PowerEdge: Understanding the VLT0204 Error Codes

Summary: This article provides information about the VLT0204 error code and guidance.

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.

Instructions

Note: Beginning with iDRAC firmware 7.10.30.00, new messages were introduced into the Lifecycle Log of PowerEdge 15G & 16G platforms when certain voltage errors occur.

The new PWR events supplement the existing VLT0204 and VLT0304 messages to provide more specific guidance. However, they always point to a need for direct physical troubleshooting of the system.

  • PWR2500 - There is a problem related to a system power source on component <system component> (<power rail name>).
  • PWR2501 - There is a problem with a system (processor) power source on component <system component> (<power rail name>).
  • PWR2502 - There is a problem with a system (storage) power source on component <system component> (<power rail name>).
  • PWR2503 - There is a problem with a system (memory) power source on component <system component> (<power rail name>).
  • PWR2504 - There is a problem with a system (adapter) power source on component <system component> (<power rail name>).
  • PWR2505 - The system is in a power failsafe state.

Refer to the Additional Information section for further info on the new events.

 

 

 

The system reports a voltage error when the measured voltage is outside the acceptable range. The error messages may read:

The system board XXXX voltage is outside of range.

Detailed Description:

"System hardware detected an over voltage or under voltage condition. If multiple voltage exceptions occur consecutively, the system may power down in failsafe mode."

 

 

These errors can appear on components such as OCP NICs, power supplies, and backplanes as seen below:

PS1 PG failed voltage

Pfault failsafe voltage

NDC PG voltage

BP1 PG voltage

Common Symptoms:

  • Failure to power on or complete POST.
  • Intermittent or unexpected reboots and shutdowns.
  • Loss of functionality or detection of the component with errors

Causes:

The VLT0204 voltage errors are caused from an overvoltage or undervoltage to a component or to the system board. 

  • Overvoltage - Power exceeds the device’s rated level, causing overheating or damage.
  • Undervoltage - Power drops below the required level, forcing the device to draw excess current, leading to inefficiency, overheating, or failure.

First Steps:

  • Perform a **flea drain** to clear temporary voltage spikes or surges by removing power and holding the power button for 15 seconds.
  • If the error appeared after installing new hardware, remove the newly added component and verify whether the error clears.
  • Inspect power cables and connections for damage, loose fittings, or improper seating.
  • Check the power source for stability; use a UPS or clean power source if possible.
  • Document the exact error message and any associated event IDs seen in the logs.

If the voltage errors persist, troubleshooting is required to isolate the faulty components causing the voltage errors.
This troubleshooting should be done with care to prevent further damage to components, and it is recommended to engage Dell technical support for troubleshooting assistance.

Contact Dell Support with the documented error details and steps already performed.

 

Caution: Continuing to operate the server with unresolved voltage errors can cause permanent hardware damage or data loss. Power down the system if multiple consecutive voltage exceptions occur.

 

Note: Always follow proper ESD precautions when handling internal components.

Additional Information

PWR2500 - PWR2505 Event message handling:

  • PWR2500 - There is a problem related to a system power source on component <system component> (<power rail name>).
    • Power Rail Names PG, 1P8 SW PG, 3P3 MAIN PG, 3P3 SW PG, P5V SW PG, VSB11 SW PG, VDD11 PG, F1VRA PG, HV VR, 1P8 PG, 1.05 PCH, PVCC Core, 0.82 PCH, P5V B, VCCDD2, P5V SW PG, 3.3 Main, PVNN SW PG, BATT PG, BMC SW PG, 5V SW PG, 3.3V A PG, 1V05 SW PG, and ANA PG are all located on the System Board
    • The remaining Power Rail Names like PS1 PG, PS2 PG, PS3 PG, and PS4 PG are located on the specified PSU
    • Full minimum-to-POST is recommended to isolate the component at fault. 
  • PWR2501 - There is a problem with a system (processor) power source on component <system component> (<power rail name>). 
    • Power Rail Names VCCIN VR, VCCFA VR, VCCD VR, VDDCR CORE0 PG, VDDCR SOC PG, VDDIO PG, VDDCR CORE1 PG, VDDIO VR, VCCIN PG, VCCIO PG, VSA PG, FIVR PG, and VCORE VR are all located on the System Board.
    • PWR2501, requires testing in a minimal processor configuration. That may require moving processors or other compute hardware.
    • Full minimum-to-POST may also be required.
  • PWR2502 - There is a problem with a system (storage) power source on component <system component> (<power rail name>). Examples would be:
    • Power Rail Names like BP0 PG, BP1 PG,  BP2 PG, BP3 PG, and BP4 PG are located on the specified backplane.
    • For PWR2502, test with the specified backplane's cables disconnected. Remember that may be front, rear, or mid backplanes affected and each may involve multiple cables. 
      • If it works with the cables detached, consider reattaching them and, after confirming that there is a known-good backup, remove the drives instead. I
      • It is recommended to remove all drives associated with a particular virtual disk at once to avoid putting the array into a degraded state unnecessarily.
  • PWR2503 - There is a problem with a system (memory) power source on component <system component> (<power rail name>). Examples would be:
    • Power Rail Names like MEMABCD VDD PG, MEMABCD VPP PG, MEMABCD VTT PG, MEMEFGH VDD PG, MEMEFGH VPP PG, MEMEFGH VTT PG, MEM0123 VR, and MEM4567 VR are all located on the System Board.
    • For PWR2503, test in a minimal memory configuration for the specified memory banks and corresponding processors. See the Installation and Service Module or System Information Label on the chassis for DIMM locations to consider when isolating.
  • PWR2504 - There is a problem with a system (adapter) power source on component <system component> (<power rail name>. Examples would be:
    • Power Rail Names like OCP PG, OCP1 PG, and OCP1 HP SW PG are located on the specified OCP card.
    • Power Rail Names like Riser Slot1 PG, and Riser Slot2 PG are located on the specified riser.
    • Power Rail Names like BOSS CPLD PG is located on the BOSS card
    • Power Rail Names like PUCK Combined PG is located on the PUCK. The Power Universal Cable Kit (PUCK) provides sideband power to up to two GPUs.
    • For PWR2504, the event should include the name of the specific adapter-card-associated device whose power good sensor tripped. 
  • PWR2505 - The system is in a power failsafe state. See the PFault fail-safe detail above, under the VLT0204 message.

Affected Products

C Series, HS Series, Modular Infrastructure, Rack Servers, Tower Servers, XE Servers, XR Servers
Article Properties
Article Number: 000403266
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 15 Jan 2026
Version:  5
Find answers to your questions from other Dell users
Support Services
Check if your device is covered by Support Services.