Scalability LED not lit when nodes merge - IBM System x3850 X5

Resolving The Problem

Source

RETAIN tip: H197263

Symptom

A multi-node configuration starts, the nodes merge, and the Operating System (OS) loads and runs with all expected hardware resources recognized. The Integrated Management Module (IMM) logs indicate a successful merge with no scalability related error events. However, the Scalability Light Emitting Diode (LED) on the front panel does not light.

Affected configurations

The system may be any of the following IBM servers:

• System x3850 X5, type 7145, any model
• System x3850 X5, type 7146, any model

This tip is not software specific.

This tip is not option specific.

Solution

This behavior is corrected in currently shipping servers.

Workaround

One of the following Workarounds may be performed:

Workaround 1:

Verify that multi-node configurations merge by reviewing the IMM log events.

Workaround 2:

Replace the Scalability LED cable assembly part number 59Y4586 with part number 59Y4933. The Scalability LED cable assembly is a component of the Cable Kit user Replaceable Unit (CRU) part number 59Y4827.

Follow the instructions below to replace the Scalability LED cable assembly.

1. Refer to ECA073 (MIGR-5084134) or RETAIN tip H197023 (MIGR-5084199) to ensure that rack slide retention screws have been installed prior to extending the server from the rack.
   • ECA073 (for servers manufactured prior to 2010-04-20) ECA073: Rack slides safety risk on some early units - IBM System x3850 X5
   • RETAIN Tip H197073 (for servers manufactured after 2010-04-20) Rack slides require proper installation which includes a screw kit to avoid safety risk - IBM System x3850 X5
     
2. Shutdown the OS, power off the server, and remove AC power.
3. Remove the top cover.
4. Remove the front bezel.
5. If installed, then remove memory cards 6 and 7; if memory cards are not installed, then remove the blank fillers.
6. From within the server between memory cards 5 and 8, remove the Scalability LED cable from connector J122 on the processor board.
   
   
   
7. From the front of the server, and using a 3/16" nut driver, remove the screw that secures the Universal Serial Bus (USB) port and the Scalability LED housing to the front of the chassis.
   
   
   
8. Slide the USB port housing to the right so that the tab on the right side of the housing snaps free of the slot in the chassis. It may be necessary to exert sufficient force to the right to snap the tab out of its slot.
   
   
   
9. Swing the USB port housing out to expose the Scalability LED cable. Avoid putting excessive strain on the hidden USB port cable.
   
   
   
10. From the front of the server, pull the Scalability LED from the USB port housing, and remove the Scalability LED cable assembly from the chassis. Do not remove the black plastic grommet that is used to secure the LED in the USB port housing.
    
    
    
11. From within the server, route the new Scalability LED cable assembly from the processor board out to the USB port housing.
    
    
    
12. From the front of the server, insert the new Scalability LED into the USB port housing sufficiently so that the clear plastic base flange of the LED is flush against the black plastic grommet in the USB port housing.
    
    
    
13. From within the server, connect the Scalability LED cable to connector J122 on the processor board.
    
    
    
14. From the front of the server, swing the USB port housing back into the chassis. Avoid pinching the Scalability LED cable in the chassis.
15. Ensure that the USB port housing is seated fully into, and flush against, the chassis. Slide it to the left so that the tab slides into its slot on the chassis. It may be necessary to exert sufficient force to slide the housing so that the tab is fully inserted in its slot.
    
    
    
16. Install memory cards 6 and 7, or the blank fillers.
17. Install the front bezel.
18. Install the top cover.
19. Install AC power cords.

The server is now ready for operation.

Additional information

The Scalability LED cable was mis-wired on early built servers. This has been corrected on servers manufactured after third quarter 2010.

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