System reference code information

Use this information to understand how system reference codes (SRCs) work.

An SRC is a sequence of data words (codes) that perform the following actions:
  • Identifies a system status
  • Describes a detected hardware, Licensed Internal Code, or software failure
  • Describes the unit that is reporting the failure and its location. The SRCs can be displayed on the control panel, can appear in a system console message, or can appear in the product activity log.
The system uses the following procedure to gather information about errors:
  1. The system gathers information about an error as the system detects the error.
  2. The product activity log (PAL) records and stores the error information. When you use the IBM® i operating system, the Service Action Log (SAL) serves a similar purpose as the PAL. The SAL uses an error analysis framework to analyze the error and details the recommended repair actions. When you use the IBM i operating system, always review the SAL before you use the PAL.
  3. An SRC encodes information that is used to evaluate or identify a system-detected hardware or software error, failure, or status. The failure information might include the failing condition or part (or unit) that can be exchanged or replaced and its location.
  4. The SRC links to the problem determination procedure when the element that detected the failure cannot isolate the failing condition.
  5. The SRC link completes the isolation process.

In summary, the SRC provides the first-failure-data-capture information. The customer or support representative uses SRCs during problem determination, repair actions, and verification. The SRC provides a link to the problem determination procedures (hardcopy or softcopy). Use the SRC and the problem determination procedures to isolate the problem.