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Solving power problems

Power problems can be difficult to solve. For example, a short circuit can exist anywhere on any of the power distribution buses. Usually, a short circuit will cause the power subsystem to shut down because of an overcurrent condition. To diagnose a power problem, use the following general procedure:

  1. Turn off the server and disconnect all power cords.
  2. Check for loose cables in the power subsystem. Besides, check for short circuits, for example, if a loose screw is causing a short circuit on a circuit board.
  3. Turn on the server and check the lit LEDs on the system board. See System-board LEDs.
  4. Turn off the server and disconnect all power cords.
  5. Remove the adapters and disconnect the cables and power cords to all internal and external devices until the server is at the minimum configuration that is required for the server to start. See Solving undetermined problems.
  6. Reconnect all ac power cords and turn on the server. If the server starts successfully, turn off the server, reseat the adapters, and then turn on the server. Repeat the operation to reseat other devices one at a time until the problem is isolated.

If the server does not start from the minimum configuration, see Power-supply LEDs to replace the components in the minimum configuration one at a time until the problem is isolated.