Resolving a BMC access problem

Learn how to identify the service action that is needed to resolve a baseboard management controller (BMC) access problem.

1. Ensure that the BMC password is not set to the default password. For information about changing the default password, see Logging on to the BMC GUI. Does the problem persist?

   If	Then
   Yes:	Continue with the next step.
   No:	This ends the procedure.

2. Are both ends of the network cable seated securely?

   If	Then
   Yes:	Continue with the next step.
   No:	Seat both ends of the cable securely. If the problem persists, continue with the next step.

3. Power off the system and disconnect all ac power cords for 30 seconds. Then, reconnect the ac power cords and power on the system. Does the BMC access problem persist?

   If	Then
   Yes:	Continue with the next step.
   No:	This ends the procedure.

4. Verify that the BMC network settings are correct.
   1. Power on the system by using the power button on the front of the system. Wait 1 - 2 minutes for the system to display the Petitboot menu.
   2. When the Petitboot menu is displayed, press any key to interrupt the boot process. Then, select Exit to Shell.
   3. Type the following command and press Enter:

      ipmitool lan print 1

   4. Verify that the MAC address and the IP address settings are correct. Then, continue with the next step.
      Note: If the IP address setting is incorrect, go to Configuring the firmware IP address website. If the MAC address is 00:00:00:00:00:00, go to Contacting IBM service and support.
5. Complete the following actions:
   1. Power on to the Petitboot menu.
   2. Use the BMC to update the system firmware. For instructions, see Updating the system firmware by using the BMC.

   Are you able to access the BMC?

   If	Then
   Yes:	This ends the procedure.
   No:	Continue with the next step.

6. Complete the service action that is indicated for your system:
   • If your system is an 8335-GCA or 8335-GTA, replace the system backplane. Go to 8335-GCA and 8335-GTA locations to identify the physical location and the removal and replacement procedure. This ends the procedure.
   • If your system is an 8335-GTB, replace the BMC card. Go to 8335-GTB locations to identify the physical location and the removal and replacement procedure. This ends the procedure.
   • If your system is an 8348-21C, replace the system backplane. Go to 8348-21C locations to identify the physical location and the removal and replacement procedure. This ends the procedure.