Cutera error codes 367 and 246 can be confusing because they may appear together.
They also do not always point directly to the failed component.
On Xeo-era platforms, Error 367 relates to the system’s POST and safety-circuit test.
Meanwhile, Error 246 is associated with a flashlamp failing to start.
The important part is what other errors appear with them.
Do not replace a pump, power supply, handpiece, or board based on one code alone.
What Is Cutera Error Code 367?
Cutera service documentation identifies E367 as a POST and Safety Circuit test failure.
POST means Power-On Self-Test.
In practical terms, the system detected a problem while checking whether certain circuits were operating correctly.
That makes 367 a broad diagnostic clue.
It is not simply a cooling-system fault.
Why Does Error 367 Often Appear With Other Codes?
Error 367 often appears with another error.
That second code can provide much more information.
For example, technicians have encountered combinations such as:
- 246 + 367
- 249 + 367
- 322 + 367
- Other system-specific combinations
Therefore, never report only “Error 367” when requesting service.
Write down every code displayed and the order in which it appeared.
That sequence can help narrow the diagnosis.
Does Error 367 Always Mean a Bad Power Supply?
No.
A 367 fault should not automatically result in a power-supply replacement.
Possible areas involved may include:
- Safety-circuit operation
- High-voltage system
- Flashlamp starting circuit
- Trigger circuitry
- Wiring
- Dump-board circuitry
- Another fault detected during system checks
Older Xeo service documentation even describes cases where electrical noise or wiring conditions could contribute to intermittent 367 faults.
The correct approach is testing.
Error 367 tells you a test failed. It does not tell you which expensive part to order.
What Is Cutera Error Code 246?
Cutera documentation identifies Error 246 as a flashlamp failed-to-start error on applicable Xeo configurations.
That is different from simply saying:
“The laser has low output.”
The machine is reporting that the lamp did not start as expected.
Possible causes can depend on the installed handpiece and platform configuration.
Error 246 and the ProWave Handpiece
Cutera’s ProWave 770 documentation provides an especially useful example.
If the console will not enter READY and displays 246 and 367 together, the documented probable cause is a handpiece lamp failure.
That does not mean every 246 faults on every Cutera configuration requires a new handpiece.
It does show why the handpiece and exact configuration matter during diagnosis.
A fault code must be interpreted in the context of the machine.
Common Areas to Check With Error 246
Depending on the platform and handpiece, diagnosis may involve checking:
- Flashlamp condition
- Handpiece connection
- Lamp-start circuit
- Trigger circuit
- High-voltage system
- Wiring and connectors
- Relevant circuit boards
These are technician-level checks.
Operators should not open the machine or access high-voltage components.
Cutera Error Codes 367 and 246 Together
When Cutera error codes 367 and 246 appear together, do not treat them as two unrelated problems.
They may be connected.
For example:
- The system attempts to start a lamp.
- The expected electrical condition is not detected.
- A lamp-start fault is generated.
- The safety or POST check also fails.
- The system reports both codes.
The exact sequence depends on the machine.
However, this explains why the complete fault history matters.
Safe Troubleshooting Before Calling for Service
There are a few things an operator can safely do before requesting repair.
1. Photograph Every Error
Take a picture of the screen.
Record every code.
Do not rely on memory.
2. Record When the Fault Appears
Does it happen:
- During startup?
- When entering READY?
- When selecting a handpiece?
- When firing?
- After the system has been running?
- Only with one handpiece?
This information is extremely useful.
3. Identify the Installed Handpiece
Record which attachment was connected.
For example:
- ProWave
- LimeLight
- Nd handpiece
- Titan
- Other Xeo applicator
The exact configuration can change the diagnosis.
4. Check Normal External Connections
Make sure normal operator-accessible connections are secure.
Do not force connectors.
Also inspect cables and handpieces for visible damage.
5. Perform One Normal Restart When Safe
If there is:
- No leak
- No burning smell
- No smoke
- No abnormal heat
- No visible electrical damage
One normal shutdown and restart may help confirm whether the fault repeats.
If the same codes return, stop repeatedly resetting the machine.
The repeated fault is useful diagnostic information.
Do Not Diagnose 367 From the Cooling System Alone
This is an important correction.
A Cutera system may show a cooling-related code along with 367.
For example, a machine with a cooling problem could display another fault and then generate 367 because the system cannot complete its normal checks.
That does not make 367 itself a cooling code.
If you have 322 + 367, investigate the complete combination.
Do not translate every 367 into:
“Replace the pump.”
Do Not Diagnose 246 From Output Alone
The same principle applies to Error 246.
It should not automatically be described as:
- Low laser output
- Dirty optics
- Calibration drift
- Weak capacitors
Those conditions may exist on a machine, but they are not what the 246 code itself proves.
Start with what the code actually tells you:
The applicable lamp did not start as expected.
Then diagnose why.
When Should You Stop Using the Machine?
Stop and request service if:
- The fault repeatedly returns
- The machine cannot enter READY
- A handpiece repeatedly fails to start
- The machine shuts down during treatment
- You notice a leak
- You smell burning
- You see smoke or arcing
- The machine becomes abnormally hot
- Other electrical faults appear
Do not repeatedly clear a fault just to finish the treatment day.
A safety-related error deserves diagnosis.
Why the Exact Cutera Model Matters
Cutera has produced many platforms and revisions.
The meaning and troubleshooting procedure for an error can depend on:
- Model
- Production year
- Software revision
- Installed handpiece
- Hardware revision
- Platform configuration
The Xeo platform itself has been produced in multiple configurations over many years.
Cutera currently describes Xeo as a configurable laser and light-based platform with multiple treatment technologies.
Learn more about the Cutera Xeo platform directly from Cutera.
Therefore, do not assume a code found for an older Xeo automatically means exactly the same thing on every other Cutera platform.
What Information Should You Give the Technician?
For faster diagnosis, send:
- Machine model
- Serial number
- Error 367, 246, and every other displayed code
- Order of the codes
- Installed handpiece
- What the machine was doing when the error occurred
- Whether it reaches READY
- Whether the fault happens every time
- Recent repair history
- Photos or video
That information is much more useful than: “My Cutera says 367.”
Preventative Maintenance Still Matters
Maintenance will not prevent every electronic or lamp failure.
However, regular service can help identify developing problems.
Depending on the Cutera platform, maintenance may include:
- Cooling inspection
- Handpiece inspection
- Electrical checks
- Error-history review
- Optical inspection
- Output testing where appropriate
- Inspection of aging components
The exact service should match the platform.
There is no benefit to replacing parts without evidence that they are failing.
Cutera Error Codes Are Clues, Not Parts Lists
- Good troubleshooting follows a simple process.
- Record every code.
- Identify when it occurs.
- Check the exact machine and handpiece.
- Test the related system.
- Then replace the component the evidence supports.
For Cutera error codes 367 and 246, that distinction matters.
367 indicates a POST/Safety Circuit test failure.
246 indicates a flashlamp failed-to-start condition on applicable Xeo configurations.
When they appear together, investigate them together.
The error code tells you what the machine detected. The other codes and testing tell you why it happened.
Need help diagnosing Cutera Error 367, 246, or another Xeo fault?
Call The Laser Professionals at 561-203-9776 or email [email protected].
We provide remote troubleshooting, onsite Cutera repair, electronics repair, handpiece service, preventative maintenance, and nationwide aesthetic laser support.
You can also contact Cutera Customer Support for manufacturer service and product support.
The Laser Professionals — Technicians First. Sellers Second.
