the instruction on how to exchange the membrane of a CE air pump motor.

This is the main reason for us that causes problems with the pressure system.

Does anyone have the service manual for the 1600? I used to have the pdf but lost it a while back to a computer crash? Having issues with my pressure valve system (not the pump). I had to replace the peltier controller board last year.

Dear Steven

The pressure issue was keep happening due to the altitude of your laboratory

please see the table for more information. What you and others are really in need of is another macro called 'Altitude.mac', not diagnostic macro

Below you can find more descriptions about it:

The High Altitude Macro, altitude.mac, is designed to improve the performance of the G1602A highpress/vacuum system when the instrument is operating at altitudes of about 1372 meters (4500 feet) and higher. At these altitudes, highpress and vacuum problems are most likely to be encountered when the Replenishment and Clean Tubes functions are being used. This is because these functions put a more strenuous demand on highpress/vacuum regeneration, which may be difficult for the instrument in the thinner air at these higher altitudes. This is particularly true for an older instrument, in which an aging airpump may have reduced the original highpress/vacuum capacity of the system.

Actually it was a torn viton diaphram in the air pump. I purchased a sheet of viton from ebay, cut a new diaphram from it, and drilled a hole in the center for the screw and installed it, in the pump and was back in action.