Scale Error Codes Explained: OHAUS Scout Err 8.4, A&D CAL E and More
Scale error codes explained: on an OHAUS Scout, Err 8.4 usually means the pan is off or not seated, CAL E means calibration failed, and if a code keeps coming back, MNM Scales repairs all brands and types of scales.
Short answer: On an OHAUS Scout, Err 8.4 means underload: the scale sees less weight than it expects at zero, almost always because the pan is off or not seated. Turn the scale off, seat the pan, turn it on and recalibrate. Err 8.3 is overload, Err 8.1/8.2 mean the weight at power-on was outside the zero range, and CAL E means calibration failed. On A&D FX-i and FZ-i balances, E is overload, -E is a pan error and CAL E means the calibration weight read too heavy. Codes for A&D EK-i, CAS ED, Brecknell counting and Brecknell crane scales are below, with a cross-brand table of the common ones. If a code returns after these steps, the scale needs service.
Most error codes are the scale telling you something simple: the pan is off, the load is too heavy, or the reading was not stable. Below are the codes from the OHAUS Scout SPX, A&D FX-i/FZ-i and EK-i, CAS ED, Brecknell B140 counting scale and Brecknell CS crane scale instruction manuals, what each one means, and what to try before calling for service. MNM Scales repairs all brands and types of scales and has been fixing scales for over 30 years.
Digital scale error codes: what the common ones mean
Brands use different codes, but most digital scale errors fall into a few groups. Find your code here, then see the brand table below for the exact meaning.
| What the scale is telling you | Codes you may see | First thing to try |
|---|---|---|
| Overload: more weight than the capacity | Err 8.3 (OHAUS), E (A&D), Err 3 (CAS ED), Err01 (Brecknell B140), -OL- (Brecknell CS crane) | Remove the load at once. Repeated overloads damage the load cell. |
| Zero out of range or pan off | Err 8.1, 8.2, 8.4 (OHAUS), -E (A&D FX-i), Err04, Err05 (Brecknell B140), Err 1 (CAS ED) | Empty and reseat the pan, restart with nothing on it. If it persists, the scale needs calibration or service. |
| Unstable reading | Error 1 (A&D), Err 0 (CAS ED) | Remove drafts, vibration and anything touching the pan; wait for the reading to settle. |
| Counting sample too light | Lo (A&D), ref.Err, Lo.ref (OHAUS), LACK, Err 9 (CAS ED) | Use more pieces or a heavier sample. |
| Calibration failed | CAL E, -CAL E (A&D, OHAUS), Err20 (Brecknell B140), Err 14 (CAS ED) | Check the weight value and the weight itself, then repeat. Call us if it fails again. |
| Low battery | Lb0 (A&D EK-i), Lo.bAt (Brecknell B140), -LB- (Brecknell CS crane) | Recharge or run on the AC adapter. |
| Internal or signal error | Error 2, 3, 4, 6 (A&D EK-i), Err30, Err31 (Brecknell B140) | Turn off and on with the pan empty. If it returns, send it for repair. |
OHAUS Scout error codes (SPX)
These are the codes in the troubleshooting table of the OHAUS Scout SPX manual, with the cause OHAUS lists and our recommended fix.
| Code | Meaning (OHAUS manual) | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Err 8.1 | Weight exceeds the power-on zero range | Remove everything from the pan, restart and recalibrate. |
| Err 8.2 | Weight below the power-on zero range | The pan was probably off at power-on. Seat the pan, restart and recalibrate. |
| Err 8.3 | Overload (weight exceeds rated capacity) | Remove the load. Use a higher-capacity scale for that item. |
| Err 8.4 | Underload (pan removed) | Seat the pan correctly; check nothing is lifting it. Restart. |
| Err 8.5 | Tare out of range | Clear the tare and use a lighter container. |
| Err 8.6 | Displayed value exceeds 999999 (possible in totalization mode) | Clear the total or change to a larger unit. |
| ref.Err | Parts counting or percent error: sample weight below 1 division | Use more pieces for the reference sample. |
| Lo.ref | Percent reference weight or average piece weight too low | Use a heavier reference or a finer balance. |
| CAL E | Calibration failed | Use the correct calibration weight, on a stable surface, and retry. |
| USB.Err | Menu or application file not found on the USB drive | Check the file on the USB drive and reinsert it. |
OHAUS Scout Err 8.4: step by step
- Turn the scale off.
- Remove the pan and check underneath for debris, tape or anything touching the pan support.
- Seat the pan firmly on its support.
- Turn the scale on with nothing on the pan and let it zero.
- If the code is gone but readings look off, recalibrate with the correct weight (see calibration weight classes).
- If Err 8.4 returns with the pan seated, the load cell or its connection may be damaged, usually from a drop or an overload. Send it in for repair.
Scouts such as the SPX222 and SPX2202 are portable, so they get carried, dropped and stacked, and that is how most Err 8.4 repairs start. Comparing OHAUS families? See OHAUS Valor vs Ranger vs Scout.
A&D FX-i and FZ-i error codes
These codes appear on the A&D FX-i and FZ-i precision balances, such as the FX-120i. The serial code in the second column is what the balance sends to a PC when error output is turned on.
| Display | Serial code | Meaning (A&D manual) | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| E | Overload: sample beyond capacity | Remove the sample from the pan. | |
| -E | Weighing pan error: the weight value is too light | Check the pan is installed properly, then calibrate. | |
| CAL E | EC, E20 | Calibration weight too heavy | Check the pan and the calibration weight value; press CAL to return to weighing. |
| -CAL E | EC, E21 | Calibration weight too light | Same checks as above. |
| Lo | Sample mass error: counting or percent sample too light | Use a heavier sample. | |
| Error 1 | EC, E11 | Stability error: the balance cannot stabilize | Remove vibration, drafts, temperature changes, static and magnetic fields; press CAL. |
CAL E on an FX-120i is usually the wrong weight value or a weight that is out of tolerance. The FX-120i calibrates with a 100 g weight, and the A&D 100 g calibration weight is sold separately (see how to calibrate the FX-120i). Models with an internal weight report an internal mass error instead (see internal vs external calibration). Error 1 is common on 0.001 g balances near air vents (see analytical vs precision balance for placement tips).
A&D EK-i error codes (EK-1200i and other Everest balances)
The A&D EK-i compact balances, including the NTEP EK-1200i ($205.99), show these codes. Meanings are from the A&D EK-i instruction manual.
| Display | Meaning (A&D manual) | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| E | Overload: the object is beyond capacity | Remove the object from the pan. |
| Error 5 | The balance detects an unexpected load | Remove everything from the pan and check the pan is installed correctly. |
| -E | Range over notice: the weight sensor is being pushed upward | Check for anything caught around the pan. If it stays, the sensor may be faulty: send it in. |
| Lo | Unit weight (counting) or 100% weight (percent) too light | Use a heavier sample. |
| 10- 25- 50- 100- | Sample quantity notice: the sample is light and the count could be off | Place the number of pieces shown and press PRINT. |
| CAL E / -CAL E | Calibration canceled: weight too heavy / too light | Check the pan and the calibration weight; press MODE to return to weighing. |
| Lb0 | Battery pack (OP-09) discharged | Stop weighing; recharge or use the AC adapter. |
| Hb1 | AC adapter output voltage too high | Check you are using the correct A&D adapter. |
| Error 1 | Stability error: the value cannot settle | Remove vibration and drafts; press MODE. |
| Error 2, 3, 4 or 6 | Internal error | With the pan empty, turn the power off and on. If it persists, request service. |
If an EK-1200i weighs off after one of these codes, recalibrate it (see our EK-1200i calibration guide). On a legal-for-trade EK-1200i whose calibration switch has been sealed, calibration is done by a registered service technician, so call us.
CAS ED error codes (ED-30 and ED-60)
The CAS ED dual-range bench scales, such as the CAS ED-30 ($325.00) and ED-60 ($299.00), use these codes, from the CAS ED owner’s manual.
| Display | Meaning (CAS manual) | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Err 0 | The scale is not stable | Remove the cause: drafts, vibration, a load that is moving. |
| Err 1 | The zero point has shifted since the last span calibration | Restart with an empty platter. If it returns, the scale needs calibration or service. |
| Err 3 | Overload | Remove the weight. |
| Err 9 | Counting mode: no sample weight, or the unit weight is too small to count | Put the sample on the platter; use more or heavier pieces. |
| Err 14 | Calibration range is not correct | Call for calibration service. |
| LACK | The sample is light, so the count may not be accurate | Use more pieces in the sample. |
Brecknell B140 counting scale error codes
The Brecknell B140 counting scales, such as the B140-12 ($297.99) and B140-30 ($299.00), list these messages in their manual.
| Display | Meaning (Brecknell manual) | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Err01 | Overloaded, too many accumulations, or a total over 999999 | Remove the load; clear the accumulated total. |
| Err03 | Weight signal is too small | Use a heavier sample; check nothing is lifting the pan. |
| Err04 / Err05 | The zero point is too high / too low | Empty and reseat the pan, then restart. |
| Err12 | A setting is out of range or not set | Re-enter the setting; call us if it will not take. |
| Err20 | Calibration error: the loaded weight is too small or the entered value is wrong | Check the test weight and the value entered, then repeat. |
| Err30 / Err31 | A/D input over the maximum / below the minimum range | Usually a load cell or connection fault: send it in. |
| Lo.bAt | Battery below 5.7 V; at 5.5 V the scale beeps, then shuts off | Plug in the AC adapter and recharge. |
For accurate counts on any counting scale, see our counting scales and the tips in the counting scale guide linked below.
Crane scale error codes (Brecknell CS series)
Brecknell’s CS crane scales, the CS-1000 ($486.99) and CS-2000 ($535.99), show these messages, per the Brecknell CS user instructions.
| Display | Meaning | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| -OL- | Overloaded | Lower the load at once. Overloading can damage the load cell; have the scale checked if it was shock loaded. |
| -LB- or a flashing display | Low battery | Recharge the battery. A worn battery that no longer holds a charge needs replacing. |
| Err10 | Accumulation attempted below the minimum (10 lb / 4 kg) | Hang a heavier load before adding it to the total. |
| Err11 | More than 30 weighments accumulated | Clear the total and start a new one. |
| Err12 | Accumulated weight over 99999 | Clear the total. |
Crane scale won’t zero right after power-on? Let it warm up for a few minutes, then zero it. A replacement CS-1000/CS-2000 battery ($94.00, charger not included) restores run time. Browse crane and hanging scales, or see how to test a load cell if you suspect damage. Crane scales over 150 kg use the in-house calibration ($495.00) or NIST calibration ($995.00) tier.
Problems that do not show a code
- Reading drifts: drafts, temperature change, static from plastic containers or a sample that is gaining or losing moisture.
- Will not return to zero: (see scale won’t zero or drifting) debris under the pan, a cable or cord touching the platform, or a damaged load cell.
- Weights are off by a percentage: calibration has drifted; recalibrate or send it in (see capacity and readability).
- Counting is inaccurate: too few pieces in the reference sample (see our counting scale guide).
- Floor or bench scale jumps: a wet or damaged load cell cable or junction box (see our load cell buying guide).
When to call for repair
Call us or see our scale repair and scale services pages when a code returns after the fixes above, when the scale was dropped or overloaded, or when it will not hold calibration. MNM Scales repairs all brands and types of scales, and we can provide repair and calibration services for other scale companies. Mail-in repair is available, and mail-in calibration is available nationwide, with in-house calibration and NIST calibration, and usually takes 1 to 3 business days. In Houston and the suburbs, on-site service is $295 plus $2 per mile round trip, once per visit, with calibration priced per scale; Dallas, Austin and San Antonio are available on request. For emergency or same-day service, call for availability. You can reach us 24/7, and the shop at 21249 FM 529 Rd, Cypress TX 77433 is open by appointment.
A repaired scale should be recalibrated before use. Calibration pricing follows maximum capacity (see calibration pricing):
Up to 2.2 kg (FX-120i, EK-1200i, Scout SPX222 to SPX2202): In-house calibration + certificate ($95) NIST calibration + NIST-traceable certificate ($395)
Over 2.2 to 6.2 kg (Scout SPX6201, Brecknell B140-12): In-house calibration + certificate ($195) NIST calibration + NIST-traceable certificate ($495)
Over 6.2 to 35 kg (Scout SPX8200, CAS ED-30 and ED-60, Brecknell B140-30, other 30 and 60 lb bench scales): In-house calibration + certificate ($250) NIST calibration + NIST-traceable certificate ($595)
Frequently asked questions
What does Err 8.4 mean on an OHAUS Scout?
Err 8.4 is underload: the pan is removed or not seated. Turn the scale off, seat the pan, turn it on with nothing on it and recalibrate if needed. If it returns with the pan seated, the scale needs repair.
What does Err 8.3 mean on an OHAUS scale?
On the OHAUS Scout SPX, Err 8.3 means overload: the weight on the pan exceeds the rated capacity. Remove the load.
What does CAL E mean on a scale?
On OHAUS Scout and A&D FX-i balances, CAL E means calibration failed. On the A&D FX-i it means the calibration weight read too heavy; -CAL E means too light. Check the pan and the weight value and retry.
What does -E mean on an A&D balance?
On A&D FX-i and FZ-i balances, -E is a weighing pan error: the weight value is too light. Confirm the pan is installed properly, then calibrate the balance.
Why does my scale say Error 1?
On A&D FX-i and FZ-i balances, Error 1 (EC, E11) is a stability error. Remove vibration, drafts, temperature changes, static and magnetic fields, then press CAL to return to weighing.
Do you repair scales with error codes?
Yes. MNM Scales repairs all brands and types of scales. Mail-in repair is available, and on-site service is available in Houston and the suburbs. Call (832) 290-3120.
What are the most common digital scale error codes?
Most codes mean one of six things: overload (Err 8.3, E, Err 3, -OL-), zero out of range or the pan is off (Err 8.4, -E, Err04/Err05), an unstable reading (Error 1, Err 0), a counting sample that is too light (Lo, LACK, Err 9), a failed calibration (CAL E, Err20) or a low battery (Lb0, Lo.bAt, -LB-).
What does Err 3 mean on a CAS scale?
On CAS ED scales, Err 3 is overload: remove the weight. Err 0 means the scale is not stable, Err 1 means the zero point has shifted since the last calibration, and Err 9 means the counting sample or unit weight is too small.
What does Err20 mean on a Brecknell counting scale?
Err20 on a Brecknell B140 is a calibration error: the loaded weight was too small or the value entered was not correct. Check the test weight and the value, then repeat the calibration.
What does -OL- mean on a crane scale?
On Brecknell CS crane scales, -OL- means the scale is overloaded. Lower the load at once, because overloading can damage the load cell, and have the scale checked if it was shock loaded.
What does Lb0 mean on an A&D balance?
On A&D EK-i balances such as the EK-1200i, Lb0 means the optional OP-09 battery pack is discharged. Stop weighing and recharge it or run the balance on the AC adapter.