Disk array problem identification

Use service request numbers (SRNs), posted by the AIX® diagnostics, to identify problems in disk arrays.

A disk array problem is uniquely identified by an SRN. An SRN is in the format nnnn - rrrr, where the first four digits of the SRN preceding the dash (-) is known as the failing function code (FFC, for example 2502) and the last four digits of the SRN following the dash (-) is known as the reason code. The reason code indicates the specific problem that has occurred and must be obtained in order to determine which maintenance analysis procedure (MAP) to use.

An SRN is provided by error log analysis, which directs you to the MAPs contained in this topic. To obtain the reason code (last 4 digits of the SRN) from an AIX error log, see Finding a service request number from an existing AIX error log.

The SRN describes the problem that has been detected and should be considered the primary means of identifying a problem. However, the List SAS Disk Array Configuration option within the IBM® SAS Disk Array Manager is also useful in identifying a problem or confirming a problem described by error log analysis. For additional information about the IBM SAS Disk Array Manager, see Using the Disk Array Manager.

Obtain the SRN and proceed to the next section to obtain a more detailed description of the problem and to determine which MAP to use.