Chapter 3. Messages
Refer to the following topics for messages and related information.
Important: The examples of sense data and messages refer to a drive that is not supported in the current
configuration. The data is shown as examples only.
Service and Media Information messages (SIMs and MIMs)
The SIM and MIM functions are a primary factor in the 3592 maintenance plan for improved product
availability (see “RAS characteristics” on page 20 for an explanation of availability).
The IBM service representative decodes the SIM and MIM information to help when service is scheduled.
Depending on the software they possess, customers can select the severities that they want to see. For
example, one customer might want to see only the acute SIM/MIM. Another customer might want to see
all the SIMs and MIMs that are sent to the host.
SIMs
A service information message (SIM) alerts the customer when an abnormal 3592 condition requires
attention. Information in the SIM identifies the affected drive and the failing component. Information
highlights the severity of the fault condition and the expected operational impact of the pending service
action.
A SIM contains the machine type and machine serial number. Knowledge of this information potentially
allows service personnel to arrive at the customer site with the correct replacement parts. This action can
improve service response time and can help reduce machine repair time.
Physical location identifiers in the SIM direct the CE to the failing unit. The SIM FID code specifies the
parts to be replaced, and directs the CE to the appropriate service procedures. The machine fault can
then be repaired without first looking in log records and without having to try to re-create the failure by
using diagnostic procedures.
SIM error information
SIMs reflect conditions with the hardware. A service message within the SIM informs the customer what
the service impact is. For example, impact unknown disables access to the drive or requires the interface
to be disconnected. The SIM severity codes are listed and explained in Table 20 on page 39. See Figure
11 on page 40 for a sample SIM. Read a description of each SIM field in Table 21 on page 40.
A service information message (SIM) includes the following error information -
• To which drive the SIM refers.
• The FRU identifier (FID) code and FID severity for drive errors. Go to Start, and use the FID information
to locate the failing FRU group.
• The message code that is presented to the customer. See “Message codes” on page 45.
• The first FSC, second FSC or flag bytes, model and microcode link level. These items are not required to
enter the START section. This support data might be requested by your next level of support.
Table 20: Meaning of SIM severity codes
SIM severity
code
Meaning
0 (FID4)
Drive requires service, but operation is not affected.
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Copyright IBM Corp. 2010, 2018
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