5.1 VR/GM - Haas Spindle Chiller Operation

VR/GM - Haas Spindle Chiller Operation

Revision B - 08/2025

Introduction

The VR comes with a spindle chiller unit located on the column on the back of the machine. The GM-2-5AX comes with a spindle chiller unit located on the back of the bridge above the control cabinet. This spindle chiller helps regulate the temperature of the spindle. This section provides operation information specific to the spindle chiller for VR and GM machines.

 Note: VR and GM machines built before 5/9/2025 are equipped with the VR/GM Spindle Heat Exchanger. VR and GM machines built from 5/9/2025 and after are equipped with the VR/GM Spindle Chiller. Use the sections that pertain to your specific chiller unit. 

Check the Spindle Chiller

 Note: VR and GM machines built before 5/9/2025 are equipped with the VR/GM Spindle Heat Exchanger. VR and GM machines built from 5/9/2025 and after are equipped with the VR/GM Spindle Chiller. Use the sections that pertain to your specific chiller unit. 

Check the spindle chiller for any air bubbles in the lines by running the spindle. 

Then, check the flow sensor [1] and make sure the machine does not receive any alarms. 

If any alarms or issues arise with the spindle chiller please visit the VR/GM - Haas Spindle Chiller Troubleshooting tab in the Haas Spindle Chiller - Operator's/Service Manual for more information. 

View Parameters

The spindle chiller is automatically powered on when the spindle is operated, or when a tool change occurs. The power button on the front of the spindle chiller does not need to be changed.

The spindle chiller uses a parameter based system to determine how much cooling needs to be done. These parameters are set in the factory and should not be altered. If the Haas control is showing alarm 9003 - Low Spindle Coolant Chiller Oil Flow then refer to the VR/GM Spindle Chiller Troubleshooting Guide before altering parameter values.

 Note: Parameters are labeled F0-F9. Refer to the table in the Parameter Functions section below for an explanation of the parameters.

 Note: The Parameters mentioned in the following steps need to be set if you are upgrading to a VR/GM Spindle Chiller or replacing a VR/GM Spindle Chiller.

1

To view the parameter values on the spindle chiller, follow these steps:

  1. Press and hold the [UP] arrow [1] on the chiller control.
  2. Press and hold the [SET] button [2] while still holding the up arrow. There needs to be about a half second delay between pressing the [UP] arrow and the [SET] button in order to access the parameters.
  3. Hold these buttons until the display on the chiller shows a "0". Press the arrow keys until the display shows "8" [3] as shown in the top image and then press the [SET] button to navigate into the parameters page.
  4. Once in the parameters page, you can press the arrow keys to navigate to different parameters. Each parameter has a value that can be accessed by pressing the [SET] button.

2

After entering the parameters page and navigating to F0 using the arrow keys, press the [SET] button [1] to view the current parameter value. The value will appear on the display [2]. Verify the value is set to 25 degrees Celsius. 

If needed, adjust the value to 25 degrees Celsius by using the arrows. To set the new value press the [SET] button [3] again.

Pressing [SET] will return you to the parameter page.

3

After entering the parameters page and navigating to F1 using the arrow keys, press the [SET] button [1] to view the current parameter value. The value will appear on the display [2] and adjust the value to 0 degrees Celsius by using the arrows. To set the new value press the [SET] button [3] again.

After the parameter values are adjusted, press [RESET] (RTS) [4] to return to the main temperature screen.

4

After entering the parameters page and navigating to F2 using the arrow keys, press the [SET] button [1] to view the current parameter value. The value will appear on the display [2] and adjust the value to 3 degrees Celsius by using the arrows. To set the new value press the [SET] button [3] again.

After the parameter values are adjusted, press [RESET] (RTS) [4] to return to the main temperature screen.

Parameter Functions

This table lists the parameters that can be accessed as well as their function and factory set value.

Important: These parameters should not be altered from the factory set point. This table is provided for troubleshooting information to return the spindle chiller to its factory condition.

Parameter Name Function Value Set in Factory
F0 Sets the temperature that the spindle chiller will try to keep the fluid at 25.0 Celsius
F1 Sets the allowed difference between the chiller fluid temperature and the ambient temperature 0.0 Celsius
F2 Sets the allowed temperature difference between the fluid going to spindle vs. fluid returning from spindle 3.0 Celsius
F3 Sets the method of temperature control 0
F4 Sets the temperature threshold above the set point for the low temperature alarm 20.0 Celsius
F5 Sets the temperature threshold above the set point for the high temperature alarm 15.0 Celsius
F6 Sets the temperature threshold for the high ambient temperature alarm 45.0 Celsius
F7 Password value 8
F8 Sets the maximum allowed chiller fluid temperature 30.0 Celsius
F9 Sets the minimum allowed chiller fluid temperature 20.0 Celsius

5.2 VR/GM - Haas Spindle Chiller Maintenance

VR/GM - Haas Spindle Chiller Maintenance

Revision A - 07/2025

Introduction

This section provides details about the maintenance required for the VR/GM Spindle Heat Exchanger and the VR/GM Spindle Chiller. 

VR/GM Spindle Chiller Maintenance

Spindle Chiller 
Maintenance Item Interval
Inspect Fluid Tank Level.
 Daily
Fill Fluid Tank. As Required
Clean Air Inlet Filter.
 Weekly
Inspect/Clean Air Outlets.
 Weekly

1

This image shows the key components of the Spindle Chiller:

  1. Fluid Tank Inlet
  2. Flow Alarm (Red)
  3. Power Switch
  4. Temperature Controller
  5. Normal Flow (Green)
  6. Air Inlet Filter
  7. Chiller Fluid Level Gauge
  8. Chiller Fluid Drain
  9. Chiller Fluid Inlet Line
  10. Chiller Fluid Outlet Line
  11. Power Socket
  12. Alarm Output Terminal
  13. Air Outlet

2

Inspect the fluid tank level by looking at the fluid level gauge located on the back of the spindle chiller [1]. To add fluid to the tank, remove the cap to the inlet [2] at the top of the unit, and fill the tank with Mobil Velocite Oil No 3 (PN: 93-4894) until the gauge reads the level is at the top of the M [3] or at the H level.

3

To clean the air inlet filter, remove the grate to gain access to the filter unit. From there, remove the filter screen so that any dust or debris can be picked out of the filter. If necessary, wash the filter using water to get rid of contaminants. 

4

Make sure that the air outlets are clear of dust and debris. It is also recommended to allow a clear area of 12 inches directly behind the air outlet vents. This will allow for proper air circulation in the system.

5

Change Chiller Fluid:

To change the chiller fluid, open up the fluid drain cap [1] and allow time for the fluid tank and fluid lines to completely drain.

Once drained, tighten the fluid drain lid. Then remove the fluid tank intake cap [2] and add new chiller fluid.

Note: The VR/GM Spindle Chiller uses Mobil Velocite Oil No 3 (PN: 93-4894).

Note: The chiller fluid capacity is 8 Liters. 

5.3 VR/GM - Haas Spindle Chiller Troubleshooting

VR/GM - Haas Spindle Chiller Troubleshooting Guide

Revision B - 02/2026

Introduction

This section provides troubleshooting information regarding the VR/GM Spindle Chiller. There are details about how to troubleshoot flow alarms.

VR/GM Spindle Chiller - Symptom Table

If the spindle chiller is not working properly, the Haas control will show alarm 9003 - Low Spindle Coolant Chiller Oil Flow. This alarm is generated as a result of several possible symptoms. See the symptom table below for symptoms and recommended troubleshooting. 

This symptom table also includes potential alarm codes that could appear on the spindle chiller display. These are ambient and fluid temperature alarms.

Important: Changing parameter values should only be done in extreme cases. Make sure to perform all other troubleshooting and maintenance to try and clear the spindle chiller alarms.

Symptom Possible Cause Solution
Alarm 9003 is active on Haas Control. The flow alarm indicator on the front of the spindle chiller is on. (Red LED is on)  There is something blocking the circulation of chiller fluid. There is something blocking the chiller fluid from returning to the spindle chiller. Make sure that there are no leaks coming from the fittings on the back of the spindle chiller. Check underneath the spindle head cover sheet metal and verify that there is no leaks coming from the fittings on the spindle head casting for the spindle chiller.
There is a low amount of chiller fluid in the spindle chiller tank.  Make sure that there is no leaks coming from the chiller unit, or from the fluid lines that deliver chiller fluid to the spindle. After fixing any leaks that caused the chiller fluid level to drop, fill the tank with Mobil Velocite Oil No 3 (PN: 93-4894). Refer to the maintenance section on the VR/GM Spindle Chiller for more information on how to fill the tank.
The pump is not working properly.  Replace the spindle chiller pump. 
The flow sensor is faulty and not functioning. Check to make sure that there is circulation in the spindle chiller fluid lines. If there is flow in the lines, you can hold the fluid lines and feel the vibrations caused by the fluid flow. If you can detect flow, but the alarm indicator is on, replace the flow sensor.
Alarm 9003 is active on Haas Control, but the normal flow indicator on the front of the spindle chiller is on. (Green LED is on) The alarm signal cable could be damaged or not functioning. Inspect the spindle chiller alarm cable. Check for damage on both connectors and for damage along the length of the cable. If no damage can be seen on the cable remove the alarm cable from the spindle chiller unit. Use a voltmeter to check for continuity between pins H1 and H3 of the alarm connector. If there is continuity, then there are no alarms coming from the spindle chiller unit. See procedure below for where to check continuity.
The flow alarm indicator (Red LED) is slowly lighting up and the spindle chiller display is briefly flashes. Both then turn off and this cycle repeats. The IO PCB is leaking voltage to the spindle chiller even when the spindle chiller is not being powered on. This is expected behavior for the VR/GM Spindle Chiller. The spindle chiller will function properly when commanded to turn on. See the section below VR/GM Spindle Chiller Behavior.
Spindle chiller display shows E1 message The ambient temperature is above the maximum ambient temperature parameter. The maximum ambient temperature parameter is set to 45 degrees Celsius in the factory. This is parameter F6. See the operation page of this chapter to see factory set parameter values. If the ambient temperature is above 45 degrees Celsius (113 Fahrenheit), see the operation page about adjusting parameter values. If the ambient temperature is below 45 Celsius, check the parameter value and replace the ambient temperature sensor.
Spindle chiller display shows E2 message The fluid temperature is above the maximum fluid temperature parameter. The maximum chiller fluid temperature is set by parameter F5 and is set to 15 degrees Celsius in the factory. Clean the air intake filters to allow for proper ventilation. Make sure that the chiller fluid mixture has the right proportions. The chiller fluid should be Mobil Velocite Oil No 3 (PN: 93-4894). See the maintenance section for draining the chiller fluid. See the operation page for setting parameter values if needed.
Spindle chiller display shows E3 message The chiller fluid temperature is below the minimum fluid temperature parameter. The minimum chiller fluid temperature is set by parameter F4 and is set to 20 degrees Celsius in the factory. Make sure that the chiller fluid mixture has the right proportions. The chiller fluid should be Mobil Velocite Oil No 3 (PN: 93-4894). See the maintenance section for draining the chiller fluid. See the operation page for setting parameter values if needed.
Spindle chiller display shows E4 message The ambient temperature sensor is failing. Replace the ambient temperature sensor.
Spindle chiller display shows E5 message The chiller fluid temperature sensor is failing. Replace the chiller fluid temperature sensor.
Spindle Motor Temperature Gauge reading 0° F/ -18°C VR/GM Spindle Chiller installed on machine. See Spindle Motor Temperature Gauge section below.

VR/GM Spindle Chiller Flow Alarm Output

1

To check for continuity between 2 pins on the alarm connector, remove the spindle chiller connector to the alarm cable [4]. The connector on the spindle chiller [4] has 3 pins as shown in the image.

If there is no alarm being outputted by the spindle chiller, then there will be between pin H1 [1] and H3 [2].

Take a volt meter and set it to resistance mode.

Then touch one lead to pin H1 [1] and the other lead to pin H3 [3]. The volt meter display will show near zero resistance if there is continuity. 

If there is no continuity between H1 and H2, check if there is continuity between H1 [1] and H2 [2]. Continuity between H1 and H2 indicates an alarm is being outputted by the spindle chiller.

If this is the case, continue troubleshooting to determine the source of the alarm. 

VR/GM Spindle Chiller Behavior

1

The spindle chiller is powered on when the spindle begins running. When the spindle is not being used, the spindle chiller is not powered on. 

In this state with the spindle not running, the display on the spindle chiller will flash a message on the display screen [2] that looks like the image.

Also the flow alarm indicator [1] will slowly turn on and then turn off every 5 seconds. 

This cycle repeats. This is expected behavior for the spindle chiller and no troubleshooting needs to be done.

VR/GM Spindle Chiller Electrical Schematic

There are 3 cables that go from the spindle chiller to the control cabinet:

  • Ground cable [1] - From spindle chiller to control cabinet chassis
  • Flow alarm cable 33-1360 - From alarm port to cable 33-2092  (VR) / 33-2094 (GM) which is connected to P39 on the I/O PCB.
  • Power cable 33-1479 (VR) / 33-1478 (GM) - From power socket to P31 on the I/O PCB.

Important: The alarm cable from the spindle chiller needs to be connected to the SPINDL FLOW connector of 33-2092  (VR) / 33-2094 (GM). This cable has 3 connectors, only the connector labeled SPINDL FLOW should be used.

Spindle Motor Temperature Gauge

The Spindle Motor Temperature Gauge [1] will continuously display either 0° F or –18° C, depending if Setting 9 is set to INCH or MM.

This is expected behavior for the VR/GM Spindle Chiller.

The alarm cable from the spindle chiller is connected to the SPINDL FLOW connector on 33‑2092 (VR) / 33‑2094 (GM). This cable has three connectors; only the connector labeled SPINDL FLOW is used. The CHILLER TEMP connector—which normally displays on the Spindle Motor Temperature Gauge [1]—is not used for the VR/GM Spindle Chiller.

The chiller temperature and temperature alarms are now displayed directly on the chiller screen. Refer to the Troubleshooting Symptom Table for more information on chiller alarms.

H-5AX Spindle Chiller Fluid

VR and GM machines built before 5/9/2025 are equipped with the VR/GM Spindle Heat Exchanger and use a 50/50 mix of DOWFROST HD INHIBITED PROPYLENE GLYCOL (Not Sold by Haas) and deionized water. The tank capacity is 5 gallons. Any over the counter Propylene Glycol product can be used, but will require to flush out the system prior to filling. 

IMPORTANT: Mix the glycol and deionized water outside of the chiller tank before adding to the mixture already in the tank.

Warning:  Don’t mix with Ethylene-glycol product. If Ethylene-glycol is the only substitute to be found then the system must be flushed prior to filling.

Warning: Do not mix the glycol product with anything other than deionized water.

VR and GM machines built from 5/9/2025 and after are equipped with the VR/GM Spindle Chiller and use Mobil Velocite Oil No 3 (PN: 93-4894). For more information on the VR/GM Spindle Chiller, reference the VR/GM - Haas Spindle Chiller chapter of the Haas Spindle Chiller Operator's/Service Manual.