Apple xserve early 2009 User Manual

Xserve (Early 2009) Symptom Charts 31 2010-06-28
Symptom Charts
Follow the steps in the order indicated below. If an action resolves the issue, retest the system 
to verify. If the issue persists after retesting, return to step 1.
Startup and Power Issues
No Power / Dead Unit
Unlikely cause: Optical drive, hard drive(s), fan array, memory, RAID battery
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
No Power / Dead Unit
• No fan or drive module spin
• No LED activity
1. Check the front panel on/standby light.  This...

Xserve (Early 2009) Symptom Charts 32 2010-06-28
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. Press the SMC Reset button 
on the logic board to reset the 
SMC. Verify that the Xserve 
powers on
YesIssue resolved.
NoGo to Step 2
2.  Check internal diagnostic LEDs.  
Go to diagnostic LED section 
for more information. Verify 
that the Xserve powers on.
YesIssue resolved.
NoGo to Step 3
3. Remove all three drive 
modules and press the power 
button. Verify that the Xserve 
powers on.
YesSuspect drive module(s) as...

Xserve (Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 33 2010-06-28
10. Verify all cable connections 
to the logic board and drive 
interconnect backplane are 
secure. 
YesGo to Step 11
NoEnsure all cable connections 
to the logic board and drive 
interconnect backplane are 
secure.  Go to Step 11 
11. Replace the power supply. 
Verify that the Xserve powers 
on.
YesIssue resolved.P01
NoGo to Step 12
12.  Replace the power distribution 
board. Verify that the Xserve 
powers on.
YesIssue...

Xserve (Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 34 2010-06-28
Burnt Smell or Odor
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
Burnt Smell / Odor
• System emits an odor or smell 
of smoke.
1. Disconnect the power cord from the system.
2.  Identify the source of the odor. 
3. Some odors may be present when operating 
normally. Refer to http://support.apple.com/kb/
TA22044.
Some visual clues may include brown marks on PCBs, 
and component damage i.e. transistors, ICs, inductors, 
capacitors, resistors etc....

Xserve (Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 35 2010-06-28
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. Verify source of the odor ie 
foreign contaminant such as 
fluid ingress, dust, hair etc
YesCleanup foreign contaminant, 
replace any affected modules. 
Foreign contaminants are not 
covered by Apple warranties
P08
NoGo to step 2
2.  Inspect PCB’s and components 
for indications of a thermal 
event
YesReplace any affected modulesP08
NoGo to step 3
3. Verify System is functioning 
correctly...

Xserve (Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 36 2010-06-28
Won’t Start Up / No Video/ LED On
Unlikely cause: Fan array, front panel board, memory, optical drive, power distribution board, 
power supply, RAID battery
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
Won’t Startup / No Video / LED 
On
• Xserve begins to power up but 
does not boot
• Fan array and hard drive are 
spinning
• Power LED is illuminated
• No activity lights
• No video on connected 
external display
1. Confirm the system...

Xserve (Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 37 2010-06-28
4. Reconnect each one at a time, 
verifying unit operation as 
drive module is reinstalled. 
Verify Xserve boots from 
known good external bootable 
device.
YesRepeat Step 4 until the drive 
module is isolated.
NoFailed drive module.  Replace 
drive module.  Issue resolved.
H02
5. Remove both internal PCI 
riser cards and any installed 
expansion cards and press the 
power button. Verify Xserve 
boots from known good 
external...

Xserve (Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 38 2010-06-28
13. Reinstall user’s original startup 
drive module. Verify Xserve 
boots from user’s original 
startup drive module.
YesIssue resolved.
NoReplace user’s original startup 
drive module.  Start up 
from Server Install Disc and  
install server OS onto user’s 
replacement startup drive 
module. Verify Xserve boots 
from replacement startup 
drive module.  Issue resolved.
H02
Won’t Start Up / No Video/ Activity LEDs Flashing
Quick...

Xserve (Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 39 2010-06-28
2. Reseat the front panel board 
and its cable connectors. 
Verify Xserve boots from user’s 
original startup drive module.
YesIssue resolved.
NoGo to Step 3
3. Replace front panel board. 
Verify Xserve boots from user’s 
original startup drive module.
YesIssue resolved.M02
NoGo to Step 4
4.  Reinstall original front panel 
board.  Remove and re-seat 
logic board to enure rear panel 
System Identifier button is not 
stuck in....

Xserve (Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 40 2010-06-28
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. Press the SMC Reset button 
on the logic board to reset the 
SMC. Verify Xserve no longer 
shuts down after starting up.
YesIssue resolved.
NoGo to Step 2
2.  Check internal diagnostic LEDs.  
Go to diagnostic LED section 
for more information. Follow 
recommendations therein. 
Verify Xserve no longer shuts 
down after starting up.
YesIssue resolved.
NoGo to Step 3
3. Check that the fan array...