Chapter 9. Hardware Problem DeterminationThis chapter provides information on using standalone or online diagnostics to help you solve hardwareproblems.You may obtain more extensive problem isolation by running online diagnostics in service mode. Thisrequires that the partition be rebooted (in a logical partitioned system) with no other users on that partitionor that the system be rebooted (in a full system partition) with no other users on the system. Alternatively,if AIX online diagnostics are installed on the partition or system, you can run online diagnostics inconcurrent mode. If the system or partition does not have AIX diagnostics installed, or if you cannot bootAIX or online diagnostics in service mode, run standalone diagnostics instead.Attention: On systems with external I/O drawers attached, environmental conditions resulting from lossof system AC power may cause a machine check if I/O in one of the external I/O drawers was beingaccessed at the same time the loss of AC (momentary or permanent) occurred.Problem Determination Using the Standalone or Online DiagnosticsUse this procedure to obtain a service request number (SRN) when you load the standalone or onlinediagnostics. If you are unable to load the standalone or online diagnostics, go to “Problem DeterminationWhen Unable to Load Diagnostics” on page 137. The service organization uses the SRN to determinewhich field replaceable units (FRUs) are needed to restore the system to correct operation.Step 1. Considerations before Running This ProcedureNote: See the IBM Hardware Management Console for pSeries Installation and Operations Guide to findthe key sequences you need for your Hardware Management Console for pSeries (HMC) virtualterminal window to respond to the diagnostic programs.v The diagnostics may be run within a virtual terminal window on the HMC connected to the system.v This procedure requires that you select the type of diagnostics you want to run.v Go to “Step 2”.Step 2Are the online diagnostics installed on this system?NO Go to “Step 15” on page 136.YES Go to “Step 3” on page 132.131
