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 
light should be solid white when the Xserve is 
running, and off when the Xserve is in standby 
mode.  If it’s flashing white, the Xserve is in sleep 
mode.
2.  Verify the power outlet and power cord are 
known good and that AC power is present.
3. Check the power supply status light next to the 
power cord connector on the rear of the Xserve 
(check the LEDs for both supplies in a two-
power-supply configuration).
4.  Solid green indicates power is available and 
Xserve should be on.
5. Blinking green indicates AC power is available 
but power to the Xserve components from this 
supply is on standby (usually because the Xserve 
is turned off ).
6.  Red indicates either no AC power is available to 
this supply from the power cord or this power 
supply has failed.
7. Disconnect all external cables such as network, 
peripheral, and expansion card connections, and 
press the power button again.  
						

							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 
cause. Go to Step 4
NoGo to Step 5
4.  Reconnect each one at a time, 
verifying unit operation as 
drive module is reinstalled. 
Verify that the Xserve powers 
on.
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 that the 
Xserve powers on. 
YesSuspect PCI card(s) and/or 
riser card(s) as cause. Go to 
Step 6
NoGo to Step 7
6.  Reconnect each one at a time, 
verifying unit operation as card 
is reinstalled. Verify that the 
Xserve powers on.
YesRepeat Step 6 until the card is 
isolated.
NoFailed card. Replace card.  
Issue resolved.
M17
7. Verify that the power supply 
is properly connected to the 
power distribution board. 
YesGo to Step 8
NoEnsure power supply is 
properly connected to the 
power distribution board.  Go 
to step 8
8.  Verify the front panel board 
cable is properly connected at 
both ends. 
YesGo to Step 9
NoEnsure the front panel board 
cable is properly connected at 
both ends.  Go to step 9
9. Reseat the front panel board. 
Verify that the Xserve powers 
on. 
YesIssue resolved.
NoGo to Step 10  
						

							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 resolved.M01
NoGo to Step 13
13. Replace the front panel board 
cable. Verify that the Xserve 
powers on.
YesIssue resolved.X03
NoGo to Step 14
14.  Replace the front panel board. 
Verify that the Xserve powers 
on.
YesIssue resolved.M01
NoGo to Step 15
15. Replace the drive interconnect 
backplane. Verify that the 
Xserve powers on.
YesIssue resolved.M01
NoGo to Step 16
16.  Reseat both processors. Verify 
that the Xserve powers on. 
YesIssue resolved. 
NoGo to Step 17
17. Replace both processors. Verify 
that the Xserve powers on.
YesIssue resolved. M08
NoReinstall original processors.  
Replace the logic board.
M08  
						

							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. 
When certain components fail because of 
overheating the smell or odor clues may not be 
evident after the time of the incident.   
Some components may not be easily accessible for 
visual identification of possible failure.
Important Note: Components may emit a brief non-
continuous smoke or odor when the failure occurs. 
However this does not typically suggest a safety 
issue, however a thorough inspection should be 
made. During inspection you feel there may a safety 
issue with the System please notify Apple through 
the appropriate escalation routes.  
						

							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
YesSome odors may be present 
when operating normally. 
Refer to http://support.
apple.com/kb/TA22044
NoPlease refer to best related 
troubleshooting section.   
						

							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 configuration supports 
an external display.  Not all configurations do, 
although the mini DisplayPort connector on the 
rear of the unit is present regardless.
2.  Verify that the rear System Identifier button 
on the back of the logic board aligns with the 
opening in the chassis back panel. If it does not, 
realign the logic board. 
3. Confirm at least one known good and 
compatible memory DIMM is installed in the 
system.
4.  After power-on, verify front panel power light is 
solidly on, and not flashing any error sequences 
indicating a memory failure.
5. Connect known-good external bootable device, 
keyboard, and mouse, then press Option key 
during startup and select external startup device 
to bring up system for diagnostics.  Run complete 
AXD diagnostics.
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. Press the SMC Reset button 
on the logic board to reset 
the SMC. Verify Xserve boots 
from known good external 
bootable device
YesIssue resolved.
NoGo to Step 2
2.  Check internal diagnostic LEDs.  
Go to diagnostic LED section 
for more information. Verify 
Xserve boots from known 
good external bootable device.
YesIssue resolved.
NoGo to Step 3
3. Remove all three drive 
modules and press the power 
button. Verify Xserve boots 
from known good external 
bootable device. 
YesSuspect drive module(s) as 
cause. Go to Step 4
NoGo to Step 5  
						

							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 bootable device. 
YesSuspect PCI card(s) and/or 
riser card(s) as cause. Go to 
Step 6
NoGo to Step 7
6.  Reconnect each one at a time, 
verifying unit operation as 
card is reinstalled. Verify Xserve 
boots from known good 
external bootable device.
YesRepeat Step 6 until the card is 
isolated.
NoFailed card. Replace card.  
Issue resolved.
M17
7. Disconnect backplane-to-logic 
board cable. Verify Xserve 
boots from known good 
external bootable device.
YesGo to Step 8
NoGo to Step 9
8.  Replace drive interconnect 
backplane. Reconnect 
backplane-to-logic board 
cable. Verify Xserve boots from 
known good external bootable 
device.
YesIssue resolved.M01
NoReinstall original drive 
interconnect backplane. Go to 
Step 9
9. Replace backplane-to-logic 
board cable. Verify Xserve 
boots from known good 
external bootable device.
YesIssue resolved. X03
NoGo to Step 10
10.  Reseat both processors. Verify 
Xserve boots from known 
good external bootable device.
YesIssue resolved.  Go to Step 13
NoGo to Step 11
11. Replace both processors.  Verify 
Xserve boots from known 
good external bootable device.
YesIssue resolved.  Go to Step 13M02
NoReinstall original processors.  
Go to Step 12
12.  Replace logic board Verify 
Xserve boots from known 
good external bootable device.
YesIssue resolved.  Go to Step 13M02
NoMultiple module failure.  
Return to step 7.  
						

							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 Check
SymptomQuick Check
Won’t Boot / No Video / Activity 
LEDs Flashing In Sequence
• Xserve begins to power up but 
does not boot
• Fan array and hard drive are 
spinning
• Power LED is illuminated
• Top row of activity lights flash 
in sequence left to right and 
then right to left
• No video on external display
1. Press the System Identifier button a few times.  If 
the bottom row of activity lights illuminate from 
right to left each time you press this button, then 
it’s likely that the System Identifier light is stuck 
in on either the front or rear panel. 
2.  Verify that the rear System Identifier button 
on the back of the logic board aligns with the 
opening in the chassis back panel. Also check 
the front panel System Identifier button.  If either 
button appears to be stuck in, follow the steps in 
the deep-dive section of this symptom.
3. Connect known-good external bootable device, 
keyboard, and mouse, then press Option key 
during startup and select external startup 
device to bring up system for diagnostics.  Run 
complete AXD diagnostics.
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. Remove the front bezel and 
make sure the front System 
Identifier  button is not stuck. 
Reseat the button if necessary. 
Verify Xserve boots from 
user’s original startup drive 
module. 
YesIssue resolved.
NoGo to Step 2  
						

							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. Verify Xserve boots 
from user’s original startup 
drive module.
YesIssue resolved.
NoReplace logic board.M02
Intermittent Shutdown
Unlikely cause: hard drive, optical drive
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
Shutdown After Startup
• System shuts down almost 
immediately after startup 
Intermittent Shutdown
• System shuts down during 
normal use
1. Make sure the power cord is plugged in firmly. 
2.  Check that the power source is turned on and 
the correct voltage is present. 
3. Make sure the air vents are clear. 
4.  Replace the power cord. 
5. Connect keyboard and start up the system with 
shift key down for safe mode.
6.  Start up from known-good bootable device.
7. Check system.log info for shutdown cause.
8.  Run AXD for sensors + thermal test.
9. Verify that the rear System Identifier button 
on the back of the logic board aligns with the 
opening in the chassis back panel. If it does not, 
realign the logic board.  
						

							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 
connector is connected and 
the fan array is operational. 
Verify Xserve no longer shuts 
down after starting up.
YesGo to Step 4
NoReconnect or replace fan 
array as required.
X18
4.  Verify that the heat sink is 
properly attached to the 
processor. Verify Xserve no 
longer shuts down after 
starting up.
YesGo to Step 5
NoProperly reattach heat sink to 
processor. Go to Step 5
5. Verify that all thermal sensor 
cables are properly connected. 
Verify Xserve no longer shuts 
down after starting up.
YesGo to Step 6
NoProperly reconnect all thermal 
sensor cables. Issue Resolved.
X18
6.  Replace the power supply. 
Verify Xserve no longer shuts 
down after starting up. 
YesIssue resolved. P02
NoReinstall original power 
supply.   Go to Step 7
7. Reseat both processors. Verify 
Xserve no longer shuts down 
after starting up. 
YesIssue resolved. 
NoGo to Step 8
8.  Replace both processors. Verify 
Xserve no longer shuts down 
after starting up. 
YesIssue resolved. M08
NoReinstall original processors.  
Replace the logic board.
M08