IBM xSeries 342 2RX User manual

Hardware Maintenance Manual
xSeries 342 Model 1RX, 2RX, 1TG, 2TG


Hardware Maintenance Manual
xSeries 342 Model 1RX, 2RX, 1TG, 2TG


:
Note: Before using this information and the product it supports, be sure to read the general information under “Notices” on page
147.
First Edition (June 2001)
The following paragraph does not apply to the United Kingdom or any country were such provisions are
inconsistent with local law:
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION PROVIDES THIS PUBLICATION ″AS IS″WITHOUT
WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE
IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Some states do
not allow disclaimer of express or implied warranties in certain transactions, therefore, this statement may not
apply to you.
This publication could include technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. Changes are periodically made to the
information herein; these changes will be incorporated in new editions of the publication. IBM may make
improvements and/or changes in the product(s) and/or the program(s) described in this publication at any time.
This publication was developed for products and services offered in the United States of America. IBM may not
offer the products, services, or features discussed in this document in other countries, and the information is subject
to change without notice. Consult your local IBM representative for information on the products, services, and
features available in your area.
Requests for technical information about IBM products should be made to your IBM reseller or IBM marketing
representative.
© Copyright International Business Machines Corporation 2000, 2001. All rights reserved.
US Government Users Restricted Rights – Use, duplication or disclosure restricted by GSA ADP Schedule Contract
with IBM Corp.

Contents
About This Manual ..........v
Important Safety Information .........v
Online Support .............vi
IBM Online Addresses ..........vi
General checkout ..........1
General information .........3
Features and specifications..........3
Serverfeatures..............5
Reliability, availability, and serviceability features . . 6
Controls and indicators ...........7
Powering on the server ..........7
Powering off the server..........7
Operator information panel .........9
Diagnostics.............11
Diagnostic tools overview .........11
Identifying problems using LEDs .......11
Power supply LEDs ..........11
Light path diagnostics ..........11
Diagnostics panel ...........11
Light path diagnostics table ........12
POST ................12
POST error messages ..........12
Errorlogs..............12
Small computer system interface messages (some
models)................13
Diagnostic programs and error messages ....13
Textmessages ............14
Starting the diagnostic programs ......14
Viewing the test log ..........15
Diagnostic error message tables.......16
Recovering BIOS code ...........16
Troubleshooting the Ethernet controller .....17
Network connection problems .......17
Ethernet controller troubleshooting chart . . . 17
Power checkout .............19
Replacing the battery ...........19
Temperature checkout ...........21
Configuring the server ........23
Using the Configuration/Setup Utility program . . 23
Starting the Configuration/Setup Utility program 23
Choices available from the Configuration/Setup
mainmenu.............24
Usingpasswords...........27
Power-onpassword .........27
Remote-control security settings .....28
Using the SCSISelect utility program ......29
Starting the SCSISelect utility program ....29
Choices available from the SCSISelect menu . . 29
Using the PXE boot agent utility program . . 31
Installing options ..........35
Exploded view of the xSeries 342 server .....35
System board layout ...........35
System board options connectors ......36
System board internal cable connectors ....36
System board external port connectors ....37
System board switches and jumpers .....38
System board LED locations ........40
Before you begin ............42
System reliability considerations .......42
Working inside a server with power on .....43
Handling static-sensitive devices .......43
Removingthecoverandbezel........44
Working with adapters ..........46
Adapter considerations .........46
Adapter installation instructions .......47
Installing internal drives ..........49
Internal drive bays ...........49
SCSI drives .............50
SCSI IDs ..............50
Installing a hot-swap drive .........51
Installing a non-hot-swap drive........52
Installing memory modules .........53
Installing a microprocessor .........55
Installing a hot-swap power supply ......58
Installing an xSeries 3-Pack Ultra 160 Hot-Swap
Expansion Kit ............61
Replacing a hot-swap fan assembly ......61
Installing the server cover and bezel ......62
Connecting external options .........63
Cablingrequirements..........63
Setting SCSI IDs for external devices .....63
Installationprocedure..........63
Input/Output ports ...........63
Videoport..............64
Keyboard port ............64
Auxiliary-device (pointing device) port ....65
Ultra 160 SCSI ports ..........65
SCSI cabling requirements .......66
Setting SCSI IDs ...........66
SCSI connector pin-number assignments. . . 66
Serial ports .............67
Viewing or changing the serial-port
assignments............67
Serial-port connectors .........68
Universal Serial Bus ports ........68
USB cables and hubs .........68
USB-port connectors .........69
Ethernetport.............69
Configuring the Ethernet controller ....69
Failover for redundant Ethernet .....69
Ethernet port connector ........73
Integrated System Management Processor ports 73
CablingtheServer............73
© Copyright IBM Corp. 2000, 2001 iii

FRU information (service only) ....75
RemovingtheLEDcover..........75
Removing the LED board..........75
Removing the on/off reset board .......76
Removing the diskette/CDROM drive .....76
Removing the SCSI backplane ........77
Removing the hot-swap hard disk drive backplane
assembly ...............77
Removing the power supply backplane .....78
Removing the AC Distribution Box ......79
Removing the system board .........79
Symptom-to-FRU index .......81
Beepsymptoms.............81
NoBeepsymptoms............83
Information panel system error LED ......83
Diagnostic error codes...........85
Errorsymptoms.............89
Power supply LED errors..........90
POST error codes ............91
SCSI error codes.............96
Temperatureerrormessages.........97
Fanerrormessages............97
Powererrormessages...........98
System shutdown ............98
Voltage related system shutdown ......98
Temperature related system shutdown ....99
DASD checkout .............99
Host Built-In Self Test (BIST) ........99
Bus fault messages ...........100
Undetermined problems..........100
Parts listing (xSeries 342 Model 1RX,
2RX,1TG,2TG) ..........103
Keyboards ..............104
Powercords.............105
Related service information .....107
Safety information............107
General safety ............107
Electrical safety............108
Safety inspection guide .........109
Handling electrostatic discharge-sensitive
devices ..............110
Grounding requirements.........111
Safety notices (multi-lingual translations) . . . 111
Send us your comments! .........146
Problem determination tips.........147
Notices ...............147
Trademarks..............148
iv Hardware Maintenance Manual: xSeries 342 Model 1RX, 2RX, 1TG, 2TG

About This Manual
About this manual
This manual contains diagnostic information, a Symptom-to-FRU index, service
information, error codes, error messages, and configuration information for the
IBM
®
xSeries 342.
Important: This manual is intended for trained servicers who are familiar with
IBM PC Server products.
Important Safety Information
Be sure to read all caution and danger statements in this book before performing
any of the instructions. See “Safety information”on page 107.
Leia todas as instruções de cuidado e perigo antes de executar qualquer operação.
Prenez connaissance de toutes les consignes de type Attention et
© Copyright IBM Corp. 2000, 2001 v

Danger avant de procéder aux opérations décrites par les instructions.
Lesen Sie alle Sicherheitshinweise, bevor Sie eine Anweisung ausführen.
Accertarsi di leggere tutti gli avvisi di attenzione e di pericolo prima di effettuare
qualsiasi operazione.
Lea atentamente todas las declaraciones de precaución y peligro ante de llevar a
cabo cualquier operación.
Online Support
Use the World Wide Web (WWW) to download Diagnostic, BIOS Flash, and Device
Driver files.
File download address is:
http://www.ibm.com/pc/files.html
IBM Online Addresses
The HMM manuals online address is:
http://www.us.pc.ibm.com/cdt/hmm.html
The IBM PC Company Support Page is:
http://www.ibm.com/pc/support
The IBM PC Company Home Page is:
http://www.ibm.com/pc
vi Hardware Maintenance Manual: xSeries 342 Model 1RX, 2RX, 1TG, 2TG

General checkout
The server diagnostic programs are stored in upgradable read-only memory (ROM)
on the system board. These programs are the primary method of testing the major
components of the server: the system board, Ethernet controller, video controller,
RAM, keyboard, mouse (pointing device), diskette drive, serial ports, and hard
drives. You can also use them to test some external devices. See “Diagnostic
programs and error messages”on page 13.
Also, if you cannot determine whether a problem is caused by the hardware or by
the software, you can run the diagnostic programs to confirm that the hardware is
working properly.
When you run the diagnostic programs, a single problem might cause several error
messages. When this occurs, work to correct the cause of the first error message.
After the cause of the first error message is corrected, the other error messages
might not occur the next time you run the test.
A failed system might be part of a shared DASD cluster (two or more systems
sharing the same external storage device(s)). Prior to running diagnostics, verify
that the failing system is not part of a shared DASD cluster.
A system might be part of a cluster if:
vThe customer identifies the system as part of a cluster.
vOne or more external storage units are attached to the system and at least one of
the attached storage units is additionally attached to another system or
unidentifiable source.
vOne or more systems are located near the failing system.
If the failing system is suspected to be part of a shared DASD cluster, all
diagnostic tests can be run except diagnostic tests which test the storage unit
(DASD residing in the storage unit) or the storage adapter attached to the storage
unit.
Notes:
1. For systems that are part of a shared DASD cluster, run one test at a time in
looped mode. Do not run all tests in looped mode, as this could enable the
DASD diagnostic tests.
2. If multiple error codes are displayed, diagnose the first error code displayed.
3. If the computer hangs with a POST error, go to “POST error codes”on page 91.
4. If the computer hangs and no error is displayed, go to “Undetermined
problems”on page 100.
5. Power supply problems, see “Power supply LED errors”on page 90.
6. Safety information, see “Safety information”on page 107.
7. For intermittent problems, check the error log; see “Error logs”on page 12.
1. IS THE SYSTEM PART OF A CLUSTER?
YES. Schedule maintenance with the customer. Shut down all systems related to
the cluster. Run storage test. NO. Go to step 2.
2. THE SYSTEM IS NOT PART OF A CLUSTER.
vPower-off the computer and all external devices.
© Copyright IBM Corp. 2000, 2001 1

vCheck all cables and power cords.
vSet all display controls to the middle position.
vPower-on all external devices.
vPower-on the computer.
vRecord any POST error messages displayed on the screen. If an error is
displayed, look up the first error in the “POST error codes”on page 91.
vCheck the information LED panel System Error LED; if on, see “Information
panel system error LED”on page 83.
vCheck the System Error Log. If an error was recorded by the system, see
“Symptom-to-FRU index”on page 81.
vStart the Diagnostic Programs. See “Starting the diagnostic programs”on
page 14.
vCheck for the following responses:
a. One beep.
b. Readable instructions or the Main Menu.
3. DID YOU RECEIVE BOTH OF THE CORRECT RESPONSES?
NO. Find the failure symptom in “Symptom-to-FRU index”on page 81.
YES. Run the Diagnostic Programs. If necessary, refer to “Starting the diagnostic
programs”on page 14.
If you receive an error, go to “Symptom-to-FRU index”on page 81.
If the diagnostics completed successfully and you still suspect a problem, see
“Undetermined problems”on page 100.
2Hardware Maintenance Manual: xSeries 342 Model 1RX, 2RX, 1TG, 2TG

General information
Your IBM
®
xSeries 342 server is a high-performance server that supports
symmetric multiprocessing (SMP). It is ideally suited for networking environments
that require superior microprocessor performance, efficient memory management,
flexibility, and large amounts of reliable data storage.
Performance, ease of use, reliability, and expansion capabilities were key
considerations during the design of your server. These design features make it
possible for you to customize the system hardware to meet your needs today,
while providing flexible expansion capabilities for the future.
Your xSeries 342 comes with a three-year limited warranty and IBM Server StartUp
Support. If you have access to the World Wide Web, you can obtain up-to-date
information about your server model and other IBM server products at the
following World Wide Web address: http://www.ibm.com/pc/us/netfinity/
Features and specifications
The following table provides a summary of the features and specifications for your
xSeries 342:
Microprocessor:
vIntel
®
Pentium III
v256 KB or 512 KB Level-2 cache
vSupports up to two microprocessors
Memory:
vMaximum: 4 GB
vType: ECC, SDRAM, PC133, Registered DIMMs
vSlots: Four (two-way interleaved)
Drives standard:
vDiskette: 1.44 MB
vCD-ROM: 24X IDE
Expansion bays:
vHot-swap: Three slim high
vNon-hot-swap: Two 5.25-inch, replaceable with a three slim-high hot-swap drive
expansion option
PCI expansion slots:
vOne 33 MHz/32-bit
vTwo 33 MHz/64-bit
vTwo 66 MHz/64-bit
Hot-swap power supplies:
v270 Watt (115-230 V ac)
vMinimum: One
vMaximum: Two, second power supply provides redundant power
Redundant cooling:
vThree hot-swap fans
Video:
© Copyright IBM Corp. 2000, 2001 3

vS3 video controller
vCompatible with SVGA and VGA
v8 MB video memory
Size (3U):
vHeight: 128 mm (5 in.)
vDepth: 695 mm (27.3 in.)
vWidth: 440 mm (17.3 in.)
vWeight: 21.3 to 29.5 (47 to 65 lbs.) depending upon configuration
Integrated functions:
vDual channel Ultra 160 SCSI controller
vOne 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX/100BASE-FX, Intel Ethernet controller with alert on
LAN
™
and Wake on LAN
®
support
vTwo serial ports
vTwo Universal Serial Bus ports
vKeyboard port
vMouse port
vVideo port
vIntegrated System Management (ISM) Processor
vTwo ISM (RJ-45) connectors
vOne system management Serial C port
Acoustical noise emissions:
vSound power, idling (open bay): 6.6 bel maximum
vSound power, operating: 6.8 bel maximum
vSound pressure, operating: 53 dBa maximum
Environment:
vAir temperature:
–Server on: 10║to 35║C (50║to 95║F). Altitude: 0 to 914 m (2998 ft.)
–Server on: 10║to 32║C (50║to 89.6║F). Altitude: 914 m (2998 ft.) to 2133 m
(6998 ft.)
–Server off: 10║to 43║C (50║to 109.4║F). Maximum altitude: 2133 m (6998 ft.)
vHumidity:
–Server on: 8% to 80%
–Server off: 8% to 80%
Heat output:
vApproximate heat output in British Thermal Units (BTU) per hour
–Minimum configuratrion 375 BTU (110 watts)
–Maximum configuration 1300 BTU (380 watts)
Electrical input:
vSine-wave input (50-60 Hz) required
vInput voltage low range:
–Minimum: 100 V ac
–Maximum: 127 V ac
vInput voltage high range:
–Minimum: 200 V ac
–Maximum: 240 V ac
vInput kilovolt-amperes (kVA) approximately:
–Minimum: 0.08 kVA (0.076 kW)
–Maximum: 0.38 kVA
*KB equals approximately 1000 bytes. MB equals approximately 1000000 bytes. GB
equals approximately 1000000000 bytes.
4Hardware Maintenance Manual: xSeries 342 Model 1RX, 2RX, 1TG, 2TG

Server features
The xSeries 342 is designed to be cost-effective, powerful, and flexible. Your server
offers:
vImpressive performance using an innovative approach to SMP
Your server supports up to two Intel Pentium III microprocessors. Your server
comes with one microprocessor installed; you can install an additional
microprocessor to enhance performance and provide SMP capability.
vLarge data-storage and hot-swap capabilities
All models of the server support up to three hot-swap hard disk drives. This
hot-swap feature enables you to remove and replace hard disk drives without
turning off the server. The x-Series 3-Pack Ultra 160 Hot-Swap Expansion Kit
option is available to add three additional drives.
vOptional PCI adapters
Your server uses peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus architecture to
provide compatibility with a wide range of existing hardware devices and
software applications. Your server supports up to five PCI adapters in the
expansion slots on the system board.
vRedundant cooling capability
The redundant cooling capability of the hot-swap fans in your server allow
continued operation if one of the fans fails. You can also replace a failing
hot-swap fan without turning off the server.
vOptional redundant power capability
You can install an additional 270-watt power supply in your server to provide
redundant power for your server. The Power Non-Redundant (NON) light
emitting diode (LED) in the group of diagnostic LEDs on the system board is lit
when the power load is 270 watts or greater with two power supplies installed.
vLarge system memory
The memory bus in your server supports up to 4 GB (GB equals approximately 1
000 000 000 bytes) of system memory. The memory controller provides error
correcting code (ECC) support for up to four industry standard PC133, 3.3 V,
168-pin, 8-byte, registered, synchronous-dynamic-random access memory
(SDRAM) dual inline memory modules (DIMMs).
vIntegrated System Management (ISM) Processor
The IBM Integrated System Management Processor provides environmental
monitoring for your server. This Integrated System Management Processor
supports the Automatic Server Restart (ASR) feature, and it can issue system
alerts using the Alert on LAN features of the integrated Ethernet controller.
Future firmware code releases for the Integrated System Management Processor
will support additional functions and features. These features will include dial-in
support using the dedicated system management serial port C, alert fowarding
through the Integrated System Management Processor connectors, error logging,
support for communication between the Integrated System Management
Processor and more robust IBM system management adapters and controllers.
vIntegrated network environment support
Your server comes with an Ethernet controller on the system board. This
Ethernet controller has an interface for connecting to 10-Mbps or 100-Mbps
networks. The server automatically selects between 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX.
The controller provides full-duplex (FDX) capability, which allows simultaneous
transmission and reception of data on the Ethernet local area network (LAN).
vRedundant network-interface card
General information 5

The addition of an optional, redundant network interface card (NIC) provides a
failover capability to a redundant Ethernet connection. If a problem occurs with
the primary Ethernet connection, all Ethernet traffic associated with this primary
connection is automatically switched to the redundant NIC. This switching
occurs without data loss and without user intervention.
vOptional digital linear tape drive
The addition of an optional digital linear tape drive (DLT) allows quick backup
of large amounts of data.
vIBM ServerGuide
™
CDs
The ServerGuide CDs included with your server provide programs to help you
set up your server and install the network operating system (NOS). The
ServerGuide program detects the hardware options installed, and provides the
correct configuration programs and device drivers. In addition, the ServerGuide
CDs include a variety of application programs for your server. See
SERVERGUIDE for more information.
Reliability, availability, and serviceability features
Three of the most important features in server design are reliability, availability,
and serviceability (RAS). These factors help to ensure the integrity of the data
stored on your server; that your server is available when you want to use it; and
that should a failure occur, you can easily diagnose and repair the failure with
minimal inconvenience.
The following is an abbreviated list of the RAS features that your server supports.
vMenu-driven setup, system configuration, RAID configuration, and diagnostic
programs
vPower-on self-test (POST)
vROM resident diagnostics
vIntegrated System Management Processor
vPredictive failure alerts
vMicroprocessor built-in self-test (BIST), internal error signal monitoring,
configuration checking, CPU/VRM failure identification through Light Path
Diagnostics technology
vDiagnostic support of ServeRAID
™
adapters and Ethernet adapters
vCable detection
vHot-swap drive bays
vError codes and messages available with Remote Supervisor Adapter
vSystem error logging available with Remote Supervisor Adapter
vUpgradable BIOS, diagnostics, and system management code
vAutomatic restart after a power failure
vParity checking on the SCSI and PCI buses
vError checking and correcting (ECC) memory
vRedundant hot-swap power supply option
vRedundant hot-swap cooling
vRedundant Ethernet capabilities (with optional adapter)
vVital Product Data (VPD) on processor complex, system board, power backplane,
SCSI backplane, and each power supply
vOperator information panel and group of diagnostic LEDs on the system board
vRemind button to change System Error LEDs to ″blipping″at a duty cycle rate
of 250ms every 2 seconds for nonvital alerts
6Hardware Maintenance Manual: xSeries 342 Model 1RX, 2RX, 1TG, 2TG

Controls and indicators
The most commonly used controls and status indicators are on the front panel of
the server.
System power light (green)
Power control button
Reset button Operator information panel
Hard disk drive activity light (green) Hard disk drive status light (amber)
Serial number
Power-control-button shield (if installed)
System Power Light: When this green light is on, system power is present in the
server. When this light flashes, the server is in standby mode (the system power
supply is turned off and AC current is present). When this light is off, either a
power supply, AC power, or a light has failed.
Attention: If this light is off, it does not mean there is no electrical current present
in the server. The light might be burned out. To remove all electrical
current from the server, you must unplug the server power cords from
the electrical outlets or from the UPS.
Power-control button shield: You can install this circular disk over the
power-control button to prevent accidental manual power-off. This disk is
provided with your server.
Power-control Button: Press this button to manually turn the server on or off.
Powering on the server
You can start the server in several ways:
vYou can turn on the server by pressing the power-control button on the front of
the server.
vIf the server is turned on, a power failure occurs, and unattended- start mode is
enabled in the Configuration/Setup utility program, the server will start
automatically when power is restored.
vIf AC power is present, the server is off, and the wake-up feature is enabled in
the Configuration/Setup utility program, the wake-up feature will turn on the
server at the set time.
vThe Integrated System Management Processor can also turn on the server.
Powering off the server
Statement 5:
Controls and indicators
General information 7

CAUTION:
The power control button on the device and the power switch on the power
supply do not turn off the electrical current supplied to the device. The device
also might have more than one power cord. To remove all electrical current from
the device, ensure that all power cords are disconnected from the power source.
1
2
The server can be turned off as follows:
vYou can turn off the server by pressing the power-control button on the front of
the server. Pressing the power-control button starts an orderly shutdown of the
operating system, if this feature is supported by your operating system, and
places the server in standby mode.
Note: After turning off the server, wait at least 5 seconds before pressing the
power-control button to power the server on again.
vYou can press and hold the power-control button for more than 4 seconds to
cause an immediate shutdown of the server and place the server in standby
mode. You can use this feature if the operating system hangs.
vYou can disconnect the server power cords from the electrical outlets to shut off
all power to the server.
Note: Wait about 15 seconds after disconnecting the power cords for your
system to stop running. Watch for the System Power light on the operator
information panel to stop blinking.
vIf the system was turned on by the wake-up feature or Wake on LAN feature,
you can turn it off by either a software routine or by the fail-safe, power-down
counter.
vThe Integrated System Management Processor can turn off the server.
Reset Button: Press this button to reset the server and run the power-on self-test
(POST).
Operator Information Panel: The lights on this panel give status information for
your server. See “Operator information panel”on page 9 for more information.
Hard Disk Drive Status Light: Each of the hot-swap drive bays has a Hard Disk
Status light. When this amber light is on continuously, the drive has failed (only if
RAID is installed).
If a ServeRAID adapter is installed and this light flashes slowly (one flash per
second), the drive is being rebuilt. When the light flashes rapidly (three flashes per
second), the controller is identifying the drive.
Hard Disk Drive Activity Light: Each of the hot-swap drive bays has a Hard Disk
Activity light. When this green light is flashing, the controller is accessing the
Controls and indicators
8Hardware Maintenance Manual: xSeries 342 Model 1RX, 2RX, 1TG, 2TG

drive.
DC power
LED (green)
AC power
LED (green)
AC Power Light: This light provides status information about the power supply.
During normal operation, both the AC and DC Power lights are on. For any other
combination of lights, see “Power supply LED errors”on page 90.
DC Power Light: This light provides status information about the power supply.
During normal operation, both the AC and DC Power lights are on. For any other
combination of lights, see “Power supply LED errors”on page 90.
Operator information panel
SCSI Hard
Drive Activity
Light (green)
System
Error
Light (amber)
Information
Light (amber)
Ethernet
Transmit/
Receive
Activity Light
(green)
TX
RX
Ethernet Link
Status Light
(green)
LINK
OK
SCSI Hard Disk Drive Activity Light: This green light is on when there is activity
on a hard disk drive.
Ethernet Transmit/Receive Activity Light: When this green light is on, there is
transmit or receive activity to or from the server. This light stays on even if the
server power is turned off.
Controls and indicators
General information 9

Ethernet Link Status Light: When this green light is on, there is an active
connection on the Ethernet port. The light stays on even if the server power is
turned off.
Information Light: This amber light is on when the system error log contains
information about certain conditions in your server that might affect performance.
System Error Light: This amber light is lit when a system error occurs. An LED on
the diagnostic LED panel may also be on to further isolate the error.
Controls and indicators
10 Hardware Maintenance Manual: xSeries 342 Model 1RX, 2RX, 1TG, 2TG

Diagnostics
This section provides basic troubleshooting information to help you resolve some
common problems that might occur with your server.
Diagnostic tools overview
The following tools are available to help you identify and resolve hardware-related
problems:
vPOST beep codes, error messages, and error logs
The power-on self-test (POST) generates beep codes and messages to indicate
successful test completion or the detection of a problem. See “POST”on page 12
for more information.
vDiagnostic programs and error messages
The server diagnostic programs are stored in upgradable read-only memory
(ROM) on the system board. These programs are the primary method of testing
the major components of your server. See “Diagnostic programs and error
messages”on page 13 for more information.
vLight path diagnostics
Your server has light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to help you identify problems with
server components. These LEDs are part of the light-path diagnostics that are
built into your server. By following the path of lights, you can quickly identify the
type of system error that occurred. See “Light path diagnostics”for more
information.
Identifying problems using LEDs
Your server has LEDs to help you identify problems with some server components.
These LEDs are part of the light path diagnostics built into the server. By following
the path of lights, you can identify the type of system error that occurred. See the
following sections for more information.
Power supply LEDs
The AC and DC Power LEDs on the power supply provide status information
about the power supply. See “Power supply LED errors”on page 90.
Light path diagnostics
You can use the light path diagnostics built into your server to quickly identify the
type of system error that occurred. The diagnostics panel is under the ″wind
tunnel.″Your server is designed so that any LEDs that are illuminated remain
illuminated when the server shuts down as long as the AC power source is good
and the power supplies can supply +5V DC current to the server. This feature
helps you isolate the problem if an error causes the server to shut down. See
“Light path diagnostics table”on page 12.
Diagnostics panel
The following illustration shows the LEDs on the diagnostics panel on the system
board. See “Light path diagnostics table”on page 12 for information on identifying
© Copyright IBM Corp. 2000, 2001 11

problems using these LEDs.
MEM
CPU
PCI A
PCI B
PCI C
VRM
DASD
SP
PS1
PS2
PS3
NON
OVER
NMI
TEMP
FAN
REMIND
Light path diagnostics table
The System Error LED on the operator information panel is lit when certain system
errors occur. If the System Error LED on your server is lit, see to table in
“Information panel system error LED”on page 83 to determine the cause of the
error and the action you should take.
POST
When you turn on the server, it performs a series of tests to check the operation of
server components and some of the options installed in the server. This series of
tests is called the power-on self-test, or POST.
If POST finishes without detecting any problems, a single beep sounds, the first
screen of your operating system or application program appears.
If POST detects a problem, more than one beep sounds and an error message
appears on your screen. See “Beep symptoms”on page 81 and “POST error
messages”for more information.
Notes:
1. If you have a power-on password, or administrator password set (with Remote
Supervisor Adapter installed), you must type the password and press Enter,
when prompted, before POST will continue.
2. A single problem might cause several error messages. When this occurs, work
to correct the cause of the first error message. After you correct the cause of the
first error message, the other error messages usually will not occur the next
time you run the test.
POST error messages
The table, “POST error codes”on page 91, provides information about the POST
error messages that can appear during startup.
Error logs
The POST error log contains the three most recent error codes and messages that
the system generated during POST. The System Error Log contains error messages
issued during POST and all system status messages from the IBM Remote
Supervisor Adapter, if installed.
12 Hardware Maintenance Manual: xSeries 342 Model 1RX, 2RX, 1TG, 2TG