IBM Support

Control Panel or Operator Panel Not Working

Troubleshooting


Problem

All IBM Power systems except Power8 PowerLC and Power9 OpenPOWER models have a control panel (also called an "operator panel" or "op panel") on the front of the system.  This panel allows a user to power the system on and off, view the system status, view system information, and change some hardware settings.  For more information about control panel features and usage, view the IBM Documentation section for your model and search for "control panel concepts".

Diagnosing The Problem

In some situations, the control panel may not operate normally.  The following table gives some direction on how to recover from this:
IBM Power Systems Control Panel Symptoms and Solutions
Symptom Cause Solution
The control panel LCD shows only 2 digits in the top left corner. The last user did not return the control panel to function 01 when they finished using it. Use the up and down arrow keys to find function 01, then press the Enter/Select button to activate it.
The control panel LCD shows "Loading...". This indicates the service processor or eBMC in the system is still booting.
  1. Wait up to 5 minutes for the control panel LCD to change.
  2. If it continues showing "Loading" after 5 minutes, and the system is not operating, briefly press and release the pinhole reset button to reset the system.  Or disconnect all AC power from the system for at least 60 seconds, then reconnect AC power.
  3. If the symptom persists, contact support for further assistance.
The control panel LCD shows a solid square or rectangular character moving slowly in a circle around the display. (Sometimes called "the bouncing ball".)
This indicates the operator panel cannot communicate with the service processor or eBMC in the system.
  1. If the system was just connected to AC power, this symptom is normal on some models.  Wait at least 60 seconds for the service processor to boot before assuming there is a problem. 
  2. Ensure the control panel LCD  connections are secure.
  3. Ensure the service processor card or eBMC card is installed correctly.
  4. If the symptom persists, contact support for further assistance.
The control panel LCD is completely dark and has no backlight. This either indicates the control panel LCD is not receiving power from the system or the control panel LCD is faulty.
  1. Ensure the control panel LCD connections are secure and that the system is connect to valid AC power. 
  2. If the system has power and ASMI is accessible, log into ASMI as admin, navigate to Concurrent Maintenance -> Control Panel, and use the Remove and then Install options to disable and re-enable the control panel. (NOTE: Not all models support this function; do not be alarmed if you do not see it in the menu.)
  3. If the symptom persists, contact support for further assistance.
The control panel LCD is too faint or too dark to read, or has poor contrast. The control panel LCD is being viewed from an extreme angle, or the control panel LCD is faulty. Try viewing the control panel LCD from straight ahead if possible.  If the symptom persists, contact support for further assistance.
The control panel LCD is displaying B1817212 and the control panel LCD does not respond to pressing the directional arrow buttons.  The system may also exhibit any of the following symptoms:
  • LPARs may log SRC B700697C periodically. 
  • The system fans may be running at high speed. 
  • If the system is HMC-managed, one or both HMCs may show the system in No Connection state.
 The service processor has stopped responding. Contact support for further assistance.
The control panel LCD appears normal, but does not respond to pressing the directional arrow buttons.  The system may also exhibit any of the following symptoms:
  • The system may log SRC BD56100A and/or SRC BD561008.
  • In ASMI, the control panel shows in "Critical" status.
  • If the system is HMC-managed, one or both HMCs may show the system in No Connection status.
 The cause is still being investigated.
  1. If this happened after AC power was disconnected briefly and re-connected, disconnect AC power for at least 60 seconds, then re-connect AC power.
  2. For eBMC-based Power10 models (not 9080-HEX), try re-seating the control panel LCD.  For instructions, see the IBM Documentation section for your model under Installing, removing, and replacing parts -> Control panel -> Removing and replacing the control panel display.
  3. If the problem persists, contact support for further assistance.
If you experience unusual behavior of the Control Panel on your IBM Power System which is not described above, contact support for further assistance.
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Document Information

Modified date:
22 July 2025

UID

ibm17160453

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