Dell PowerEdge R420 Systems Owner's Manual

Diagnostic Indicators

The diagnostic indicators on the system front panel display error status during system startup.

NOTE: No diagnostic indicators are lit when the system is switched off. To start the system, plug it into a working power source and press the power button.

The following section describes system conditions and possible corrective actions associated with these indicators:

Health indicator

Condition: Corrective Action
If the system is on, and in good health, the indicator lights solid blue.: None required.
The indicator blinks amber if the system is on or in standby, and any error exists (for example, a failed fan or hard drive): See the System Event Log or system messages for the specific issue.; Invalid memory configurations can cause the system to halt at startup without any video output. See Getting Help.

Hard-drive indicator

Condition: Corrective Action
The indicator lights green to indicate hard-drive activity..: None required.

Electrical indicator

Condition: Corrective Action
The indicator blinks amber if the system experiences an electrical error (for example, voltage out of range, or a failed power supply or voltage regulator).: See the System Event Log or system messages for the specific issue. If it is due to a problem with the power supply, check the LED on the power supply. Re-seat the power supply by removing and reinstalling it. If the problem persists, see Getting Help.

Temperature indicator

Condition

Corrective Action

The indicator blinks amber if the system experiences a thermal error (for example, a temperature out of range or fan failure).

Ensure that none of the following conditions exist:

A cooling fan is removed or has failed.
System cover, cooling shroud, EMI filler panel, memory-module blank, or back-filler bracket is removed.
Ambient temperature is too high.
External airflow is obstructed.

See Getting Help .

Memory indicator

Condition: Corrective Action
The indicator blinks amber if a memory error occurs.: See the system event log or system messages for the location of the failed memory. Reinstall the memory device. If the problem persists, see Getting Help .

PCIe indicator

Condition: Corrective Action
The indicator blinks amber if a PCIe card experiences an error.: Restart the system. Update any required drivers for the PCIe card. Re-install the card. If the problem persists, see Getting Help.