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Power problems

  • Follow the suggested actions in the order in which they are listed in the Action column until the problem is solved.
  • See Parts listing, IBM System x3530 M4 Type 7160 to check if a component is a consumable, structural, or FRU part.
  • If an action step is preceded by (Trained technician only), that step must be performed only by a trained technician.
SymptomAction
The power-control button does not work, and the reset button does work (the server does not start).
Note
The power-control button will not function until approximately 1 to 3 minutes after the server has been connected to ac power.
  1. Make sure that the top cover is closed and latched correctly.
  2. Make sure that the top cover/power cut-off switch cable is seated correctly.
  3. Make sure that the power-control button on the server is working correctly:
    1. Disconnect the server power cords.
    2. Reconnect the power cords.
    3. Reseat the operator information panel cables, and then repeat steps 3a and 3b.
      • If the server starts, reseat the operator information panel. If the problem remains, replace the operator information panel.
  4. Make sure that the reset button is working correctly:
    1. Disconnect the server power cords.
    2. Reconnect the power cords.
    3. Reseat the operator information panel cable, and then repeat steps 3a and 3b.
      • If the server starts, replace the operator information panel.
      • If the server does not start, go to step 5.
  5. Make sure that:
    • The power cords are correctly connected to the server and to a working electrical outlet.
    • The type of memory that is installed is correct.
    • The DIMMs are fully seated.
    • The LEDs on the power supply do not indicate a problem.
    • The microprocessors are installed in the correct sequence.
  6. Reseat the following components:
    1. DIMMs
    2. Power supplies
  7. Replace the components listed in step 6 one at a time, in the order shown, restarting the server each time.
  8. If you just installed an optional device, remove it, and restart the server. If the server now starts, you might have installed more devices than the power supply supports.
  9. See Power-supply LEDs.
  10. See Solving undetermined problems.
The server does not start.
  1. Check the power LED on the system board. See System-board LEDs for the LED location.
  2. Reseat the power supply.
  3. Replace the power supply.
The server does not start. (Continued) 
The server does not turn off.
  1. Determine whether you are using an Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) or a non-ACPI operating system. If you are using a non-ACPI operating system, complete the following steps:
    1. Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete.
    2. Turn off the server by pressing the power-control button and hold it down for 5 seconds.
    3. Restart the server.
    4. If the server fails POST and the power-control button does not work, disconnect the ac power cord for 20 seconds; then, reconnect the ac power cord and restart the server.
  2. If the problem remains or if you are using an ACPI-aware operating system, suspect the system board.
The server unexpectedly shuts down, and the LEDs on the operator information panel are not lit.See Solving undetermined problems.