Apple xserve g5 or xserve g5 january 2005 User Manual

							
 

6 - 
 
Xserve G5 Troubleshooting General Information
 
Status Lights
 
The server’s status lights are shown in the figure and table below. While the illustration is 
based on Xserve G5, the callouts for the status lights are also accurate for Xserve G5 
(Cluster Node).
 
Table 1: Status Lights
 
Indicator Color Description
 
Power White On and OK
Security lock Yellow Lock is engaged
System identi fier Yellow Indicates a hardware error in the server or 
that someone has toggled it on; check the 
server monitoring application for more 
information
Ethernet Green No lightLink
No connection
System activity Blue Two rows of eight LEDs; in server with one  processor, rows of lights work in tandem; in 
dual-processor server, rows operate 
independently for each processor
Drive module
(upper LED) Green
Yellow
RedPowered and running
Warning condition; replace drive
Problem or failure; replace drive
Drive module
(lower LED) No light
Blinking blueDrive can be removed
Disk activity; do not remove drive
Drive Module Status Light
Drive Module Activity Light
System Identifier Button/Light
Enclosure Lock and Status Light
On/Standby Button and Light  Built-in Ethernet Link Light (Port 2)   
Built-in Ethernet Link Light (Port 1) System Activity Lights    
						

							
 

Xserve G5 Troubleshooting - 
 
7
 
 General Information
 
Remote Monitoring Software
Server Monitor
 
Server Monitor is an application installed with Xserve system software that helps you 
monitor the following information about the server:
• installed operating system
• drive status and activity
• power supply operation
• enclosure and processor temperature
• blower operation
• security
• network operation
You can also use Server Monitor to get logs of activity and Apple System Profiler reports 
on remote servers.
 
Remote Diagnostics
 
Xserve Remote Diagnostics performs several tests on the server’s hardware and creates 
a test report. Using a remote admin computer, you can run tests on either a working 
server or on a server that does not start up normally. You can also modify the tool’s test 
fi les to create custom test sets.
 
Important:
 
 You might see erroneous memory failure reports for Xserve G5 systems using 
2 GB DIMMs if you use a version of Xserve Remote Diagnotics (XRD) earlier than version 
1.0.2.             
						

							
 

8 - 
 
Xserve G5 TroubleshootingStartup Symptom Charts
 
Symptom Charts
 
How to Use the Symptom Charts
 
The Symptom Charts included in this chapter will help you diagnose specific symptoms 
related to the product. Because cures are listed on the charts in the order of most likely 
solution, try the cures in the order presented. Verify whether or not the product continues 
to exhibit the symptom. If the symptom persists, try the next cure. 
 
Note:
 
  If a cure instructs you to replace a module, reinstall the original module before you 
proceed to the next cure.
 
Startup
 
System is completely dead (no blower movement and power LED is not lit)
 
1. Verify that the system ID button on the back of the logic board aligns w\
ith the  opening in the chassis back panel. If it does not, realign the logic boa\
rd.
2. Verify the power outlet is good.
 
3. Replace the power cord. 
4. Disconnect external devices, including the monitor, and start up the server.
5. Remove internal PCI and PCI-X cards and start up the server.
6. Verify that the power supply is properly connected to the logic board.
7. Verify the front panel board cable is properly connected at both ends.
8. Reseat the front panel board.
9. Verify all cable connections to the logic board and drive interconnect board.
10. Replace the power supply.
11. Replace the front panel board cable.
12. Replace the front panel board.
13. Replace the drive interconnect board.
14. Replace the logic board. 
 
Note:
 
 When installing the new logic board, make sure the 
ports and ID button on the back of the board align with the openings in the chassis. 
						

							
 

Xserve G5 Troubleshooting - 
 
9
 
Startup Symptom Charts
 
Memory error message appears on the screen
 
1. Reseat the DIMMs. 
2. Verify that the correct SDRAM DIMMs are installed. 
3. Run Xserve Remote Diagnostics. (Be sure to run XRD 1.0.2 or later if 2 GB DIMMs are installed.) If the test  finds bad memory, replace the DIMMs one at a time and test 
until all bad DIMMs are replaced with known-good modules.
 
Flashing question mark appears on the screen
 
1. Reseat the drive module in the  first drive bay.
2. Start up from the system restore CD and check to see if the hard drive shows up on  the desktop. If it does, go to step 3. If it does not, go to step 5.
3. Run Disk Utility. Update the driver and restart the server.
4. Reinstall system software using the system restore CD that came with the server.
5. Replace the drive module in the  first drive bay.
 
Server begins to power up, the blowers and hard drive are spinning, the 
power LED is lit, but there are no activity lights or video
 
1. Verify that the system ID button on the back of the logic board aligns w\
ith the 
opening in the chassis back panel. If it does not, realign the logic boa\
rd.
 
2. Reset the logic board. Refer to “Resetting the PMU on the Logic Board” in this 
chapter.
3. Reseat the processor module.
4. Verify all PCI and PCI-X cards are seated properly.
5. Replace the processor module.
6. Replace the logic board. 
 
Note:
 
 When installing the new logic board, make sure the 
ports and ID button on the back of the board align with the openings in the chassis.
 
Server begins to power up, but won’t boot, and top row of activity LEDs 
continue to light in sequence left to right and then right to left
 
1. Verify that the system ID button on the back of the logic board aligns w\
ith the  opening in the chassis back panel. If it does not, realign the logic boa\
rd.
 
2. Reset the logic board. Refer to “Resetting the PMU on the Logic Board” in this 
chapter.
3. Remove the front bezel and make sure the front system ID button is not stuck. Reseat  the button if necessary.
4. Reseat the front panel board and cable connectors.
5. Replace the front panel board. 
						

							
 

10 - 
 
Xserve G5 TroubleshootingStartup Symptom Charts
6. Replace the logic board. 
 
Note:
 
 When installing the new logic board, make sure the 
ports and ID button on the back of the board align with the openings in the chassis.
 
System shuts down intermittently
 
1. Verify that the system ID button on the back of the logic board aligns w\
ith the  opening in the chassis back panel. If it does not, realign the logic boa\
rd.
 
2. Make sure the power cord is plugged in  firmly.
3. Check that the power source is turned on and the correct voltage is present.
4. Make sure the air vents are clear. 
5. Replace the power cord.
6. Check that the blower cables are connected and the blowers are operational. 
7. Check that the heatsink is properly attached to the processor.
8. Reset the logic board. Refer to “Resetting the PMU on the Logic Board” in this  chapter.
9. Replace the power supply.
10. Replace the logic board. 
 
Note:
 
 When installing the new logic board, make sure the 
ports and ID button on the back of the board align with the openings in the chassis.
 
System shuts down almost immediately after startup
 
1. Reset the logic board. Refer to “Resetting the PMU on the Logic Board” in this  chapter.
2. Replace the processor module.
3. Replace the power supply.
4. Replace the logic board. 
 
Note:
 
 When installing the new logic board, make sure the 
ports and ID button on the back of the board align with the openings in the chassis. 
						

							
 

Xserve G5 Troubleshooting - 
 
11
 
Error Lights Symptom Charts
 
Error Lights
 
Note:
 
 Error lights flash before system software loads.
 
Server activity lights  flash two times at startup
 
Tw o   flashes mean that no RAM is installed or detected.
1. If no DIMM is present, install a known-good DIMM in the top slot and try again. 
2. Reseat the DIMMs.
3. Run Xserve Remote Diagnostics. (Be sure to run XRD 1.0.2 or later if 2 GB DIMMs  are installed.) If the test  finds bad memory, replace the DIMMs one at a time and test 
until all bad DIMMs are replaced with known-good modules.
4. Replace the logic board. 
 
Note:
 
 When installing the new logic board, make sure the 
ports and ID button on the back of the board align with the openings in the chassis.
 
Server activity lights  flash three times at startup
 
Three  flashes mean that incompatible RAM types may be installed. Verify that the correct 
SDRAM DIMMs are installed. 
1. Run Xserve Remote Diagnostics. (Be sure to run XRD 1.0.2 or later if 2 GB DIMMs  are installed.) If the test  finds bad memory, replace the DIMMs one at a time and test 
until all bad DIMMs are replaced with known-good modules.
2. Replace the logic board. 
 
Note:
 
 When installing the new logic board, make sure the 
ports and ID button on the back of the board align with the openings in the chassis.
 
Server activity lights  flash four times at startup
 
Four  flashes mean that no RAM banks passed memory testing.
1. Run Xserve Remote Diagnostics. (Be sure to run XRD 1.0.2 or later if 2 GB DIMMs  are installed.) If the test  finds bad memory, replace the DIMMs one at a time and test 
until all bad DIMMs are replaced with known-good modules.
2. Replace the logic board. 
 
Note:
 
 When installing the new logic board, make sure the 
ports and ID button on the back of the board align with the openings in the chassis.
 
Server activity lights  flash  five or six times at startup
 
Five or six  flashes mean that the ROM is probably bad and cannot be  fixed. 
1. Reseat the processor module.
2. Replace the processor module.
3. Replace the logic board. 
 
Note:
 
 When installing the new logic board, make sure the 
ports and ID button on the back of the board align with the openings in the chassis. 
						

							
 

12 - 
 
Xserve G5 TroubleshootingVideo Symptom Charts
 
Video
 
Screen is black, but activity lights flash at startup, drive operates, blowers are 
running, and power LED is lit
 
1. Verify that the system ID button on the back of the logic board aligns w\
ith the 
opening in the chassis back panel. If it does not, realign the logic boa\
rd.
 
2. Check video card connections and connector pins.
3. Test with a known-good monitor. Replace the monitor, if necessary.
4. Remove all third-party devices.
5. Reseat the video card.
6. Clear parameter RAM. Hold down Command-Option-P-R during startup.
7. Reset the logic board. Refer to “Resetting the PMU on the Logic Board” in this 
chapter.
8. Replace the video card.
9. Replace the logic board. 
 
Note:
 
 When installing the new logic board, make sure the 
ports and ID button on the back of the board align with the openings in the chassis.
 
Screen is black, power LED is lit, blowers spin, activity lights do not  flash, and 
drives do not operate
 
1. Verify that the system ID button on the back of the logic board aligns w\
ith the 
opening in the chassis back panel. If it does not, realign the logic boa\
rd.
 
2. Reset the logic board. Refer to “Resetting the PMU on the Logic Board” in this 
chapter.
3. Reseat the processor module.
4. Replace the processor module.
5. Replace the logic board. 
 
Note:
 
 When installing the new logic board, make sure the 
ports and ID button on the back of the board align with the openings in the chassis.
 
Video is distorted
 
1. Make sure that the video card driver and  firmware are updated to the most recent 
versions.
2. Refer to the adjustments section of the service manual or owner’s manual for the  monitor. Adjust monitor as necessary.
3. Third-party monitors: Try a known-good monitor.
4. Reseat the video card.
5. Replace the video card. 
						

							
 

Xserve G5 Troubleshooting - 
 
13
 
Hard Drive Symptom Charts
 
Hard Drive
 
Flashing question mark appears on the screen
 
1. Reseat the drive module in the first drive bay.
2. Start up from the system restore CD and check to see if the hard drive shows up on  the desktop. If it does, go to step 3. If it does not, go to step 5.
3. Run Disk Utility. Update the driver and restart the server.
4. Reinstall system software using the system restore CD that came with the server.
5. Replace the drive module in the  first drive bay.
 
Internal Optical Drive
 
Optical drive icon does not appear on the desktop
 
1. If the server is locked, unlock it.
2. Check to see if the optical drive is listed in Apple System Pro filer. If it is, go to step 3. If 
it is not, go to step 8.
3. Verify the correct type of disc is being used. Try using a known-good disc.
4. Try cleaning the disc. (It may not mount if it is dirty or scratched.)
5. If there is a disc stuck in the drive, eject it by restarting the server while holding down  the mouse button. 
6. Verify the  firmware is the most recent version for that drive. Check Software 
Downloads for any current update.
7. Reinstall system software.
8. Reseat the optical drive cable at both connectors. 
9. Replace the optical drive cable.
10. Replace the optical drive.
11. Replace the logic board only if other devices on the bus do not work. 
 
Note:
 
 When 
installing the new logic board, make sure the ports and ID button on the back of the 
board align with the openings in the chassis.
 
Optical drive does not accept CD or DVD disc
 
1. If the server is locked, unlock it.
2. Verify the disc is not warped.
3. Verify the disc is not the wrong size. Refer to article 58641 “Macintosh: Using  Nonstandard Discs in CD-ROM or DVD-ROM Drives.”
4. Replace the optical drive. 
						

							
 

14 - 
 
Xserve G5 TroubleshootingUSB Devices Symptom Charts
 
Disc will not eject
 
1. If the server is locked, unlock it.
2. Verify the disc is not in use.
3. Drag the disc icon to the trash or select it and press Command-E.
4. Restart the server while holding down the mouse button. 
5. Verify that the bezel over the slot is not bent. If it is, gently bend it back into position.
6. Reseat the optical drive cable at both connectors. 
7. Replace the optical drive cable.
8. Replace the optical drive.
 
USB Devices
 
At startup, cursor does not move with the Apple mouse
 
1. If the server is locked, unlock it.
2. Verify that mouse and keyboard connections are secure.
3. If the mouse is connected to the keyboard, connect the mouse to one of the USB ports 
on the back panel instead. If the mouse works, replace the keyboard. 
4. Replace the mouse.
5. If the mouse is connected to one of the USB ports on the back panel, switch to the  other USB port. If the mouse operates correctly, replace the logic board. (You can also 
use Apple System Pro filer to verify USB ports.) 
 
Note:
 
 When installing the new logic 
board, make sure the ports and ID button on the back of the board align with the 
openings in the chassis.
 
No response to any key on keyboard
 
1. If the server is locked, unlock it.
2. Verify that keyboard and mouse connections are secure.
3. Remove all USB devices, except the keyboard and mouse. If the keyboard operates  correctly, troubleshoot the other USB devices.
4. Switch the keyboard to a different USB port. If the keyboard operates correctly,  replace the logic board. (You can also use Apple System Pro filer to verify USB ports.) 
5. Relaunch Finder.
6. Start up from the system installation CD or system restore CD that came with\
 the  server. If the keyboard operates, reinstall system software.
7. Replace the keyboard.
8. Replace the logic board. 
 
Note:
 
 When installing the new logic board, make sure the 
ports and ID button on the back of the board align with the openings in the chassis.  
						

							
 

Xserve G5 Troubleshooting - 
 
15
 
FireWire Devices Symptom Charts
 
FireWire Devices
 
FireWire device connected to port on back panel: No FireWire device icon 
appears on the desktop 
 
1. If the server is locked, unlock it.
2. Verify that the FireWire device is turned on and the FireWire cable is securely connected to the device and the server.
3. If the device requires external power, make sure it is plugged in.
4. Check that the FireWire device is listed in Apple System Pro filer. If it is, go to step 5. If 
it is not, go to step 6.
5. Check the FireWire device documentation to see if additional drivers are required. If  so, make sure the drivers are installed.
6. Check for broken pins, dust, dirt, or wear on both FireWire cable connectors, the  device FireWire port, and the server FireWire port. 
7. Reconnect the FireWire device to another FireWire port on the server. If the server  has a bad FireWire port, replace the logic board.
8. Replace the FireWire cable.
9. Replace the FireWire device.
10. Replace the logic board. 
 
Note:
 
 When installing the new logic board, make sure the 
ports and ID button on the back of the board align with the openings in the chassis.
 
FireWire device connected to port on front panel: No external FireWire 
device icon appears on the desktop
 
1. If the server is locked, unlock it.
2. Verify that the FireWire device is turned on and the FireWire cable is securely  connected to the device and the server.
3. If the device requires external power, make sure it is plugged in.
4. Check that the FireWire device is listed in Apple System Pro filer. If it is, go to step 5. If 
it is not, go to step 6.
5. Check the FireWire device documentation to see if additional drivers are required. If  so, make sure the drivers are installed.
6. Check for broken pins, dust, dirt, or wear on both FireWire cable connectors, the  device FireWire port, and the server FireWire port. 
7. If the front FireWire port is bad, reseat the FireWire cable on the front panel board and  the logic board. Replace front panel board. Replace internal FireWire cable.
8. Replace the FireWire cable.
9. Replace the FireWire device.