Error "an uncorrectable problem has been detected within the UPS charging subsystem" - IBM UPS 3000 (2130)

Resolving The Problem

Source

RETAIN tip: H196215

Symptom

The user receives the following message in the IBM UPS 3000, type 2130, event logs:

An Uncorrectable Problem Has Been Detected Within The UPS Charging Subsystem

This condition occurs in the following scenarios:

• Batteries are not connected after installation and left disconnected for 48 hours or more with utility power applied to the Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS).
• When batteries are bad.
• The unit cannot charge the batteries up to proper voltage.

This condition will display on the front panel of the UPS, with both the "General Alarm LED" and the "Battery Service LED" blinking red.

Affected configurations

The system is configured with one or more of the following IBM Options:

• IBM 3000 UPS, Option part number 21301JX, any replacement part number (FRU)
• IBM 3000 UPS, Option part number 21302JX, any replacement part number (FRU)
• IBM 3000 UPS, type 2130, any model

This tip is not system specific.

This tip is not software specific.

Workaround

1. Select a time when the critical load can be shutdown.
2. Shut down the critical load, and then disconnect the Anderson battery connector behind the front panel if not already done.
3. Turn the unit off from the front panel by pushing the off button. The green AC input LED will now flash along with the red Battery disconnected and General alarms.
4. Remove the AC input from the unit and allow the UPS to completely shut down. All of the LEDs will turn off when the unit is completely shut down.
5. After waiting an additional five (5) seconds, reapply the AC input to the unit.
6. Connect the Anderson battery connector behind the front panel. Note that the red General alarm LED will go out in a few seconds along with the red Battery Disconnected alarm.
7. Turn on the unit by pushing the on button. Now, only the green input AC LED along with the bottom Load Percentage LED will be on.
8. Turn the critical load back on.

Additional information

If a user or servicer has installed a UPS 3000 without connecting the batteries, then this will cause a non-resettable alarm condition in the Electronics Module. This is caused by leaving the batteries disconnected for a period of greater than 48 hours.

Initially, when the installation is performed and the batteries are not connected, a "Replace Battery Warning Condition Exists" message will appear in the event logs, and the "Service Battery" Light Emitting Diode (LED) will display red.

If users receive any errors such as a bad battery or battery completely discharged and do not service them.

If this alarm is ignored or not reset within 48 hours by replacing or connecting the batteries, then the unit assumes that there is a non-repairable issue with the battery charging circuit, so it sets a latching alarm in the Event Logs, "An Uncorrectable Problem Has Been Detected Within The UPS Charging Subsystem," and displays the "General Alarm" LED red. Since the condition is believed to be a charger circuit failure within the Electronics module, it is not allowed to be reset by the end user.

If at any time during the first 48 hours the unit batteries are connected, the Battery alarm should clear and the charger will begin charging and the UPS will not get the second alarm.

If this condition exists and the batteries are found to be connected, follow normal service procedures.