The most common Kangaroo ePump problems are a depleted, expired or failing NiMH battery pack, worn or failed motor, gearbox and flex cable assemblies, preventive maintenance and flow-rate certification that has come due, a failed ultrasonic (side-plate) pressure sensor that causes feed, flow and occlusion errors, and cracked front or rear cases. About two in three ePumps we evaluate arrive with two or more problems at once, and many of them can be caught early or avoided with annual service, careful set loading and keeping formula and cleaning fluid out of the pump.
The Kangaroo ePump (model 382400 in the U.S.) is a rotary peristaltic enteral feed and flush pump used for continuous and intermittent enteral feeding. Cardinal Health ended new ePump sales in September 2024, so keeping existing pumps in service matters more than ever. Every ePump sent to our Tustin, California lab gets a full diagnostic evaluation and an estimate before any work begins, and our technicians’ findings keep pointing to the same handful of problems.
Below are the findings that come up most, what usually causes each one, and how to avoid it. On-screen messages use the wording from the Kangaroo ePump Operating Manual.
Source: IPR Medical service records for Kangaroo ePump pumps that received a full diagnostic evaluation. Most pumps have more than one finding, so percentages add to more than 100. The two-or-more figure is estimated from a sample of recent evaluations.
1. A Depleted, Expired or Failing Battery Pack
Found in 49% of pumps we evaluateThe ePump runs on a replaceable, rechargeable NiMH battery pack whenever it is unplugged or AC power is interrupted. The Operating Manual’s specifications say a new, fully charged pack delivers at least 15 hours at a 100 mL/hr feed rate (its General Startup section says 15 hours at 125 mL/hr), and that eight hours of charging fully recharges it. About half of the ePumps we evaluate arrive with a pack that is fully discharged, will not hold a charge, is past the expiration date marked on it, or is missing. At the bedside this shows up as BATTERY LOW, which the manual says appears with about 15 minutes of battery life left, or as a pump that will not turn on away from the wall.
Why it happens
NiMH capacity drops with age and charge cycles. Pumps that sit in storage lose charge and can deactivate the pack: the manual notes that after more than nine months of non-use or storage, the battery may need to be charged and discharged several times to restore capacity, and recommends disconnecting it during long storage. The manual also warns that a consumer-style AC adapter can damage the pump’s charging circuit and battery.
How to avoid it
- Keep pumps plugged in when parked; the pack charges whenever the pump is on AC power.
- After a BATTERY LOW alarm, plug in right away and allow eight hours for a full recharge.
- For storage longer than nine months, disconnect the battery, as the manual recommends.
- Use only the Kangaroo ePump AC adapter and a battery pack specified for the Kangaroo ePump.
2. Motor, Gearbox and Flex Cable Faults
Found in 43% of pumps we evaluateThe ePump moves formula and flush water with a rotary peristaltic mechanism: a motor and gearbox turn the rotor that the set tubing wraps around. Our technicians regularly find defective motors, worn or broken gearbox parts and flywheels, grinding or unusually loud mechanisms, and damaged motor flex cables. These faults often appear as a numbered SYSTEM ERROR. The manual’s error table ties several codes to this assembly, including Error 22 (motor error during tubing autoload), Error 23 (motor failsafe time out, “possible damaged gearbox encoder or flex cable”) and Error 33 (motor control failure). About one in eight pumps we evaluate arrives with a numbered error from a SYSTEM ERROR screen or the pump’s self-test. In our lab, these numbered errors most often trace to the motor and gearbox assembly or the ultrasonic sensor. The manual’s error table remains the authority on what each code means.
Why it happens
The mechanism turns for every feed and every flush, and wear, drops and formula or cleaning fluid reaching the rotor shaft all take a toll. The manual warns against getting moisture in the rotor shaft opening when the rotor is removed for cleaning.
How to avoid it
- Follow the manual’s power cycle step for a SYSTEM ERROR: turn the pump off and back on once. If the error returns, put a different pump into service and note the error number.
- Pull any pump that grinds, clicks or runs louder than usual; mechanism noise is often the first sign of gearbox wear.
- Clean the rotor as the manual describes and keep moisture out of the shaft opening.
3. Preventive Maintenance and Certification Due
Found in 39% of pumps we evaluateMany ePumps arrive simply due. The Operating Manual says the pump must be periodically tested to assure proper functioning and safety, with a recommended service interval of at least once per year, and recommends running the performance evaluation at least yearly or any time performance is suspect. Its flow-rate certification check expects the volume collected over 30 minutes to be within ±10% (or 0.5 mL, whichever is larger) of half the programmed hourly rate.
Why it happens
Feeding pumps move between units, homes and storage and are easy to miss in a PM schedule. A pump that “runs fine” can still be out of tolerance.
How to avoid it
- Schedule PM and flow-rate certification for every ePump at least once a year.
- Re-test any pump that has been dropped, has had fluid spilled on it, or is suspected of delivering inaccurately.
- Use the BioTech screen to check CERT INTV, the number of power-ons since the last certification.
4. Ultrasonic Pressure Sensor Failures
Found in 34% of pumps we evaluateThe ePump uses ultrasonic sensing, often called the side-plate sensor, to detect upstream and downstream flow conditions. When it fails, the pump may give FEED ERROR or FLOW ERROR with a clear line, stop detecting a downstream occlusion, or fail its self-test. In our records it often shows up as a failed self-test or certification test.
Why it happens
The sensor sits in the set loading area, where formula, water and cleaning solution collect. The manual notes that dampness or dirt in the valve pocket can cause a false FLOW ERROR, and that the pump should not be used after leakage into the pump interior until it has been cleaned and serviced.
How to avoid it
- For FLOW ERROR, follow the manual: check the line for a clog, then clean and dry the valve pocket, then load a new set, prime it and restart.
- For FEED ERROR, check whether the bag is empty or the line between bag and pump is clogged before suspecting the pump.
- If errors persist with a new, properly primed set, take the pump out of service and send it in.
5. Cracked Cases and Broken Battery Doors
Found in 34% of pumps we evaluateDamaged rear cases are the most common physical finding, sometimes cracked around the pole clamp mounting point, followed by damaged front cases. About 6% of the pumps we evaluate also have a broken or missing battery door, and a smaller share arrive with a missing or damaged pole clamp.
Why it happens
Drops, bumps during transport and pumps that swing on a loose pole clamp crack the ABS/polycarbonate housing. The manual also warns that strong cleaners can damage the case housing. The ePump is rated only drip-proof (IPX1), so a crack or missing battery door gives fluid a path to the electronics.
How to avoid it
- Keep the pole clamp bolt (3/8″-16) secure and the pole stable before letting go of the pump.
- Avoid the cleaners the manual prohibits, including Spray Nine, pHisoHex, Hibiclens and Vesta Syde.
- Re-tighten the battery door screw after any battery work, checking that the wires sit in the slot so the door closes without resistance.
- Take any pump with a cracked case or missing battery door out of service until it is repaired.
6. Keypad and Overlay Damage
Found in 21% of pumps we evaluateScratched, dented or torn overlays and keys that respond intermittently or not at all are common, and because the menu-selection buttons drive every programming step, one failed key can make the pump unusable.
Why it happens
Impact, everyday wear and pressing keys with hard objects damage the overlay and switches, and the manual warns that strong cleaners can damage the housing. Damage to the front case often reaches the keypad as well.
How to avoid it
- Press keys with a fingertip, not pens or other hard objects.
- Clean the keypad with a damp (not wet) cloth and avoid the strong cleaners the manual prohibits, which can damage the housing.
- If a key stops responding, take the pump out of service; a pump that cannot be programmed reliably should not be used.
7. Main Board Faults and Corrosion
Found in 13% of pumps we evaluateDefective main boards show up as pumps that will not turn on, will not charge or sound no alarm. About one in twenty shows corrosion, usually on the main board, and a corroded board is sometimes beyond repair. Less often we find failed LCDs or alarm speakers.
Why it happens
Formula spills and cleaning fluid are the main enemies. The manual warns against immersing the pump, says to keep cleaning solution out of the vertical vents under the handle, and says not to reconnect AC power until the pump and adapter are thoroughly dry.
How to avoid it
- Disconnect AC power before cleaning, use a damp (not wet) cloth, and keep the pump upright.
- After a large formula spill or any leakage inside, stop using the pump until it has been cleaned and serviced, as the manual directs.
- Record and report any SYSTEM ERROR number; the manual says it should be reported when calling for service.
8. Missing or Damaged Blue Doors and Rotors
Found in 10% of pumps we evaluateThe blue transparent side door protects the set loading area, and the rotor is what the set tubing wraps around. We regularly receive pumps with the door missing or its hinge broken, and rotors that are missing, damaged, clogged or corroded.
Why it happens
The door snaps onto hinge pins and the rotor is held by a set screw, so both can be lost during cleaning. Forcing a set in or out also stresses them. The Quick Reference Guide says to power the pump off and wait 10 seconds before removing a set, and warns that removing a set while the pump is running may damage the set and affect accuracy.
How to avoid it
- Load sets as the manual shows: valve into the left pocket, tubing wrapped around the rotor without overstretching, retainer into the right pocket, then close the blue door.
- Never rotate the valve stem by hand; the manual says only the pump should turn it.
- When removing the rotor for cleaning, dry it fully and re-seat the set screw on the flat of the shaft without over-tightening.
9. AC Adapter and Power Cord Damage
Found in 11% of pumps we evaluateWe find damaged or defective AC adapters and cords, missing plug blades and damaged AC connectors. Occasionally an internal fuse inside the pump has blown. A bad adapter often arrives reported as a pump that is “not charging.”
Why it happens
The adapter plug has a spring-loaded locking sleeve, and pulling on the cord instead of the sleeve damages the connector. Cords also get pinched in pole clamps and bed rails.
How to avoid it
- Unplug by grasping the outer sliding sleeve, never the cord.
- Route the cord through the U-shaped groove on the pole clamp (or the supplied cord clip) without pinching it.
- Use only the Kangaroo ePump AC adapter; replace adapters with exposed wires, cracks or missing plug blades.
Kangaroo ePump On-Screen Message Quick Guide
Use this table to narrow down what your pump is telling you before you call or send it in. Message wording follows the Kangaroo ePump Operating Manual.
| Message or symptom | Most likely cause | What to do first |
|---|---|---|
| SYSTEM ERROR (with an error number) | Internal fault; for example, Error 23 points to a possibly damaged gearbox encoder or flex cable and Error 33 to motor control failure | Power down and back on once. If it does not clear, put a different pump into service and report the error number. |
| ROTOR ERROR | Usually a set tubing problem around the rotor; repeated errors can point to the rotor or mechanism | Check the set for damage, reload the tubing and press CONTINUE. If it persists, use a different pump. |
| FEED ERROR | Empty bag or a clog between the bag and the pump | Check the feed line; if it cannot be cleared, load and prime a new set. If it persists, use a different pump. |
| FLOW ERROR | Clog between the pump and the patient, or dampness or dirt in the valve pocket | Check the line, clean and dry the valve pocket, then try a new primed set. Repeated errors with a clear line point to the pressure sensor. |
| FLUSH ERROR | Empty flush bag or a clog between the pump and the flush bag | Check the flush line; if it cannot be cleared, load and prime a new set. |
| PUMP SET DISLODGED | Black ring (MISTIC) retainer not seated in its pocket | Re-seat the retainer; if that fails, load and prime a new set. |
| BATTERY LOW | About 15 minutes of battery left | Plug in the AC adapter; allow eight hours for a full recharge. Short run times mean the pack needs replacement. |
| Pump will not turn on or will not charge | Depleted pack, damaged adapter or connector, or main board fault | Try a known-good Kangaroo ePump adapter and leave the pump on AC; if it still will not power on or charge, send it in. |
Problems Travel Together
About two in three Kangaroo ePumps we evaluate arrive with two or more problems, and nearly all have at least one hardware or battery finding. A drop that cracks a case often damages the battery door or mechanism too, and a pump that has gone years without PM often needs a battery pack and certification at the same visit. Only about one in a hundred pumps sent to us turns out to have no fault we can find. That is why we evaluate the whole pump, not just the reported complaint, and list every finding on one estimate.
Kangaroo ePump Maintenance Checklist
- PM and flow-rate certification at least once a year, and after any drop, spill or suspected inaccuracy.
- Battery run time and pack date checked; packs that fall short replaced with a pack specified for the Kangaroo ePump.
- Software and flash versions, serial number and CERT INTV recorded from the BioTech screen.
- Rotor, blue door, valve pocket and loading area cleaned, dried and inspected.
- Front and rear cases, battery door, keypad, pole clamp and mounting point inspected.
- AC adapter, cord, plug blades and connector sleeve inspected; only the Kangaroo ePump adapter in use.
- Pumps stored plugged in, or with the battery disconnected for storage longer than nine months.
Why Customers Choose IPR Medical
Free evaluation and shipping label
U.S. customers get a free inbound shipping label and a free evaluation. Request a free label.
Estimate before any work
Every pump gets a full diagnostic evaluation and a written estimate. Nothing is charged until you approve it.
The whole pump, one visit
Battery packs, motor and gearbox assemblies, pressure sensors, cases, keypads, doors, rotors, boards and adapters, plus PM and certification.
Fast evaluation, less downtime
We evaluate pumps within 1–2 business days of receiving them.
ISO 9001:2015 certified
Repairs are performed in-house at our Tustin, California facility under our certified quality system, and every repaired pump is tested to OEM specifications.
90-day repair warranty
Every repair is backed by our 90-day warranty. See our Kangaroo feeding pump repair page for details.
Need a replacement instead of a repair? We also sell new and recertified (refurbished) Kangaroo ePump enteral feeding pumps. Find manuals and specifications in our Kangaroo ePump manuals guide or our Manuals & Documentation Library, and check recalls, safety notices and Cardinal Health’s end-of-life dates in our Kangaroo ePump recalls and safety notices guide.
Kangaroo ePump Repair FAQ
What are the most common Kangaroo ePump problems?
In our service records, the most common findings are depleted, expired or failing battery packs, motor, gearbox and flex cable faults, PM and certification that has come due, failed ultrasonic pressure sensors and cracked cases. About two in three ePumps we see have two or more problems at once.
Why does my Kangaroo ePump show FLOW ERROR when the line is clear?
The Operating Manual says dampness or dirt in the valve pocket can cause a false FLOW ERROR, so clean and dry the pocket and try a new, primed set. If the error keeps returning with a clear line, the ultrasonic pressure sensor is a likely cause and the pump should be evaluated.
How long does a Kangaroo ePump battery last?
The Operating Manual says a new, fully charged NiMH pack delivers at least 15 hours at 100 mL/hr (its General Startup section says 15 hours at 125 mL/hr) and needs eight hours to fully recharge. Run time drops as the pack ages, so check it at each PM.
What should I do about a Kangaroo ePump SYSTEM ERROR?
Turn the pump off and back on once. If the error does not clear, the manual says to stop the pump and put a different pump into service. Note the error number, since it helps identify the failed part.
How often does a Kangaroo ePump need preventive maintenance?
The Operating Manual recommends service at least once a year, and performance testing any time the pump is suspected of not performing properly. About two in five ePumps we evaluate arrive due for PM or certification.
Can a Kangaroo ePump still be repaired now that it is discontinued?
In most cases, yes. Cardinal Health ended new ePump sales on September 30, 2024, but existing pumps can still be evaluated, and most can be repaired, depending on parts availability. IPR Medical repairs Kangaroo ePumps in-house, including Covidien- and Kendall-labeled units, and the free evaluation tells you before any work whether your pump can be repaired.
Who repairs Kangaroo ePump feeding pumps?
IPR Medical repairs, certifies and tests Kangaroo ePump enteral feeding pumps in-house at its ISO 9001:2015-certified facility in Tustin, California. U.S. customers get a free inbound shipping label and a free evaluation, and you approve the estimate before any work begins.
Is Your Kangaroo ePump Acting Up?
Tell us what the pump is doing and we will help you decide the next step, or contact us about your fleet.
Kangaroo, Kangaroo ePump, MISTIC, Cardinal Health, Covidien and Kendall are trademarks of their respective owners and are used here only to identify the original manufacturer’s equipment. IPR Medical is an ISO 9001:2015-certified independent service organization and is not sponsored by, affiliated with, or endorsed by the original equipment manufacturer. On-screen message wording is taken from the Kangaroo ePump Operating Manual. All other product names and trademarks, including Spray Nine, pHisoHex, Hibiclens and Vesta Syde, are the property of their respective owners and are used only to identify those owners’ products; IPR Medical is not sponsored by, affiliated with, or endorsed by any of these trademark owners. Statistics in this article are drawn from IPR Medical’s own service records and describe the pumps we have evaluated; they are not a statement about the reliability of the product as a whole.