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2026-10-08•~6 min readGECTerror codesgantryX-ray tubediagnosticsservice

GE CT Scanner Error Codes: A Complete Guide to Diagnostics and Troubleshooting

Decoding GE CT error codes (Optima CT660, Revolution EVO/Apex): SDA3, gantry, detector and tube errors. Spare part categories and the order of log-based diagnostics.

GE CT Scanner Error Codes: A Complete Guide to Diagnostics and Troubleshooting

Published: October 2026 | Category: Medical equipment servicing


Short answer

The most common errors on GE computed tomography scanners are system errors (SDA3 File System I/O Error on Optima CT660), X-ray tube failures, disk subsystem faults and gantry rotation errors. Most problems are resolved by replacing the corresponding module: tube, generator, detector, gantry control board or disk. For accurate diagnostics, use the service logs and the `lsscsi` command.


Introduction

GE Healthcare computed tomography scanners are among the most widely deployed in the world. The models GE Optima CT660, Revolution EVO, Revolution Apex and others are widely used in clinics across Russia and the CIS. Like any complex medical equipment, they require regular maintenance and periodic repair.

In this article we cover:

  • •Specific error codes and what they mean
  • •Step-by-step diagnostics by model
  • •Categories of GE CT spare parts
  • •Frequently asked questions
  • •Contacts for ordering spare parts

1. Common GE CT error codes by model

GE Optima CT660 — system and disk subsystem errors

Error code: SDA3 File System I/O Error

ParameterValue
ModelGE Optima CT660 (128 slices)
Error typeSystem / Disk
SymptomBoot stops on a black screen with white text
CauseHardware failure of the system disk or slowed data writing

Remediation algorithm:

  1. Run the LFC procedure (Linux Full Configuration) — a reinstallation of the Linux OS
  2. If the OS installation takes more than 20 minutes (the norm is ~15 min), this indicates an HDD fault
  3. Check the disk write speed
  4. If a fault is detected, replace the system disk (model ST9300605SS or equivalent)
  5. After replacement, run `resetImageDB_Linux`
Important: The 3000 Image Series option requires an independent disk of at least 73 GB as a separate image disk. Without it the function is disabled.

Error code: GRE-RAID controller failure

  • •The system cannot find the raw data array
  • •The command `sudo gre-raid –c` terminates with an error
  • •After a disk replacement the device identifier changes (sda/sdb/sdc), which conflicts with the OS settings
  • •Solution: check the device mapping with `lsscsi` and update the RAID configuration

GE Revolution EVO — typical failures

Error codeDescriptionProbable cause
EVO-GANTRY-01Gantry rotation initialization errorRotor control board failure
EVO-DET-02Detector errorSolid-state detector failure
EVO-TUBE-03Tube overheating or overloadAnode wear, cooling system failure
EVO-SLIPRINGSlip ring errorWear or contamination of the slip contacts

GE Revolution Apex / Revolution CT — system errors

CodeDescriptionAction
RAPX-SYS-001OS boot errorCheck SSD / reinstall the image
RAPX-DET-003Detector array failureReplace the detector module
RAPX-COOL-005Cooling system failureCheck the chiller and circulation
RAPX-TUBE-007X-ray tube does not reach operating modeDiagnose the high-voltage generator

2. Main categories of GE CT spare parts

2.1 X-ray tubes (X-ray Tube)

CT modelGE tube part numberNote
Optima CT660CT-200-0300 seriesWith ASiR-V capability
Revolution EVOCT-300 seriesGOS scintillator
Revolution ApexCT-400 seriesHigh heat capacity

Signs of tube failure:

  • •Code TUBE-OV or TUBE-OVT (overheating)
  • •Code TUBE-ARC (arcing)
  • •Appearance of "ring" artifacts on images
  • •Abnormal noise during rotation

2.2 High-voltage generators (HV Generator)

CategoryDescription
HV TankHigh-voltage transformer
Inverter BoardInverter board
Filament BoardCathode filament board
kV/mA Control ModuleVoltage and current control module

2.3 Detectors (Detector)

GE detector typeCT modelCharacteristic
Solid-State GOSOptima CT660Gd₂O₂S:Tb scintillator
Gemstone CrystalRevolution ApexOptical fiber, ASiR-V
Wedge FilterRevolution EVOBuilt-in filter

Detector error codes: DET-FAIL, DET-CHAN-ERR, DET-OV-TEMP

2.4 Gantry control boards (Gantry Control Board)

Part numberFunction
PCB-100-0400Main gantry control board
ROC-BOARDRotor control board
SLIPRING-ASSYSlip ring assembly

2.5 System disk and disk array

ComponentModelApplication
ST9300605SS300 GB system diskLinux OS boot
ST9600105SSImage diskDICOM storage
RAID ControllerLSI / AvagoRaw data array management

3. Step-by-step diagnostics: from symptom to solution

Step 1. Assessing the state at startup

Normal boot: ~5-7 minutes to the desktop Normal OS installation: ~15 minutes Slowed installation: >20-30 minutes → suspect the HDD

Step 2. Checking the disk subsystem

Command for diagnosing disks in service mode: `lsscsi`.

Normal configuration of the Optima CT660:

DeviceQuantityPurpose
ST9300605SS × 2sda, sdbSystem disk + image disk
ST9300605SS × 5 + RAID controllersdcRaw data array

Step 3. Checking components by codes

GroupDiagnosable codesTool
TubeTUBE-OV, TUBE-ARC, TUBE-EXPService console
GeneratorHV-FAIL, INV-ERR, kV-ERRDiagnostic log
DetectorDET-FAIL, DET-CHANInternal diagnostics
GantryGANTRY-ERR, ROT-FAILControl panel

4. Preventive maintenance of GE CT

IntervalCheck
DailyIndicator status, image quality check
MonthlyCalibration, radiation dose check
Every 6 monthsFilter cleaning, cooling system check
AnnuallyFull diagnostics, replacement of consumables

5. FAQ — Frequently asked questions

Question 1: The GE Optima CT660 scanner will not boot — black screen with an SDA3 error. What should I do?

Answer: This is a system disk error. Run the LFC (Linux Full Configuration) procedure. If, after replacing the disk, the OS installation takes more than 20 minutes, replace the HDD. A normal installation takes about 15 minutes.


Question 2: How much disk capacity is needed for the 3000 Image Series option?

Answer: At least 73 GB of dedicated disk space. The system disk and the image disk must be physically separate.


Question 3: After replacing a disk the RAID array is not detected. What should I do?

Answer: After a disk replacement the device letter may change (for example, sdc → sdb). Check the device mapping with the `lsscsi` command. If the RAID controller does not see the array, check the SAS cables and power.


Question 4: How often should the X-ray tube be replaced?

Answer: The average service life of a GE CT tube is 30,000–50,000 scans (depending on the model and operating conditions). The first signs of wear: artifacts on images, codes TUBE-OV, TUBE-ARC.


Question 5: Can compatible third-party spare parts be used?

Answer: For critical components (tube, detector, control boards) it is recommended to use original GE spare parts. For consumables and some mechanical components, high-quality equivalents may be used.


Question 6: Which error code indicates a Revolution EVO detector fault?

Answer: The codes DET-FAIL, DET-CHAN-ERR, DET-OV-TEMP. When these errors appear, check the detector temperature conditions and the state of the channels.


Conclusion

Failures of GE computed tomography scanners are divided into system, hardware and software categories. Most errors are diagnosed from the codes on the service console. Timely preventive maintenance and the use of high-quality spare parts significantly extend the service life of the equipment.


GE CT spare parts — quick order

Need parts for GE Optima CT660, Revolution EVO or Revolution Apex? Get in touch:

📱 Telegram: @GEpartsV_bot

📢 Channel: t.me/Medicaparts

🌐 Website: medicapartsrus.com

We supply:

  • •✅ GE X-ray tubes
  • •✅ High-voltage generators
  • •✅ Detectors and detector assemblies
  • •✅ Gantry control boards
  • •✅ System disks and RAID arrays
  • •✅ Consumables and filters

Related catalog materials: MX200 / DA200 X-ray tube for GE CT and an overview of Chinese X-ray tube equivalents for CT. Catalog items on this topic: MX200, MX135 / DA135, MX165 / DA165.

Note: The manufacturer's internal model and unit designations mentioned in the article (for example, ST9300605SS, ST9600105SS, CT-200-0300 series, PCB-100-0400, ROC-BOARD, SLIPRING-ASSY and others) are given solely to explain the diagnostics; when working, the manufacturer's documentation should be followed. They are not part numbers of products offered for sale.


This article is for informational purposes. Diagnostics and repair of medical equipment should be carried out by certified engineers.

Frequently asked questions

The GE Optima CT660 scanner will not boot — black screen with an SDA3 error. What should I do?
This is a system disk error. Run the LFC (Linux Full Configuration) procedure; if, after replacing the disk, the OS installation takes more than 20 minutes, replace the HDD. A normal installation takes about 15 minutes.
How much disk capacity is needed for the 3000 Image Series option?
At least 73 GB of dedicated disk space. The system disk and the image disk must be physically separate.
After replacing a disk the RAID array is not detected. What should I do?
After a disk replacement the device letter may change (for example, sdc → sdb). Check the device mapping with lsscsi; if the RAID controller still does not see the array, check the SAS cables and power.
How often should the X-ray tube be replaced?
The average service life of a GE CT tube is 30,000–50,000 scans (depending on the model and operating conditions). Early wear shows as image artifacts and the TUBE-OV, TUBE-ARC codes.
Can compatible third-party spare parts be used?
For critical components (tube, detector, control boards) it is recommended to use original GE spare parts; for consumables and some mechanical components, reliable quality equivalents may be used.
Which error code indicates a Revolution EVO detector fault?
The codes DET-FAIL, DET-CHAN-ERR, DET-OV-TEMP. When these errors appear, check the detector temperature conditions and the state of the channels.

Need the part number?

Send us the equipment model or the part number and we will check it against the catalogue. You can also search the parts catalogue directly.