IBM BladeCenter JS12, Problem Determination And Service Manual

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What to do if you cannot solve a problem
If you cannot locate and correct the problem using the diagnostics tools and
information, see Appendix A, “Getting help and technical assistance,” on page 285.
Diagnostic tools
Tools are available to help you diagnose and solve hardware-related problems.
v Power-on self-test (POST) progress codes (checkpoints), error codes, and
isolation procedures
The POST checks out the hardware at system initialization. IPL diagnostic
functions test some system components and interconnections. The POST
generates eight-digit checkpoints to mark the progress of powering up the blade
server.
Use the management module to view progress codes.
The documentation of a progress code includes recovery actions for system
hangs. See “POST progress codes (checkpoints)” on page 88 for more
information.
If the service processor detects a problem during POST, an error code is logged
in the management module event log. Error codes are also logged in the Linux
®
syslog
or AIX
®
diagnostic log, if possible. See “System reference codes (SRCs)”
on page 16.
The service processor can generate codes that point to specific isolation
procedures. See “Service processor problems” on page 205.
v
Light path diagnostics
Use the light path diagnostic LEDs on the system board to identify failing
hardware. If the system error LED on the system LED panel on the front or rear
of the BladeCenter unit is lit, one or more error LEDs on the BladeCenter unit
components also might be lit.
Light path diagnostics help identify failing customer replaceable unit (CRUs).
CRU location codes are included in error codes and the event log.
LED locations
See “System-board LEDs” on page 9.
Front panel
See “Blade server control panel buttons and LEDs” on page 5.
v
Troubleshooting tables
Use the troubleshooting tables to find solutions to problems that have
identifiable symptoms.
See “Troubleshooting tables” on page 194.
v
Dump data collection
In some circumstances, an error might require a dump to show more data. The
Integrated Virtual Manager (IVM) sets up a dump area. Specific IVM
information is included as part of the information that can optionally be sent to
IBM support for analysis.
See “Collecting dump data” on page 13 for more information.
v Stand-alone diagnostics
The AIX-based stand-alone Diagnostics CD is in the ship package and is also
available from the IBM Web site. Boot the CD from a CD drive or from an AIX
network installation manager (NIM) server if the blade server cannot boot to an
operating system, no matter which operating system is installed.
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JS12 Type 7998: Problem Determination and Service Guide